Broome Australia is a remote pearling town on the edge of the Kimberley, famous for its red cliffs, turquoise water and camel rides at sunset. Here, the outback also meets the Indian Ocean in a blaze of colour. In addition, the town has a fascinating multicultural history shaped by pearl divers from across Asia.
Quick Facts About Broome, Australia
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Kimberley region, Western Australia |
| Known For | Cable Beach camel rides, red cliffs, pearling history, Staircase to the Moon |
| UNESCO Status | Not listed |
| Founded | Pearling town established in the 1880s, on Yawuru country |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October |
| Time Needed | 3 to 4 days |
| Continent | Oceania |
Where Is Broome, Australia?
Broome lies on the northwest coast of Western Australia, at the southern gateway to the Kimberley region. It is the largest town in the Kimberley, yet it feels very far from anywhere else. In fact, Perth is more than 2,000 kilometres to the south.
Specifically, the town sits on a peninsula between the Indian Ocean and Roebuck Bay. Meanwhile, Cable Beach stretches along the western side, just a few kilometres from the town centre.
Why Visit Broome, Australia?
First, Broome has some of the most striking scenery in Australia. Together, red earth, white sand and bright blue water create colours that look almost unreal.
Second, the town has a unique cultural mix. Yawuru people, the traditional owners, share the town with families whose ancestors came from Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Finally, Broome is the perfect starting point for exploring the Kimberley. As a result, many travellers stay a few days before heading into the wilderness.
Beaches and Coastal Wonders
The coast is the main attraction in Broome Australia. Above all, it is the colours that make it unforgettable.
Cable Beach
To begin with, Cable Beach stretches for more than 22 kilometres of soft white sand. Every evening, camel trains walk along the shore while the sun sets over the ocean. Even if you do not ride, watching them is a classic Broome experience.
Red Cliffs and Turquoise Water
Elsewhere around the peninsula, red pindan cliffs drop straight into calm turquoise water. In fact, the contrast is especially vivid in the early morning and late afternoon. So bring your camera and plenty of water.
Gantheaume Point
Further south, at Gantheaume Point, layers of red rock glow at sunset. Remarkably, dinosaur footprints around 130 million years old lie in the rocks just offshore. However, you can only see them at very low tide.
Chinatown and the Pearling Story
Broome’s Chinatown is the historic heart of the town. Historically, its low buildings of corrugated iron and timber housed pearl traders, shops and boarding houses. Today, they hold galleries, cafés and pearl showrooms.
In particular, the pearling industry began here in the 1880s. Divers came mainly from Japan and other parts of Asia, but the work was extremely dangerous. For example, the Japanese cemetery in Broome is the resting place of more than 900 divers. By 1910, the town had become one of the world’s leading pearl producers.
Culture, Nature and Local Life
Beyond its beaches, Broome Australia offers rich culture, amazing wildlife and some unusual natural events.
Sun Pictures
This historic open air cinema stands in the middle of Chinatown. Watching a film under the stars here is therefore a must. Occasionally, planes fly low overhead on their way to the nearby airport, which only adds to the fun.
Staircase to the Moon
On certain nights from March to October, the full moon rises over the mudflats of Roebuck Bay.
How It Works
As the tide goes out, moonlight reflects off the wet mudflats. Consequently, the reflection looks like a golden staircase climbing up to the moon.
Where to Watch
Generally, Town Beach is the most popular viewing spot. During these evenings, a lively night market also sets up nearby.
Birdlife on Roebuck Bay
In addition, Roebuck Bay is one of the most important places in the world for migratory shorebirds. Each year, thousands of birds stop here on long journeys between Asia and Australia. The Broome Bird Observatory offers tours for anyone who wants to learn more.
One Historical Fact About Broome, Australia
Cable Beach takes its name from an undersea telegraph cable laid in 1889. It linked Broome with Java and also connected Australia to the rest of the world. Because of this, the beach still carries the name today.
How to Get to Broome, Australia
The easiest way to reach Broome is by air. Broome International Airport has direct flights from Perth, and seasonal flights also connect it with other Australian cities.
Alternatively, you can drive along the Great Northern Highway or the coastal route from Perth. However, the journey covers more than 2,000 kilometres, so plan several days. Once in town, a hire car or local bus makes it easy to get around.
Best Time to Visit Broome, Australia
The best time to visit Broome is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the days are sunny and warm, and the nights are pleasantly cool.
The wet season, from December to March, on the other hand, brings heat, humidity and heavy rain. Still, it is a quieter and greener time to visit, with dramatic storms over the ocean.
Is Broome, Australia Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. After all, Broome combines beautiful beaches, rich history and a laid back atmosphere. Moreover, it is the ideal gateway to the wild Kimberley region. So plan at least three or four days to enjoy it fully.
Final Thoughts
Broome Australia is a place of red earth, blue sea and golden sunsets. So ride a camel on Cable Beach, explore Chinatown and watch the moon climb its golden staircase. In the end, this remote town will leave a lasting glow in your memory.
If you are planning more time in Australia, you may also enjoy our guides to Stanley, Tasmania and Maldon, Victoria.
Image Credits
Wikimedia Commons
- Cable Beach Camels: Photo by Nachoman-au via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Gantheaume Point Sunset: Photo by Remi Brasi via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Broome Chinatown: Photo by Rocket910 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Pearling Statues: Photo by Rocket910 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Sun Pictures Broome: Photo by Rocket910 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Unsplash
- Broome Red Cliffs: Photo by Paul-Alain Hunt on Unsplash