Broome, Western Australia

The very best things to do in Broome

Broome is one of the most beautiful places in Western Australia.

It’s a great place to explore and experience all that this region has to offer-from stunning coastal views, world class diving and snorkelling, Aboriginal art galleries, national parks and wildlife encounters.

Broome is best known for the great gorges which are home to Aboriginal paintings.

Broome has a number of stunning natural attractions including Cable Beach, Roebuck Bay Lookout and Gantheaume Point.

Tourists can choose from various activities such as canoeing or fishing trips at Broome’s famous Caves House on the edge of town.

The Johnny Chi Lane in Broome, Western Australia attracts locals and tourists alike with its colourful backstreets that are full of pedestrians from morning until night. It consists mainly of souvenir shops and restaurants that provide all sorts of food options for visitors to enjoy before or after their film screening at Sun Pictures Cinema.

People often ask “can you swim in the ocean in Broome?’ The answer is a resounding yes-you can swim in the Indian Ocean for hours, or just dip your toes.

The water is warm and calm and there’s always a sandy beach to relax on afterwards.

Here are 30 top things you can do in Broome!

How long should you stay in Broome?

When you’re in Broome, it’s easy to see why people come back again and again. We recommend staying no less than three nights!

Broome is a great base from which to explore the Kimberley region for travellers coming from Perth or Darwin. You’ll be able to get out into the depths of wild Australia on day trips, while still being close enough at night so you can enjoy meal times in town.

If you want some time away from city life – with more space- then we recommend starting your exploration by heading northwards towards Kununurra along Great Northern Highway (it will be around an eight hour drive). Along this route there are plenty of opportunities to stop off and do activities such as bird watching as well as to see some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

As you head back south towards Broome, around thirty minutes after crossing the border into the Kimberley region from Kununurra there is a turn-off to an Aboriginal Community called Belyuen – well worth stopping off for a closer look!

The Gibb River Road: one of Australia’s great outback drives and just about as far away as you can get before entering true wilderness (so it makes sense to do this in stages).

The first stop-off point would be Wyndham on Great Northern Highway but if time allows we recommend staying overnight at Katherine which will cut your drive significantly down when you set out again tomorrow morning.

Where to eat and drink

Matso’s Brewery

Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Worked up a big thirst from the day’s activities? Why not stop by Matso’s Brewery for a cold one.

At Masto’s Brewery be able to find local beers brewed on-site.

The cool thing about this brewery is that they are able to use locally sourced ingredients including herbs grown at their own garden center just down the road from their brewing facility in town.

The majority of what they do come from Western Australia so you can enjoy some local flavours while supporting WA businesses too!

If there’s one thing we know it’s that locals love nothing better than having good craft beer brewed by other locals right

Enjoy a fine meal at Sunset Bar and Grill

The Sunset Bar and Grill is a beautiful restaurant with sensational views of the Indian Ocean.

This is one of Broome’s best fine dining experiences, so it would be wise to book in advance if you want to dine here! The menu features dishes from all over the globe including local favorites like barramundi (fish) or steak. It also has an impressive selection of fizz cocktails that are perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Activities and attractions

Cable Beach

Nachoman-au, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

Cable Beach Broome is one of the most popular things to do in Broome.

It stretches a length of seven kilometres, and offers visitors access to secluded coves for snorkelling or diving as well as many bars and restaurants.

Cable beach also has beautiful views across the Indian Ocean which are perfect for whale watching!

A visit here is never complete without tasting some local seafood at one of the fish markets on offer- from crab claws to prawns – you’ll find it all.

Just make sure not to leave without exploring King’s Canyon either; this place will give you an experience like no other with its lush rainforest environment, waterfalls and abundant wildlife sightings.

There are plenty of things to do at Cable Beach like snorkelling and diving.

The view from the beach is amazing, with plenty of places to eat fish like crab claws and prawns.

It’s also a good idea to explore King’s Canyon; this place has lush rainforest environments, waterfalls and a lot more wildlife sightings than you’ll see at Cable Beach.

I would recommend going on a boat tour because it gives great views over the Indian Ocean as well as access to many secluded coves for snorkelling.

So make sure not miss out on these things when visiting Broome!

Cable Beach Sunsets

svenimartini, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Who doesn’t love a good sunset?

Cable Beach is the perfect place to watch them. You’ll simply love the breathtaking views from this beach. There’s also a great walking track that will lead you to the Cable Beach lighthouse.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

One of the best things to do in Broome is paddleboarding at Cable Beach. You can learn how to do it in the morning or join any of their stand up paddleboard tours throughout the day.

Roebuck Bay Lookout

A must-see for any visitor to Broome is the Roebuck Bay Lookout, a scenic lookout on Cable Beach that offers views over the bay and out towards Dirk Hartog Island.

Staircase to the Moon

Staircase to the moon, Broome
Image Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/linpadgham/

Staircase to the Moon is a popular tourist attraction that people come from all over the world to visit. The Staircase to the Moon is a naturally ocurring phenomena in Broome that happens when the light from the full moon reflects off the water creating a ‘staircase’ effect on the surface of the water. The best place to see the Staircase to the Moon is a town beach. You can even walk around the water to see it from various angles. This is going to be one of the most spectacular moon rises you will see in your life. So make sure you plan an evening trip to town beach and check out the Staircase to the Moon!

Broome Japanese Cemetery

Martin Kraft // photo.martinkraft.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When you’re in Broome don’t miss a visit to the Japanese Cemetery. The oldest surviving cemetery in Australia, it is one of the most peaceful places you’ll find in town.

Chinatown

Rocket910, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On of the best things to do in Broome is to explore the city’s Chinatown. Here you can find Chinese temples, colourful gift shops and more than 100 restaurants serving all sorts of cuisine-from authentic dim sum to yum cha!

Visit Johnny Chi Lane

Another great way to spend the day is by exploring one of Broome’s most colourful back streets-Johnny Chi Lane. Here you’ll find a kaleidoscope of colours, exotic smells and bustling activity from morning to night.

Sun Pictures Cinema

It’s not just about the films at Broome’s Sun Pictures Cinema. The cinema offers guests a range of dining, retail and amusement options inside its stunning architecture before or after your movie screening.

Aboriginal Art Galleries

If you’re looking for some things to do in Broome, WA that will give you a little insight into the Aboriginal culture and way of life, then head on over to one of the town’s many Aboriginal art galleries. You’ll be able to find pieces depicting Dreamtime stories or done by indigenous artists from around Australia and the Kimberley Region.

Broome Historical Museum

History buffs looking for things to do in Broome should make a stop at the Broome Historical Museum.

The museum offers insight into what life was like in this region during Australia’s early colonial days and you’ll be able to learn about some of Broome’s most famous characters from history and learn about the city and the Kimberley Region.

While Broome is one of the most isolated cities in Australia, it has its own rich history that is definately worth exploring. You’ll learn all about the local Aboriginal people, the traditional owners of this land and how they have endured for centuries.

The museum is home to over 100 000 historical objects like furniture, clothing and equipment from early explorers and settlers in Broome. There’s also a wealth of photographs that show what life was like in the region during its earliest days as you explore items on display including an old police patrol boat or even find out about some famous shipwrecks off nearby coastline that are now important historic sites.

Information sheets detailing each item will help visitors learn more about Western Australia’s rich history while visiting one of our oldest museums!

Visitors can pick up a map at reception which provides information on exhibits throughout the building along with key places around town worth visiting.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm

It’s not everyday you get to see pearls being collected from the sea. You’ll need a little luck, but if you’re successful and find your own pearl it could be worth up to $30,000!

Visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm for this amazing experience. They also offer jewellery making workshops here too.

The Gibb River Road

Bäras, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

Some say that the best way to see Western Australia is by car. It’s a long and dusty road, but it offers some of the most breathtaking views; from vast deserts and rocky outcrops to lush green forests and winding rivers. And at certain points along this journey you’ll find yourself surrounded on all sides with nothing for miles around – just endless horizons in every direction! There are plenty of things to do as well: waterfalls, swimming holes, wildlife viewing, wineries (and tastings!), camping grounds.

Broome Bird Observatory

Neitram, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Looking for things to do in Broome, then check out the Broome Bird Observatory. The observatory is located at the old Masonic Lodge.

You can see a variety of birds like wren, green rosella and honeyeater as well as listen to their calls.

A crowd favourite is the sulphur crested cockatoo.

The Broome Bird Observatory is accessible seven days a week from sunrise to sunset and entry is free!

Horizontal Falls

This day-trip from Broome is a must-do on your trip to Western Australia.

The story, history and spectacle of Horizontal Falls will leave you speechless and inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Horizontal Falls will take your breath away.

It is a must-do day trip from Broome.

The sheer magnitude of the falls will take your breath away, and you’ll be amazed by its power to produce such an incredible spectacle in this remote location on our planet.

Horizontal Falls is well worth the day trip out of town!

When driving up to Horizontal Falls there are some points where it feels as though you’re about to drive off of the edge into thin air… can’t beat that feeling when visiting for the first time! “Falls Creek” cascades over limestone plateaus towards deep pools below – breathtaking indeed.

Gantheaume Point

Gérard Janot, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This is the best place in all of Western Australia to see whales. The name comes from a French explorer, Nicholas Gantheaume who first sailed along this coast and discovered these shores over 200 years ago!

It’s only about an hour away if you drive north up the coast but for some people that can be too long. For them there are two ways to get here: one by boat or another by helicopter – it may not come cheap but sometimes we need those luxuries in life! This stunning lookout point has been developed beautifully with picnic tables, toilets and parking lots; so visitors can spend time admiring views before they head back home again!

One of the best things to do while you’re at Gantheaume Point is to explore the beautiful, white sand beaches that surround it. Spend your time swimming or just soaking up the sun while you enjoy this great place!

We recommend taking a walk down to where Walpole Bay meets Mystery Creek and we guarantee you’ll be in awe of what’s around you – as much as people are today when they come here.

Visitors to Gantheaume Point often go out on a sunset cruise or kayak tour to explore the area and see all of its beauty. Seeing it from this perspective is great because you’ll be able to appreciate how diverse it really is – not just in terms of geography but also flora and fauna!

Visitors can head down Maud’s Lagoon, which runs into Gantheaume Point National Park for some more exploring; there are over 500 sites that make up Aboriginal heritage here! This is an opportunity many people would never otherwise get so don’t forget your camera as you’re sure to want photos both near and far away before leaving.

Take a Fishing Trip

Experience Broome from new heights by taking an adventurous helicopter fishing trip over stunning coastal landscapes which are home to many different species of fish including tuna.

Many people go up alone but it’s more fun sharing the experience with others so why not organise a group booking?

There are plenty of companies that offer these trips as they know how popular they have become!

See real-life Dinosaur Footprints!

Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This is one of the most incredible things to do in Broome!

Take a tour of the magnificent Hamersley Range to see dinosaur footprints that are more than 100 million years old.

The prints can be found in an area called Walmadany and you’ll need to drive down from Broome for about two and a half hours, but it is worth it!

You might even spot some wild camels on your journey or have the opportunity to take part in camel treks with local operators. The rewards at the end will make up for any pain felt during this heart-pumping adventure! There are plenty of other activities available if you don’t want to do hiking including fishing or taking scenic flights over the region.

These trips provide unbeatable

Cape Leveque

Britpoppertje, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cape Leveque Lighthouse is a historical icon in Broome. It was built in 1883 and operated for more than 100 years until it ran out of fuel in 1983. In 1985, the Australian National Parks Service began running tours to visit this historic building which has been restored by its caring custodians over many decades. Be sure to stop at the kiosk on your way up the hill for some refreshments before setting off on your tour!

Go pearling

Pearling has been an industry in Broome for more than a century and there are still many pearlers living here who continue to work at the art of harvesting these beautiful gems. If you’re interested in learning about this fascinating process, head up to Paspaley – one of the last remaining pearl farms on Earth.