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Why Broome Should Be at the Top of Your Aussie Bucket List
Written by Emily Jacobs
Jaw-dropping sunsets, dinosaur footprints and 4WD adventures – discover why this spellbinding north-west corner of the country is a must-visit.
The red dirt of the Kimberley meets the azure blue of the Indian Ocean in the multicultural melting pot of Broome, perched on a peninsula up high on the Western Australian coast. This bucket-list destination is both wild and wonderful, acting as the perfect base for desert adventures and beachfront boutiques and breweries, with something for every type of explorer.
The dry season (May-October) is considered the best time to visit, and the ideal trip length is anywhere between 3-10 days. Time-poor travellers can experience the best of Broome with a long weekend, but if you’re fortunate enough to have a little longer to explore then there is plenty to keep you occupied. Soon you’ll find yourself slipping into ‘Broome time’, while also venturing further afield to destinations like Horizontal Falls, the Dampier Peninsula, Gibb River Road and more. Discover why Broome is a top-tier Aussie destination ahead.
You can catch Australia’s most epic sunsets
Every evening, take your front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular shows: the Broome sunset. Ride a camel along Cable Beach as colours dance across the sky or set up on a sun lounger at Beach Hut. For something truly special, hire a 4WD car and drive down onto the sand. Once you find your own secluded stretch, set up an intimate picnic to watch the sun drop below the stunning Indian Ocean horizon.
Discover Broome
It’s home to natural phenomena
The natural spectacle goes beyond sunsets: Broome is home to unique experiences that you’ll only find in northern WA. Time your visit to Roebuck Bay to awe at the Staircase to the Moon, a magical marvel that only happens when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of the bay. It generally occurs 2-3 days a month between March and October and can be best admired from the night markets at Town Beach or the Mangrove Hotel.
Join the team at Broome Dinosaur Adventures for a day spotting dinosaur footprints along Gantheaume Point (at the southern end of Cable Beach), or head into the heart of the Kimberley with a half- or full-day tour with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures. If you prefer the sea to the sky, jump on a cruise with Kimberley Day Cruises for a seven-course degustation as you cruise the breathtaking Buccaneer Archipelago before arriving at Horizontal Falls.
Great for luxury travellers
Despite its remote location, Broome is brimming with luxury experiences. Amazing accommodation comes in spades here; stay in town at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa or Bali Hai Resort & Spa, or seek out a remote luxury lodge, accessible via helicopter like Berkeley River Lodge.
Helicopter safaris and luxury cruises offer a five-star way to explore the vast landscapes that surround Broome. If you’re not quite sure where to start sightseeing, a local tour operator like Kimberley Experiences is a great gateway into getting the most out of your time in the area. For shorter flights around Broome, KAS helicopters can tailor a flight to suit your preferences.
One of the best ways to admire this jaw-dropping part of the world is from the water and luckily, you’re spoiled for choice! For sunset cruises, Willie or Broome Tours are crowd favourites, but there are operators to suit all budgets and travel styles.
Local culture
A visit to Broome is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world’s oldest continuous living culture. Thanks to outstanding conservation efforts, Broome and its surrounds is home to rock art older than the Colosseum. Unique and compelling tours will take you across Country, where you can develop an appreciation for the spiritual connection the Traditional Owners have with the land. You can also join an art trail or visit local Aboriginal art galleries and centres.
Adventure abounds
Broome began life as a pearling town back in the 1880s, attracting workers from all over the world who were keen to get in on the action. The industry continues to flourish, so visiting a pearl farm is an absolute must while you’re in town. Learn about its history, as well as the Pinctada Maxima, the largest pearl shells on the planet, which make Broome pearls even more sought-after. Pair your pearl farm tour with a lunch and showroom experience to choose the perfect pearl for you; and you’ll have yourself a fantastic day out.
The Kimberley is like nowhere else in the world, so any trip to Broome should at least include one foray out into the wilderness. Take a multi-day, self-guided road trip or join a luxury tour to explore the wider region. Hire a 4WD to explore the Gibb River Road, dotted with gorges that will take your breath away; the Mitchell Plateau with the famous four-tiered Mitchell Falls; Tunnel Creek and Mimbi Caves for out-of-this-world underground adventure. Finish up in Kununurra, home of the mighty Ord River and a stone’s throw from Purnululu National Park, Lake Argyle and El Questro.
Uncover even more reasons to visit Broome and the Kimberley on Luxury Escapes’ brand-new podcast, Travel in 20. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
This article is produced in partnership with Australia’s North West.
