Broome
Exotic pearling town on the Indian Ocean coast with rich cultural heritage and stunning Cable Beach, known for its camel rides and sunset views. A gateway to the Kimberley with unique Austro-Asian character.
Things to do
- Cable Beach Camel Rides — Experience iconic sunset camel rides along the pristine 22-kilometre stretch of Cable Beach, a quintessential Broome experience.
- Broome Pearl Luggers — Tour working pearl luggers and learn about Broome's pearling heritage, with demonstrations of traditional diving and pearl cultivation techniques.
- Roebuck Bay Whale Watching — Spot humpback whales migrating through Roebuck Bay between March and October from designated viewing platforms.
- Sun Pictures Open-Air Cinema — Catch a film under the stars at Australia's oldest continuously operating outdoor cinema, a charming heritage venue.
- Japanese Cemetery — Visit this poignant cemetery containing graves of Japanese pearl divers who died in Broome, reflecting the town's multicultural pearling past.
- Gantheaume Point Scenic Walk — Walk among red cliffs and dinosaur footprints embedded in the rocks at this dramatic headland with sweeping Indian Ocean views.
- Broome Crocodile Park — See saltwater crocodiles and learn about local wildlife in this educational facility showcasing the region's biodiversity.
Food to try
- Barramundi with Asian Spices — Sample fresh barramundi prepared with Asian influences, reflecting Broome's position as a crossroads of Australian and Asian cuisines.
- Broome Pearls Oysters — Taste fresh oysters harvested locally, often served with lemon or mignonette to highlight their delicate flavour.
- Bush Tucker Fusion Dishes — Try locally-sourced native ingredients like finger limes, wattleseed, and bush tomato incorporated into contemporary Australian cuisine.
- Malaysian and Thai Curries — Enjoy authentic Malaysian and Thai curries reflecting the large Asian communities that settled in Broome during the pearling era.
- Fresh Mud Crab — Indulge in locally-caught mud crab, typically steamed or grilled and served with chilli and garlic.
Local customs & good to know
- Multicultural Respect — Broome's diverse heritage stems from its pearling industry; respectfully acknowledge the Japanese, Chinese, and Indigenous Australian contributions to the town's identity.
- Tidal Awareness — Cable Beach experiences extreme tidal ranges of up to 10 metres; check tide times before swimming or beach activities as conditions change rapidly.
- Wet Season Planning — The November to April wet season brings cyclone risk and intense heat; plan indoor activities and avoid outdoor adventures during peak months.
- Indigenous Connections — Broome sits on Yawuru country; consider engaging with Indigenous-led cultural tours and respecting sacred sites in the region.