Last Updated on 14 February 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Looking for the best things to do in Broome? Then you have come to the right place! We’ve provided a comprehensive overview of the town itself and some of the things to do around Broome as well.
Broome is one of the most exotic destinations in Western Australia, with a rich and diverse history as a pearling town, and a very multicultural background. There are turquoise waters, lots of contrasting red earth, creating some of the most breathtaking colour schemes you are likely to see.
Broome is also famous for its relaxed vibe, leading to the expression that things go on ‘Broome time’ – and thousands of people visit Broome each year. Nowadays, the economy of Broome is reliant on the tourism industry.
Broome also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the wild and beautiful Kimberley of Western Australia. With warm weather year round, it is also home to some of the best Glamping in Western Australia with some truly exceptional luxury camping outfits; be inspired to connect to country and sleep under the stars with our comprehensive roundup of some of the Broome’s best glamping options.
Rubibi is the Yawuru word for Broome. The Yawuru are the traditional owners of the lands and waters in and around Rubibi from Bangarangara to the yalimban (south) to Wirrjinmirr (Willie Creek) we recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present and continue a commitment to the amplification of their voices.
Don’t miss visiting the Liyanngan Nyirrwa Cultural Wellbeing Centre.
Disclosure: Through my site, there are links to affiliates, which means that I might receive commission if you buy something after clicking them. This costs you no more, and you definitely don’t pay extra. However, I do get a small amount, which contributes to the upkeep of this blog. Thanks so much for all of your support. We hope you have a ball in Western Australia!
Where is Broome?
Broome is a port town in tropical Northern Western Australia on the Kimberly Coast. Mile wise, it is a whopping 2,240km north of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. It is situated on the north shore of Roebuck Bay, an inlet of the Indian Ocean. The town itself is on a peninsula and has water on both sides.
Within Broome itself, there are two main areas of action. There is Cable Beach, home to some truly amazing resorts, and “The Town”, which centres on Roebuck Bay.
What is the Best Time to Visit Broome?
Broome, WA, is classified as having a hot semi-arid climate. Like most places in the Australian tropics, Broome has a wet and dry season.
The wet season is late December through to late March, when the weather can be erratic. Heavy tropical downpours are common, and Broome can also experience tropical cyclones during this period.
That is not to say that you shouldn’t travel there during the wet season, rather just know what to be prepared for. When creating your Broome to-do list, keep this in mind.
The dry season runs from April to December, with peak travel being June to September. Many vacationers flock to Broome during these winter months as daily temperatures can still be around 30 °C, and the weather is drier and more predictable.
September and October are generally considered favourable months to travel to Broome, as the weather is excellent, but they are not the peak of the high season. This means fewer travellers, better deals, but still fantastic weather to be had.
How Many Days is Enough in Broome?
Four to five days in Broome allows you to spend some time relaxing, enjoying the great food, atmosphere, and all the top Broome attractions.
Best Things to do in Broome Australia
If you are asking yourself “what to do in Broome for a week”, we have compiled the best things to do in Broome. This list includes all the top Broome attractions, including Broome’s hidden gems and free things to do in Broome.
1. Willie Creek Pearl Farm
Broome is known for its pearls, and one thing you must do while you are in Broome is to visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm. It’s the perfect way to learn more about this industry in Broome (and to pick up a fabulous souvenir).
Willie Creek Pearl Farm is about 38 kilometres from Broome. You can drive out here (on gravel roads – a 4-wheel drive is recommended) and have lunch at tcaféafé or see the shop, but what
I highly recommend you do is the farm tour. It’s very interesting, and this is where you can learn all about pearl farming and the industry in this area.
Tours take about 4.5 hours, including pick up and drop off in Broome. There is some commentary on the way out to the farm, then once there, you start by learning about the oysters themselves and how they can make pearls.
The guide opens a fresh one and explains it all, including how the oysters are seeded to produce pearls. It’s a lot more complicated to make a pearl than I expected, which makes for an even greater appreciation for them. It takes years. The guide also explains pricing and shows pearls in different price ranges.
The tour then heads out on a boat on Willie Creek, and the guide pulls some oysters out of the water and demonstrates how they are cleaned.
Morning tea is also included in the tour. I highly recommend it as one of the top things to do in Broome.
Contributed by Sharon of Tasmania Explorer
2. Explore Gantheaume Point
Gantheaume Point is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Broome. Found 10 minutes outside of town towards the port, Gantheaume Point is best known for its incredible red rock formations contrasted against the azure blues of the surrounding ocean.
Hidden within these unique rocks, you will find secret rock pools and rare fossilised dinosaur footprints if you visit at low tide. These can be quite tricky to find, but keep an eye out for the plastic mould with a footprint near the end of the pathway to get an idea of what waits below the water’s edge.
At high tide, you will see local kids leaping off the rock edge into the refreshing ocean below.
As Gantheaume Point is located outside of town, the easiest way to reach this spot is via car. However, during high season, the Broome Explorer bus does extend to Gantheaume Point. You can wait for the return bus or take a leisurely 5-kilometre walk along the white sandy shores of Cable Beach back to the main area.
Other activities in the area include wildlife spotting; a large sea eagle and its nest can be seen high up in the old lighthouse near the rocks. If visiting during whale season (June – September), you might even spot humpback whales breaching in the distance.
Gantheaume Point is also an incredible place to watch the sunset in Broome, making it one of the top Broome tourist attractions. Bring a picnic rug and witness the rocks light up with a golden glow as the sun sets into the Indian Ocean in front of you.
Contributed by Tess of Tessomewhere.
3. Broome Historical Museum
If you want to learn the history of Broome, make sure you fit a visit to the Broome Historical Museum into your itinerary. This small but well-presented museum within Broome itself is a great place to visit. It’s run by volunteers from the Broome Historical Society, and it’s well done.
Here, you can learn about Broome’s pearling history, immigration, World War II events, and the period preceding foreign settlement, as well as the area’s indigenous culture.
There are also plenty of photos of Broome throughout its history. If you have children, they have worksheets with certificates upon completion.
The Broome Explorer bus can get you here or its walking distance from many places in town. It’s open daily but for limited hours. There is an admission charge for adults of $12, seniors of $8, and kids are free. This makes it one of the cheap things to do in Broome.
We stayed nearby at the Bayside Holiday Apartments, which are an easy walk from the Broome Historical Museum. They have handy one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments as well as a nice pool.
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Contributed by Sharon of Germany, Footsteps
4. Town Beach
Town Beach is another spot worth visiting when in Broome. It is one of the things to do in Broome that you don’t want to miss.
As the name suggests, this beach is a 5-minute drive from Chinatown. One of Broome’s more unique beaches, it is situated on Roebuck Bay and is home to green mangroves, shallow turquoise waters, and pale pink sand. You’ll find signs of the multicultural influence of Broome here, with a large Shinto Torii Gate found standing tall near the water’s edge, juxtaposed by the palm trees that surround it.
Town Beach is a great spot to take the family, with a kids’ playground and a large grassed area. Grab a coffee or bite to eat from the Town Beacaféafe, overlooking the mangroves of the bay.
Town Beach is also the site for the iconic Staircase to the Moon markets, held on the first night of the natural phenomenon.
It also serves as one of the primary viewing locations for the event, as the moon rises over the bay and casts a shimmering ladder of light across the exposed mudflats. You’ll find a range of locally made arts and crafts on display, with food vans and live music complementing the bustling atmosphere of the markets. The Staircase to the Moon Markets is one of the best things to do in Broome at night.
You’ll find Oaks Broome just up the road, offering apartment-style accommodation.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
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Contributed by Tess of Tessomewhere
5. Sun Pictures Movie Theatre
You can’t stay in Broome without visiting the iconic Sun Pictures movie theatre, the oldest open-air cinema in operation. This tin structure was built in 1903 and was converted into a 500-seat movie theatre in 1913. Sun Pictures oozes nostalgia. It really is a must-do activity when you’re in Broome!
Not only do you get to watch a new release (yes, the movies being screened are new releases, not black and white classics as you might expect), but you get to experience planes taking off and landing right above your head!
The theatre is on the flight path to the airport, and it makes for a dramatic and loud experience in the middle of the movie. There are mosquitoes and sandflies around, so it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and wear repellent. If you go in winter, make sure you’re prepared for the cooler evening air as the temperature can dip quickly.
You can book your tickets online or pay at the door. If you prefer to lie down and spread out to watch the movie, there is a grassy area at the front of the seating so you can take your own rug and pillow to lie on. Some of the deckchairs are outside under the stars and some are under a veranda (useful if it rains!).
I recommend watching the movie Australia before you visit. The movie theatre in the film is a replica of Sun Pictures. I was lucky enough to watch Australia at Sun Pictures – it was such a special experience!
Sun Pictures is a totally unique, must-do Broome experience and one of the most fun things to do in Broome. My husband and I visited while travelling in a motorhome around Australia. It was this trip that made us search for a migration agent so we could relocate to Australia from the UK permanently!
Contributed by Karen of Smart Steps to Australia
6. Cable Beach
On the west side of Broome lies 22km of gorgeous white sand and the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Cable Beach is often considered one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, and it is not hard to see why.
Even during the high season, Cable Beach is so vast that it doesn’t seem to become particularly overcrowded. It is considered a safe place to swim because, during the high season, lifeguards patrol it. The beach is also monitored for crocodiles and will be shut down if there are any sightings.
Besides swimming and soaking in the sun, there are many shops and restaurants along the beach. And, if you are looking for a place to stay, there are campgrounds and resorts with beach access.
7. Cable Beach Camel Rides in Broome
Speaking of things to do on Cable Beach, Cable Beach camel rides are one of the more unique activities. If you are going to visit this part of the world, a Broome Camel Ride is going to be high on your bucket list!
There are three options for booking camel rides in Broome. There is a pre-sunset tour that lasts 30-minutes. You can also spend an hour with the Cable Beach camels in a longer Sunset tour. There is also a morning tour as well.
Cable rides in Broome are quite popular, and with three options to choose from, there is something for everyone.
What’s the Deal with “Red Camels” “Blue Camels” “Yellow Camels”?
When observing the Cable Beach camel rides, you will see that the camels have three different colours of blankets on red, blue, and yellow.
This signifies the three different camel ride operators that offer Broome camel safaris. While the three different companies are all equally as qualified, the Blue Blanket camels company seem to be the most popular judging by the number of reviews on Broome Tripadvisor.
8. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
If crocodiles fascinate you (or scare you), the Malcom Douglas Crocodile Park is a must-visit on your Broome adventure. It features some of the largest crocodiles in Australia.
The park is open year-round with the famous Crocodile feeding tour at 3 PM daily. The only day of the year the Malcom Douglas Crocodile Park closes is Christmas Day. The entrance fee is $35 per adult and $20 per child. If you are visiting with a family, ask about their family deal.
Located about a 15-minute drive from Broome, you can also see other Australian animals like Emus, snakes, and kangaroos.
9. Broome Bird Observatory
Roebuck Bay is an important migration point for many birds, in particular the Wader. The Broome Bird Observatory was established in 1988 by scientists to study and observe the many shorebirds that flock to Roebuck Bay.
Today, they offer tours, accommodations, including camping sites, and educational courses. The facilities also offer a place to observe the birds and learn more about them.
This is a great place to visit and is considered one of the best things to do in Broome. The best time to pay a visit is from August to April, when you can observe the birds in the mud flats of Roebuck Bay. Roebuck Bay is located in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway zone, which makes it a particularly impressive area to visit.
10. Narlijia Tours, Mangrove Experience
The Mangrove Experience tour is a 2-hour tour through Broome’s mangroves, which is home to many aquatic and native animals. Learn about the different types of mangrove trees and experience the many different species that call this place home.
The tour takes you through the mangrove forest, the tide pools, and out to Buccaneer Rock. At low tide, you can experience the tide pools.
If you are lucky, you can try a fresh oyster off Buccaneer Rock. The Mangrove Experience is particularly interesting as you not only learn about mangrove trees and wildlife, but you also get to hear the Dreamtime stories of the region throughout your explorations.
11. Salty Plum Walking Tour
Salty Plum Social offers unique and fun walking tours around Broome. Their most popular tour is the Small Bar Walking tour, which takes you on an adventurous walk through Broome’s Chinatown district, stopping at several small bars along the way for a drink and a light bite.
On this three-hour-long pub crawl, you will learn all about the history of Broome and its unique Chinatown precinct.
Looking for something unique? Salty Plum also offers a 90-minute breakfast walking tour of Broome’s Chinatown called the Big Art Breakfast Walking Tour. Tour Broome’s outdoor art gallery while learning about the city’s history and the significance of the art installations along the way. The tour concludes with breakfast and coffee.
12. Have a Romantic Sail on Broome’s Oldest Pearling Lugger
Any visit to Broome would be incomplete without diving into and exploring the town’s connections to the Pearling industry.
What better way to do that than sailing the waters around Broome on a decommissioned pearling lugger? There are several restored Pearling luggers now operating sunset cruises in Broome.
Two we can recommend are the Willie and the Intombi. Participate in pearl harvesting demonstrations or simply relax with a drink and Hord ‘oeuvres while enjoying the views.
13. Astro Tours
Broome offers some of the best stargazing in the world due to its clear skies and proximity to the equator. Because of this, you can see both stars, constellations, and planets that are visible in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. This makes Astro Tours one of the coolest things to see in Broome.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience something so breathtaking and unique. The tours are led by self-taught and world-renowned astronomer Greg Quicke. This out of this world experience if one of the most amazing things to do in Broome.
14. Go Fishing
Looking to catch the big one? While fishing is not one of the most unusual things to do in Broome, Broome is an excellent place to try your hand. Whether you are fishing on your own or wanting to join a fishing charter, Broome can accommodate both.
There are several spots around Broome that are considered excellent for fishing and the Broome Jetty is known as one of the best.
Angles can catch Queenfish, Trevally, Mackerel, Barra and even Tuna fishing off the jetty. Many fishermen also head over to Cable Beach, which is known for great opportunities to catch Blue Salmon and Threadfin. Any of the local tackle shops will gladly hook you up with supplies and knowledge.
If you want to head further out, there are many different charter fishing companies that offer tours from Broome.
15. Try a Mango Beer at Matso’s Brewery
Even though Matso’s Brewery is the only brewery in Broome, you will not be disappointed. This family-run brewery is open 7 days a week, serving unique products like mango beer, ginger beer, and many flavourful hard ciders. They are famous for their “ice-hot chili beer”, talk about unique.
You can quench your thirst in a laid-back atmosphere that often showcases many local bands and artists. And if you get hungry, Matso’s offers tasty sharing plates that complement their beers. Not to mention the Curry Hut, which operates in their courtyard 7 days a week during the dry season. Be sure to taste their authentic Indian dishes that are sometimes created using Matso’s beer.
Looking for foodie tours in Broome? Check out these below.
16. Visit Moontide Distillery
If gin is your thing, plan a stop at the Moontide Distillery. Moontide offers several different unique gins as well as seasonal flavours. In fact, we consider Moontide Distillery a best of Broome attraction. Make sure you visit their cellar door. We recommend a gin tasting flight as well as one of Moontide’s curated cheese boards.
Moontide Distillery also offers distillery tours for those who want to learn more about the history of Moontide and the process of distilling gin.
Free Things to do in Broome
17. Relax by the Pool
There are some truly gorgeous resorts in Broome, and if you are staying at one of them, why not go and hang by the pool? Ok, so some of the Broome Resorts are absolutely divine, and you will be paying for the privilege, so this is not exactly a ‘free thing to do in Broome’ – but it fitted here, so why not!
18. Visit a Broome Market
Every Saturday morning from 8 AM to 1 PM, the Broome Courthouse Markets offer you a chance to browse local vendors and artisans all in one spot. If you are on the hunt for something uniquely Broome, you can buy some of the town’s famous pearls here.
Make sure you go hungry, as there are many food trucks serving a variety of cuisines.
If you are looking for truly free things to do in Broome, after browsing the markets, sit back on the grassy lawn, people-watch, and listen to the buskers perform.
19. Explore the Japanese Cemetery
The Japanese Cemetery on Port Drive is a stark reminder of the perils of working in Broome’s pearling industry. Many Japanese immigrants came to Broome because they were sought for their skills in the pearling industry. Unfortunately, many met their deaths in the waters beyond Broome.
Many died from drownings or divers’ paralysis. Given that the area around Broome is prone to cyclones, it could be particularly dangerous for the many Japanese divers. It is estimated that over 140 men drowned because of the cyclones. The Japanese Cemetery is a stark reminder of the dangers of pearling.
20. Stairway to the Moon
The Staircase to the Moon is a unique experience to enjoy in Broome. It occurs as the full moon rises and its light reflects off the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, casting rippling bands that resemble a ladder leading up to the moon. The event happens for three days a month between March and November.
The Staircase to the Moon is a memorable experience best enjoyed from Town Beach. Here, you can browse the Staircase Markets, which take place on selected nights of the special event (check with the Visitor Centre).
You can also get an amazing view from the Mangrove Hotel Resort, which offers views across Roebuck Bay along with live entertainment, or from Moonlight Bay Suites, which is perfectly located to take advantage of the view.
Roebuck Bay Lookout (which was a collaborative design between Yawuru Traditional Owners in conjunction with Broome Senior High School) at the intersection of Dampier Terrace and Frederick Street in Chinatown is another great vantage point.
It’s a really special event to experience during your stay in Broom, and it’s worth timing your visit to coincide with it if you can.
Contributed by Karen, who helps families relocate to Australia with her blog, SmartStepstoAustralia
Things to do Around Broome
This is a quick round-up of the many things to do in Broome.
21. A Base to Explore the Kimberly Region
Broome is the perfect starting block to go wild with adventure in the Kimberley. If limited on time and budget, take part in an epic one-day tour with adventure tour operator, Kimberley Wild, to see the best of the top end wilderness.
Kimberly Wild operates many different tours and expeditions. Everything from ½ day Broome sightseeing tours to 14-day Kimberly Trail extended tour. You can truly pick your adventure based on your interests and the time you have available.
If adventure is what you are looking for, we recommend the 1 Day Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek Tour.
Embark on this epic expedition in a custom-built Kimberly Wild 4WD outback adventure truck. You will make your way from Broome towards Napier Creek, exploring the sites and learn about the history along the way.
After a picnic lunch, you will spend the afternoon exploring Tunnel Creek, a 750-meter cave system, before returning in the evening. A Kimberly Wild tour should definitely be on your Broome to-do list.
22. Horizontal Falls
One of the fun things to see in Broome is make a visit to Horizontal Falls. Nicknamed the “horries” this natural phenomenon is unlike anything else in the world.
It is the only waterfall in the world that, true to its name, flows horizontally. How you ask? Tidal flow causes the waterfall to appear with each tide.
Famed naturalist David Attenborough has described Horizontal Falls as one of the “greatest wonders of the natural world”. Pretty impressive! One of the unusual things to do in Broome.
You can either view the falls by seaplane or boat. Check out some of our recommended tours below.
23. James Price Point
Spend your day enjoying the beach where the locals do at James Price Point in the Kimberly Headlands. Located 52 kilometres (32 miles) north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, be prepared for some stunning scenery. This is where the red-clay cliffs meet the pure-white-sand beaches and the turquoise-blue water.
Also notable, James Price Point is where the Aboriginal people found fossilised footprints thought to belong to Emu Man, a creator in the Aboriginal Dreamtime story.
While James Price Point isn’t one of the most popular Broome tourist attractions, we think it is well worth a visit. It is worth pointing out that there are no facilities at James Price Point, so you must bring your own food and water.
24. Cape Leveque
At 250 kilometres (150 miles) north of Broome, Cape Leveque is the northernmost spot on the Dampier Peninsula. While it is a way away from Broome, there is much to see here.
Humpback Whales migrate here to give birth and rest on the coast, while wild turtles and many sea birds come here to nest on the shores as well. It makes Cape Leveque a popular place for whale watching, snorkelling, and fishing.
This is a rugged, remote area, but accommodation is still available, ranging from camping to beach shacks. If you can swing it, we recommend an overnight stay. However, you can also take a 4WD day tour from Broome.
If you are up for a rugged adventure, this is one of the Broome attractions you should consider.
Best Places to Stay in Broome
One of the most common questions is, should I stay at Cable Beach or in Broome town? Well, that depends. Cable Beach is a 22km stretch of beach located just west of Broome.
While there are shops, restaurants, and accommodations in Cable Beach, they are a bit more upscale. If you are looking to spend most of your time leisurely relaxing by the ocea,n then this might be a good option.
Overall, we recommend The Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa. It was voted number 7 of the top 10 best family resorts in Australia by Holiday with Kids magazine. Families can enjoy all the amenities of the resort like pool, mini golf, a nice playground and much for. For adults, there is an adults-only pool and a marvelous spa facility as well as an on-site restaurant.
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How to Get to Broome?
This solely depends on where you are coming from. However, if you are not located in North Western Australia, your best option for getting to Broome is likely to be a flight. While you can certainly drive to Broome, remember it is a whopping 23-hour drive straight through the centre of Western Australia. If long road trips are your thing, or you have other stopping points in mind, by all means have at.
However, if time (and sanity) is important, flying into Broome might be a better choice. A flight from Perth to Broome is approximately 2.5 hours long. You can also fly into Broome from several other destinations in Australia, such as Darwin. However, flights to and from Broome from Perth are the most common.
The Verdict – The Best Things to do in Broome
So there you have it, a full round-up of the Broome tourist attractions. We know that there are so many things to see in Broome, but we have only scratched the surface. If you think you know something awesome, please drop us a line in the comments.
We realise that things change all the time, and so it’s really important to us that we provide the most up-to-date information possible! That’s why we go through our pages annually, making sure they are as current as possible. As always, if you notice something that’s not quite right, please let us know in the comments!
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