Ruibibi is what Broome was known as to the Yawuru people – the aborigines of the Kimberley region, Western Australia. They’ve called this breathtaking land home for more than 40,000 years. From a sensitive pearling history to becoming a delicious melting pot of culture and wild beauty, the town of Broome is full of excitement.
We’re talking beaches, nature reserves, aboriginal heritage and historical town tours, exciting Dinosaur tours, as well as magical sunsets and sunrises. Situated along the Kimberley coast – Broome is a white sand coastal paradise that has much to offer to the curious traveller. Here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Broome!
Enjoy a Camel Ride at the Cable Beach
The Cable beach area is unlike anything you will experience anywhere in the world. The beach itself is a 22 km stretch of glowing white sand and pristine blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s one breathtaking beach. Located just 2 miles from Broome town – it’s also a nude beach, so exploring the beach and enjoying picnics naked is an available option (go for it!).
Another way to enjoy Cable beach is to go on a camel ride across the sandy shores during sunrise or sunset and witness the beach beauty in this magical hour. Plenty of sunset camel rides are available for this. The beach is closely monitored for other wildlife guests like crocodiles, sharks, stingers and jellyfish. So that no unpleasant interactions would occur.
Climb Up the Gantheaume Point
The beautiful Gantheaume Point is located on the south end of Cable Beach. Put on your climbing shoes and get ready to explore a red rocky coastal spot that offers an unearthly view of the Indian Ocean coastal stretch against the bright red cliffs and the sky – a brilliant spot for photographers.
It’s one of the best places in Broome to experience sunrises and sunsets too. There’re rock formations – the outcrops of Broome Sandstone, with footprints of dinosaurs and fossil plants that existed about 130 million years ago. Absolutely worth adding to your list of things to do in Broome.
Visit the Malcolm Douglas Broome Crocodile Park
From the furry and adorable bilbies and kangaroos to the larger and more predatory crocodiles and snakes – the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park brings the toothy wilderness of Western Australia to you. Tour around this park to learn much about the Australian saltwater crocodiles and more.
You can learn about these incredible prehistoric predators and re-visit at 3.00 p.m for the feeding show. You can also enjoy some fascinating Malcolm’s adventure films on these large toothy reptiles. Worth adding to your list of things to do in Broome.
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Explore History at the Broome Historical Museum
Broome is more than just a beach town. The Historical Museum is the perfect place to immerse in Broome’s rich history. Many significantly ancient collections are housed here, in the three heritage buildings. Dive deep into Broome’s past on its pearling industry, pearl lugger activities, wartime and town history, the aboriginal involvement, and much more.
You can also leisurely tour through the well-displayed exhibits of shell collections found from the Kimberly coastal region! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, so you can get all your questions answered.
Enjoy a Unique Cinematic Experience at Sun Pictures Cinema
You could travel the world and experience all kinds of state-of-the-art cinemas- but nothing will come close to enjoying a movie in the Sun Pictures Cinema! Located very close to Broome’s Chinatown, this is a cinematic experience you won’t have anywhere else.
Lean back on the deck chairs that have been laid out, have some fresh popcorn and enjoy the movie on the big screen with nothing but a beautiful starry sky as your roof and background. Once in a while, you’ll see an aeroplane coming low above Chinatown. And that adds to the experience.
A must-include to your list of things to do in Broome.
Chill at the Broome Town Beach
If you are looking to chill in Broome with a beach view, then Broome Town Beach is where you’re headed. The town is basically on the other side of Broome, just 5 minutes from Chinatown. It’s set in a spacious park ground and a lovely playground for the kids.
There’s plenty of activity going on at the market nearby. You can buy some tasty snacks and drinks and enjoy the scenic beach views. The reddish sandy shores only bring out the turquoise water shades more sharply. It’s a different kind of beach town beauty.
Explore the Wilderness at Tunnel Creek National Park
All you nature-trek lovers are in for a real treat at the Tunnel Creek National Park. Perfect place for a day trip. Explore one of the oldest cave systems in Tunnel Creek wading through pools and swimming through cooling waters with crocodiles in them (shivers!).
You’ll also witness different kinds of bats and even see some incredible aboriginal rock paintings. To make the most of your trail adventure – take an expert guide. It’s safer too as you’ll be entering the crocodile domain of the Kimberly Region.
You can also camp in this wildly beautiful nature park. However, make sure to avoid the wet season. A definite add-on to your list of things to do in Broome.
Enjoy a Prehistoric Tour at Roebuck Bay
The Roebuck Bay can easily be called one of the most stunning places in the Kimberly region. There is so much to experience here. The beach itself has an inviting turquoise colour that changes its shades from light to dark from time to time which can be utterly mesmerising.
But an even better experience would be the rare phenomenon that takes place from March to October when the moon rises and exposes the mudflat at super low tides. This otherworldly scenery is famously referred to as seeing the “staircase to the moon”.
For all you dinosaur fanatics out there, here’s a place you can embark on a prehistoric tour along the Roebuck coastline (Which extends to Cape Leveque at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula) to learn and witness actual dinosaur footprints!
Go Beach Camping at Cape Leveque
Located at the northern tip of the Dampier Peninsula about 200 kilometres from Broome, there’s another incredibly stunning sandy beach facing the Indian Ocean. It’s an ideal place to go whale watching, swimming and snorkelling.
The complete scene of red cliffs meeting the stunning turquoise waters can be clearly witnessed from the Cape Leveque lighthouse, especially during sunset when the rocky landscape glows in red shades! It’s perfect for camping under the clear starry skies while listening to the waves.
During low tides, you can really go exploring. Cape Leveque has a rich aboriginal history to explore as well – if it interests you. If you’re heading to the Dampier Peninsula, visiting Cape Leveque must be a top priority.
Take a Scenic Flight over the Horizontal Falls
Head to Talbot Bay to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Observe how high tides create a rare ocean behaviour where the water currents look like a horizontal waterfall. And the best way to watch this incredible phenomenon is by using a speed boat, or from the air, by taking a scenic flight from Broome to Talbot Bay.
Many who have done both would recommend a flight tour, as you can get a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole oceanic landscape and the falls. It would be a shame not to add this to your list of things to do in Broome.
Visit the Broome Courthouse Markets
Looking to enjoy the local hustle and bustle? This vibrant market spot found smack bang in the centre of the town, minutes from Chinatown – is where you’re headed. It’s almost right next to the famous Japanese cemetery, which you can drop by to learn about the complex history of the many Japanese pearl divers that gave their lives to creating a booming pearl industry in the town of Broome.
The Japanese Cemetery has a peaceful and sobering allure but you can shake it off with a visit to the Broome Courthouse Market. The Courthouse Market is the ideal place to shop for fresh produce, affordable pearl jewellery and delicious street food.
Have some savoury boa buns and sweet mango beer and enjoy incredible indigenous art pieces too. The ideal time to visit the Courthouse Markets in town is Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Tour the Willie Creek Pearl Farm
Located approximately 40 minutes from town – this 3-decade-old pearl farm business is quite popular amongst locals and visitors. Willie Creek offers some incredible award-winning pearl farm tours, which include educating visitors about the complex and intriguing history of pearling, helicopter rides, live pearl harvesting experiences, boat rides along the oyster lines and more. The scenery is ever-changing during the tour.
Guests can even pre-book a lunch – which they can enjoy after concluding the pearling tour. A day trip to Willie Creek should be included in your list of things to do in Broome.
Visit the Broome Visitor Centre
Make the most of this beach town by dropping by the Broome Visitor Centre. Get the best travel consultation on Broome from the eager, friendly and knowledgeable staff. They’ll update you on the upcoming town events, and the best places to see in the Kimberly Region.