This laid-back, tropical oasis is the Kimberley’s western gateway and one of the most awe-inspiring wilderness escapes on the planet. Broome (Rubibi) moves to a dreamy pace, welcoming visitors to explore its natural landscapes, multicultural charm, and warm hospitality. Step into a dream in Broome with this 3-day holiday itinerary.
Connect with Culture and History in Broome
Located in Australia’s North West, Broome is an ocean meets outback town steeped in rich history with vibrant cultural influences. Start the day by learning about Broome’s fascinating pearl-diving history, which has attracted people from around the globe for centuries, thanks to the stunning pearls of the South Sea. From the 1800s, pearl divers from China, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines flocked to the ‘pearl of the north’, creating today’s thriving multicultural town. Delve into Broome’s pearling heritage with a visit to the Pearl Luggers Museum or Willie Creek Pearl Farm for the complete pearl experience from shell to showroom.
In the afternoon, visit Gantheaume Point (Minyirr), a short five minute drive from Broome, to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs and admire the striking rust red cliffs.
By early evening take in an iconic Indian Ocean sunset at Cable Beach (Walmanyjun), a 22-kilometre stretch of snow white sand that mesmerises with its tangerine hues. Enjoy the view on the back of an unhurried camel, or from the iconic Cable Beach Club Sunset Bar, the perfect place to enjoy a cool drink as the sun dips into the turquoise ocean.
Step into a World of Spectacular Landscapes
Surrender into the otherworldly spectacle of Broome paradise. Start the morning at Cable Beach with a dip in crystal-clear waters and slowly make your way to Roebuck Bay (Yawuru Nagulagun), one of Broome’s most beautiful natural attractions and of cultural significance to the traditional custodians, the Yawuru people.
If travelling from March to October, be captivated by the ‘Staircase to the Moon’, a natural phenomenon, which occurs when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats, creating a spectacular ladder effect for two to three days a month.
When you get hungry, there are many options. Divers Tavern is a popular spot offering a casual pub-style atmosphere near Town Beach. It has indoor and outdoor seating, and a fail-safe menu of hearty pub grub including burgers and pizzas, and other classic pub fare. Or, for a unique dining experience, head to Sun Pictures Café in Chinatown, adjacent to the world’s oldest outdoor cinema. While you’re there, why not catch a movie? Initially, the spacious double-fronted tin structure served as an Asian emporium. Nowadays, a regular run of new and old movies takes place several times a week throughout the year.
And, you wouldn’t be in Australia without trying a local brew or two. Spinifex Brewery Co. is a local family-friendly joint brewery that serves an extensive range of craft beer and a well-thought-out food menu. They focus on supporting Veteran and Indigenous communities and offer live sports and movies on a large outdoor screen.
Embrace Your Spirit of Adventure
Adventure into an awe-inspiring experience with an excursion to Horizontal Falls (Garaan-ngaddim). In the turquoise water of Talbot Bay, the fast-moving tidal current squeezes through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, pushing the water into rapid-like formations, which rush through the twin gaps producing the Falls. Depart from Broome on a seaplane flight straight over the heart of Horizontal Falls.
On return, connect with 50,000 years of continuous living culture through an authentic Aboriginal experience. Go on a guided tour, discover ancient rock art, and hear ancient stories. Mabu Buru Tours in Broome is the town’s first and only Aboriginal corroboree experience on Yawuru Country.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, take flight over the tidal flats with a sunset hovercraft tour with Broome Hovercraft Eco Adventure Tours. The vibrant hues of the sunset make for a breathtaking display. Informed guides will regale you with captivating stories about the area’s history and cultural significance, and the hovercraft’s versatility allows you to explore shallow waters and witness the stunning natural beauty of Roebuck Bay from a new perspective.
No matter how long, a visit to Broome promises a diverse and dreamlike experience that will stay with you for years to come.
Where to Eat and Drink
When you get hungry, there are many dining options with Broome’s cultural diversity reflected in its cuisine, with Asian fusion restaurants abound.
Spinifex Brewing Co. is Australia’s first part Aboriginal and veteran-owned craft brewery, overlooking Broome’s iconic Cable Beach. Its family-friendly restaurant offers a modern Australian menu with a Kimberley twist.
In town at Matso’s Broome Brewery, try local favourites of ginger, mango and chilli beer. The Bay Club, located inside the Mangrove Hotel, offers creative cocktails along with pizzas and fresh seafood with a stunning view over Roebuck Bay.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm has partnered with Broome’s Moontide Distillery to release the first gin in the world to use pearl oyster as a botanical. The Pearler’s Gin is distilled with juniper berries, Burdekin plum, lemon myrtle, mint and oyster mantle, a by-product from the cultured pearling process, giving the gin a unique minerality and umami taste.
Where to stay
Cable Beach in Broome offers a range of accommodation options, catering to different preferences and budgets. There are several well-known resorts near Cable Beach, which offer direct access to the beach, however self-catering apartments, camping sites and everything in between are also plentiful.
