Broome, Western Australia Travel Guide
City City in Western Australia, Australia
At Cable Beach, camel rides at sunset pull travelers to Broome; visitors come for pearling-town history, Chinatown cottages, fresh mud crab, and low red Kimberley horizons beyond the tidal flats.
Why Visit Broome, Western Australia? #
A sun-soaked coastal gateway, Broome is known for Cable Beach’s long sunset walks and unforgettable camel rides. The town’s pearling history is on view in Chinatown and at local pearl shops, while the natural phenomenon Staircase to the Moon draws nightly crowds when conditions align. Indigenous Yawuru culture, seafood-focused dining and remote, wide-open skies make Broome a place to experience Kimberley history and coastal spectacle.
Top Things to Do in Broome, Western Australia
All Attractions ›
- Cable Beach - Expansive white-sand beach famous for long sunsets and camel rides along shoreline.
- Gantheaume Point - Red-rock headland with visible Jurassic dinosaur footprints at low tide and coastal views.
- Staircase to the Moon (Town Beach) - Natural lunar illusion on tidal flats seen best from Town Beach at low tide.
- Broome Historical Museum - Museum documenting pearling, Indigenous cultures, and Broome's multicultural history.
- Willie Creek Pearl Farm - Hands-on pearl farm tours explaining pearling history and freshwater pearl processes.
- Broome Bird Observatory - Roebuck Bay base for migratory shorebird research and guided birdwalks.
- Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park - Small wildlife park featuring crocodiles, reptiles, and local bushwalking tracks.
- Horizontal Falls (Talbot Bay) - Seaplane or boat excursions to the dramatic Horizontal Falls in the Buccaneer Archipelago.
- Cape Leveque (Dampier Peninsula) - Dampier Peninsula destination with red cliffs, Indigenous communities, and remote beaches.
Best Time to Visit Broome, Western Australia #
Broome shines in the dry season (May-October) when skies are blue, humidity drops and outdoor activities run reliably. The wet/build-up months are hotter, humid and often stormy, limiting some tours.
Best Time to Visit Broome, Western Australia #
Broome, Western Australia's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in December) and warm winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 14°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (668 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (214 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 29°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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How to Get to Broome, Western Australia
Broome is served by Broome International Airport (BME) with the town only a short taxi or shuttle from the terminal. There is no passenger rail; long‑distance road coach services and local buses/taxis are used for onward travel.
Broome International Airport (BME): Broome’s airport is the town’s primary gateway with regular flights from Perth and other regional centres. The airport is roughly 10-15 minutes’ drive from Broome township; taxis typically cost around A$25-40 and private hotel transfers or shared shuttles (where available) can be A$10-20 per person.
Kununurra Airport (KNX) / Regional options: Kununurra is an alternative regional arrival point if you are combining Kimberley destinations, but it is a separate town ≈500-600 km away by road; connections require onward flights or long road travel. Most international/long‑haul traffic will come via Perth to Broome (BME).
Train: There is no long‑distance passenger train service to Broome. Rail access in the Kimberley region is limited and not a practical option for arrival.
Bus / Coach: Long‑distance coaches (e.g., TransWA coach services or private coach operators) connect Broome with other Western Australian towns, including Perth-these are long journeys (often 20+ hours) and fares vary widely (roughly A$100-200+ depending on operator and booking). Within Broome, town shuttles, community buses and taxis handle local trips; check timetables seasonally (tourist season is peak for services).
How to Get Around Broome, Western Australia #
Broome’s town centre is compact and walkable - many visitors stroll between Chinatown, the waterfront and shops. For longer trips, most people hire a car as attractions and beaches are spread out; car hire and 4x4 vehicles are common for Cape Leveque and remote drives. There is a regional airport with flights to Perth and Darwin, and taxis operate from the airport and town. Public transport is limited compared with big cities; check schedules for coach services to surrounding towns and book transfers in high season. Bring sun protection and water when walking to outdoor sights.
Where to Stay in Broome, Western Australia #
Where to Eat in Broome, Western Australia #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Broome, Western Australia's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Broome, Western Australia #
Broome’s after-dark scene is relaxed and centred on pubs, brewpubs, and outdoor venues. Chinatown hosts several bars and seasonal night markets, while Matso’s Brewery and the historic Sun Pictures outdoor cinema are two of the town’s better-known evening draws. Expect laid-back service and seasonal crowds-summer and festival nights are the liveliest.
- Matso's Broome Brewery - Popular brewpub with tropical beers and a relaxed bar atmosphere.
- Sun Pictures - Historic open-air cinema that shows films and special events at night.
Shopping in Broome, Western Australia #
Broome’s shopping centres on Chinatown and the foreshore, where you’ll find pearl and pearl-jewellery shops, galleries with Indigenous and local art, and tourist boutiques. Souvenir stalls and small markets pop up seasonally, especially during events such as the Staircase to the Moon. For larger retail needs there are supermarkets and service businesses in the town; for pearl-farm visits and specialist purchases, book through reputable vendors.
- Chinatown (Broome) - Historic precinct with pearl shops, galleries and small eateries.