I spent the better part of 3 months in Broome back in 2020 and it is still one of my fondest travel memories. Although it is a small town, there is no shortage of things to do in Broome, Western Australia. From exploring the natural beauty of the area to indulging in the local culture, you’ll find something to love! Here are 19 things to do in and around Broome that you won’t want to miss!
1. Watch the Staircase to the Moon.
The staircase to the moon is an amazing natural phenomenon that can be seen from March to October for 3 nights every month. Every month, as the full moon waxes and wanes in the sky, the tides change and create a staircase effect as the receding water reveals the darker sand below. The staircase to the moon is an incredible sight and well worth seeing! The best place to view this is at the Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel. I happened to be staying here while this was going on and it was spectacular. You can order drinks or food at the Bay Club and make sure to get there early to make sure you secure a spot with a good view.
2. Grab a beer at Matso’s Brewery.
A short walk from the town center of Broome is Matso’s Brewery. It’s a popular place for locals and tourists to grab a beer, and it’s easy to see why. With a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of beers on tap, Matso’s is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Matso’s was by far my favorite place to go for a drink with friends while I was in Broome.
3. Ride a camel or watch the sunset at Cable Beach.
If you’re looking for an exotic way to experience the sunset, consider riding a camel at Cable Beach. It’s definitely a unique way to watch the sun dip below the horizon, and the camel rides are a lot of fun, too! If you’re not up for a camel ride, you can always just relax on the beach and take in the beautiful view. While I was in Broome, almost every sunset was spent at Cable Beach. Many times I spent the time doing yoga with friends as the sun went down followed by a refreshing sunset swim. The only thing I can say is that it was absolutely magical. Gather some friends down to Cable Beach and make some memories!
4. Visit Gantheaume Point.
Gantheaume Point is a must-see spot if you’re in Broome. The red cliffs and blue water are breathtakingly beautiful. At high tide, you will find lots of people cliff-jumping and if you’re brave enough definitely give it a go. I was a bit hesitant at first but it was so much fun and it’s such a beautiful spot to try it. At low tide, you can explore the tide pools. No matter what time you go, be sure to bring your camera – you’ll want to capture the memories of this special place!
5. Road trip down the Gibb River Road.
The Gibb River Road is an unforgettable Australian experience. It winds through the heart of the Kimberley region, providing access to some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the country. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the region’s iconic wildlife, including crocodiles, kangaroos, and emus.
Broome is the perfect starting point for a Gibb River Road trip, taking you all the way to Kununurra. You’ll have to stock up on supplies because there are very limited stops along the way to get groceries. The best way to do it is to gather a few vehicles to convoy through with you. At hostels, it seemed like there were always travelers getting ready to take the trip, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding people to go with. Make sure everyone has a 4wd and spare tires because you will definitely need them!
Along the Gibb River Road, there are many many beautiful gorges to walk or hike to. Take in the views and go for a dip! This was definitely the highlight while I was out there.
Doing the Gibb River road trip will take a bit of extra time and planning but it is so worth it. It was my favorite thing I did while in Australia.
6. Visit Coconut Wells.
One of the most popular beaches in Broome is Coconut Wells and for good reason. The best plan for Coconut Wells is to go at high tide and make sure to bring a floaty or blow-up mattress. You can hop in the water and float along as the tide is going out. The water is the bluest you have ever seen and it is almost as if you are floating down a slow river. If you have a drone you will definitely want to bring it. One of my friends had a drone here and the footage was unreal.
After the tide has completely gone out you can take a walk to see the beautiful tide pools. Coconut Wells is for sure one of the most beautiful days you will have in Broome. Make sure to bring your sunscreen!
7. Go to Sun Pictures Outdoor Cinema.
If you want to experience a quintessential Australian summer evening, head to Sun Pictures Outdoor Cinema in Broome. This open-air cinema shows new releases and classic movies under the stars, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. We were lucky enough to catch the showing of Bran Nue Dae, which is a coming-of-age story about an Aboriginal teen. The film was actually set and filmed in Broome! It was so cool to watch the town we were staying in on the screen; there was even a scene set in the very cinema we were sitting in.
If you look up the stars are incredible and you might even see some bats or planes flying overhead. You can get popcorn and snacks in the theatre and afterward, there’s an amazing Vietnamese restaurant across the street. Overall I loved the experience at the Sun Pictures Cinema in Broome.
8. Do a plane tour of Horizontal Falls.
The Horizontal Falls are not accessible by vehicle, so get an aerial perspective of this natural wonder by plane. The falls are located on the McPherson Range in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The horizontal waterfalls are created by the fast-flowing water of the McLarty and Drysdale Rivers meeting head-on as they flow through a narrow gorge, forcing the water to flow horizontally.
9. Visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm.
While in Broome, a visit to Willie Creek Pearl Farm is a must. The farm is located just outside of town and offers tours of the facility as well as the opportunity to purchase pearls directly from the source. The farm is also home to a museum that showcases the history of pearling in the region.
10. Visit Cape Leveque.
Cape Leveque is about a two-hour drive from Broome, and it’s definitely worth it. The cape is located on the Dampier Peninsula, and it’s known for its beautiful white beaches and crystal-clear water. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and plenty of sunscreen!
11. Go see the dinosaur footprints.
When you’re in Broome, be sure to check out the dinosaur footprints! They’re located right near the town center, and they’re a sight to behold. The footprints are thought to have been made by a large sauropod, and they’re a popular tourist attraction. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of them in the early morning or evening light.
12. Go check out the Buddha sanctuary.
The Buddha sanctuary in Broome is a beautiful place to visit. The gardens are well-maintained and the temple is a stunning sight. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
13. Go to the Crocodile Park.
Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is a great place to visit if you’re in Broome. The park is home to hundreds of crocodiles, as well as other animals like kangaroos and wallabies. The park is also a great place to learn about crocodiles and their ecology. There are ranger-led talks and tours, as well as an information center with displays about crocodiles. While we were here, we even got to hold a baby crocodile!
14. Visit the Courthouse Markets.
The Courthouse Markets are a great place to visit if you’re looking for a unique shopping experience. You can find all sorts of handmade goods here, from jewelry to clothing to home decor. The markets are also a great place to find local produce and other specialty foods. Be sure to check out the different stands and see what they have to offer. You’re sure to find something you love!
15. Go to the Bali Hai Spa.
After a long day of sightseeing, the best way to relax is to go to the spa. The Bali Hai Spa is the perfect place to unwind. The spa has a variety of services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. You can also use the spa’s facilities, including the sauna and steam room. The Bali Hai Spa is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
16. Take a tour with Space Gandolf.
If you’re looking to explore the galaxy and see some of the most stunning stars out there, you’ll want to check out Astro Tours in Broome. Run by Greg Quicke (known as Space Gandalf), this company will take you on a journey through the stars like you’ve never experienced before. With the help of powerful telescopes, you’ll be able to see things you never even knew existed. So if you’re looking for an out-of-this-world experience, be sure to check out Astro Tours.
17. Check out the Aboriginal art galleries.
If you’re interested in Aboriginal art, be sure to check out the Aboriginal art galleries in town. You’ll find a variety of art styles, from traditional to modern. The galleries are staffed by knowledgeable experts, who can provide you with insights into the art and the artists.
18. Visit Broome’s Historical Museum.
The Broome Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the town. It’s located in an old church building and has exhibits on everything from the town’s Native American history to its mining past. There’s also a large collection of old photographs and a theater where you can watch a short film about Broome.
19. Visit the Japanese Cemetery.
The Broome Japanese Cemetery is a beautiful and well-kept secluded spot in the town of Broome, Western Australia. It is the resting place of many Japanese immigrants who came to the area to work in the pearling industry in the early 20th century. The cemetery is open to the public and makes for a peaceful and reflective stroll.
