Why Broome Is the Perfect Starting Point

Broome sits at the junction of the Indian Ocean and the vast Kimberley wilderness, making it the natural base for any Kimberley adventure. With an international airport, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and a unique multicultural heritage, it's both a destination in its own right and a launching pad for everything the region has to offer.

Getting to Broome

Broome is serviced by direct flights from Perth (approximately 2.5 hours), as well as seasonal flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Darwin. By road, it's a long drive — around 2,200 km from Perth via the North West Coastal Highway, typically taking 2–3 days with stops. Many travellers fly in and hire a 4WD or campervan locally.

Top Things to Do in Broome

Cable Beach

This 22-kilometre stretch of white sand and turquoise water is arguably one of Australia's most beautiful beaches. The late-afternoon camel rides along the waterline at sunset have become an iconic Broome experience. Swimming is generally safe during the dry season, though always check for marine stinger warnings.

Gantheaume Point

Drive or cycle to this dramatic red cliff headland for sweeping ocean views and, at very low tides, 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock shelf. It's one of the most striking geological sites in the region.

Broome's Pearling History

Broome grew as a pearling hub in the late 19th century, drawing workers from Japan, China, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The Broome Historical Museum and the Japanese Cemetery tell this story compellingly. Willie Creek Pearl Farm offers excellent guided tours showing how Australian South Sea pearls are cultivated today.

Chinatown and Town Beach

Broome's Chinatown precinct (Carnarvon Street) is the commercial heart of town, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Town Beach offers a sheltered bay and the famous Staircase to the Moon — an optical illusion where moonlight reflects off the tidal mudflats to create the appearance of golden stairs rising to the horizon. This occurs on clear nights around the full moon from March to October.

Where to Stay in Broome

Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly holiday parks and caravan sites to luxury resorts. Key options include:

  • Cable Beach Club Resort – the area's flagship luxury property, set in tropical gardens near the beach.
  • Kimberley Sands Resort – a popular mid-range choice with self-contained bungalows.
  • Broome Caravan Park and various holiday parks – excellent for campervan and self-drive travellers.

Broome as a Base for the Kimberley

From Broome, you can access the Dampier Peninsula to the north (stunning red-cliff beaches and Aboriginal community tourism), embark east on the Great Northern Highway toward Fitzroy Crossing and Purnululu, or head north on the legendary Gibb River Road. Most 4WD hire companies and Kimberley tour operators are based in Broome, making trip logistics straightforward.

Practical Tips for Visiting Broome

  • Book accommodation well ahead for peak season (June–August).
  • Hire a vehicle in Broome rather than driving one from Perth — the roads are punishing on tyres.
  • The town has excellent supermarkets, hardware stores, and camping suppliers — stock up before heading inland.
  • Mobile coverage is good in Broome but drops quickly once you leave town.