We once looked into flying to Broome from where we lived in Mackay, Queensland.
This was a four-flight way to get there and was also costlier and more time-consuming than a flight from Mackay to Ireland!!
After months of driving through desert, the first glorious sight of the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean was very much welcomed.
We had arrived in paradise!
Let’s waste no time in showing you all that Broome has to offer so you can start planning your Broome holiday.
Broome Top Attractions
This article will help you with planning your Broome holiday and cover any questions you may have about what exactly are the best things to do in Broome.
Best Things to do in Broome: Broome Town
One thing you will notice wandering around the small quirky town of Broome, is its rich history.
Take this opportunity to learn more about this remote Australian town.
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Indigenous Culture: The Indigenous culture of the Yawuru people is an integral part of Broome’s identity. The town has a thriving arts and culture scene, with galleries, cultural festivals, and markets that offer a taste of the region’s diverse crafts and cuisine.
Japanese Cemetery: The Japanese Cemetery is a solemn reminder of the Japanese pearl divers who worked in Broome during the early 20th century.
Staircase to the Moon: Broome is famous for the natural phenomenon known as the “Staircase to the Moon.” This occurs when the moon rises over the exposed tidal flats, creating an illusion of a shimmering staircase leading to the moon.
For alcohol purchases there are limitations in place to what you can purchase per day.
Best Things to Do in Broome: Cable Beach
The main activities to do in Broome are lounging on the many gorgeous beaches. The most famous one being Cable Beach. The name stems from a communication cable being laid here connecting Australia and Java Indonesia.
The name Cable Beach stems from a communication cable being laid here connecting Australia and Java Indonesia.
We would suggest staying around the Cable Beach area as lounging will be your main activity. You can stay closer to the CBD of Broome, but the beaches are not as nice.
Driving a car onto Cable Beach is possible and this is a perfect way to spend your days in Broome.
Set up your camp, then go for a swim in the gorgeous waters, read a book, bake in the sun or play a bit of football. Or whatever non stress activity you prefer!
There are two main areas to drive onto the beach. On the northern side of Cable Beach close to “Zanders” restaurant is a road that brings you right down onto the sand.
ONLY four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended to drive here as the sand is much looser. We did witness one mad fxxker though who bombed his old Mitsubishi Express through it all without getting bogged down. *This is not advisable!!!
One Irish couple in their Toyota Hiace van did manage to get bogged down here, however that was very briefly…..!
Instead, drive in a southern direction towards the Racecourse. Here you can park up on the beach as the sand is much firmer.
If you are continuing on your journey from Broome make sure to check out our Western Australia Ultimate Roadtrip.
Best Things to do in Broome: Camels at Sunset
At sunset the camel tours will come out around the same area at “Zanders“. This is your opportunity to get your famous Broome photograph.
Best Things to do in Broome: Stargazing
Stargazing is one of our favourite things to do on the road and definitely one of the best things to do in Broome. Broome has some of the best nightly skies in the world to experience such a marvel.
Look up and embrace the thousands of stars in the clear sky with a distinctive white Milky Way cutting through!
Based in Broome is a man called Greg Quicke aka Space Gandalf and he is one of the world’s best self-taught astronomers. Greg made a brilliant documentary called “A stargazers guide to the cosmos” and now runs his own shows – Astro Tours Broome.
In our books this man is the David Attenborough of the cosmos! One of the many things I learned from watching Space Gandalf is the “Deep Hubble Field” Photograph.
A picture with thousands of galaxies in one centimeter of space.
If you love stargazing, then take one of the tours, but……..make sure to check the calendar!! There will be NO shows during the wet season and none at full moon.
Unfortunately for us, when we were in Broome, it was a full moon. That meant no shows that week and to say we were gutted is a slight understatement…..
Greg did offer his apologies for it being full moon, but I don’t think there was much he could of done about that one!
Sadly Greg passed away in June 2024 after a brief illness…. we were very sad upon hearing that terrible news…RIP Greg, you are amongst the stars now.
Best Things to do in Broome: Broome Pearl Farms
Broome has a rich history in the pearling industry, and you can explore this heritage by taking a guided tour of one of the local pearl farms.
Learn about the process of cultivating pearls, the history of pearl diving, and the significance of pearls in the region’s culture.
Where To Stay In Broome
Broome offers accommodations to suit all budgets. Let’s take a look at some of our top picks of Broome accommodations so you can plan the ultimate Broome holiday to suit your needs.
All our recommendations are based on value for money, location and guest reviews.
Broome Accommodation: Luxury
Broome offers some exceptional luxury accommodations. Here are our top 3 luxury Broome accommodations:
Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa: Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa situated in a stunning location right by Cable Beach.
With luxurious suites offering views of either the tropical gardens or the ocean. Relax at the spa before indulging in delicious food/drinks at various on-site restaurants, and enjoy the resort’s huge pools and poolside bars.
The Pearle of Cable Beach: This exclusive accommodation is known for its stylish architecture, lush gardens, and private villas.
Set amongst Broome’s natural beauty, The Pearle provides a secluded and upscale retreat.
Kimberley Sands Resort and Spa: Nestled in a quiet area just minutes away from Cable Beach, guests can relax at the Kimberley Spa, indulge in gourmet dining at the restaurant, and unwind by the lagoon-style pool.
Broome Accommodation: Mid-Range
Broome offers a range of mid-range accommodations that provide comfortable stays without breaking the bank.
Here are our top 3 mid-range Broome accommodation:
Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary: Situated close to Cable Beach, Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary offers modern and spacious apartment-style accommodations that are perfect for families and travelers seeking a home-away-from-home experience.
Guests can enjoy the resort’s pool, fitness center, and barbecue area.
Mangrove Hotel: Overlooking Roebuck Bay, the Mangrove Hotel is a mid-range option that offers a mix of rooms and suites, some of which provide stunning water views.
The hotel’s tropical gardens, outdoor pool, and restaurant add to its charm.
Broome-Time Accommodation & Art Gallery: This unique mid-range accommodation offers an on-site art gallery showcasing local artwork. The property offers a variety of room types, including studios and self-contained apartments.
Guests can relax by the pool, take advantage of barbecue facilities, and explore the vibrant artwork displayed throughout the premises.
Broome Accommodation: Budget
Broome offers budget-friendly accommodations for travellers looking to explore the area without overspending.
Here are our top 3 budget Broome accommodations:
Beaches of Broome: This budget-friendly hostel provides a range of accommodations, including dormitory-style rooms and private rooms with shared facilities.
Beaches of Broome is located close to Cable Beach and offers communal areas, a pool, and a bar.
Kimberley Klub YHA: Located in the heart of Broome, Kimberley Klub YHA offers budget accommodations in the form of dormitory beds and private rooms.
The hostel provides a lively social scene with its on-site bar, restaurant, and outdoor pool area.
Cable Beach Backpackers: Cable Beach Backpackers boasts an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities and an onsite bar. Guests can relax and mingle in the tropical, open-air courtyard, and enjoy evening entertainment all at an affordable price.
Cable Beach Backpackers Hostel is only a 10-minute walk. This Broome accommodation offers basic dormitory style and simple private rooms.
It also offers a shared kitchen and free local shuttle bus. Surfboard, scooter and bike hire can be arranged.
Happy Irish Wanderers are always fans of kitchen facilities in keeping the travel costs down. Take a look at ways we eat cheap around the world.
When is The Best Time to Visit Broome?
Let’s break down the best time to visit Broome based on the different seasons:
Best time to visit Broome: Dry Season (April to October)
- Ideal for visiting Broome.
- Offers warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall.
- Best for outdoor activities, exploring beaches, and enjoying attractions.
- Peak tourist months are June to August.
- Expect cooler temperatures and more crowds during this time.
Best time to visit Broome: Wet Season (November to March)
- High humidity, intense heat, and heavy rainfall.
- Limited access to some attractions due to potential flooding.
- Outdoor activities might be restricted due to weather conditions.
In summary, the dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit Broome for favorable weather and enjoyable experiences.
*However keep in mind that prices will be significantly higher during these peak season times.
Getting to Broome
Now that you have been convinced to take a Broome holiday, let’s tackle the next question of getting to Broome.
Although Broome is a remote town in Western Australia, it is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Let’s check them out.
- Discovercars – This is the best website to compare all car rental companies and score the best deal for you. There are all sorts of vehicles available, from small-budget cars to large family saloons, or perhaps even a 4×4.
- Spaceship Vans – Are you a backpacker or a budget traveler? No problem, then this is the one for you! There are great deals available on Spaceship Vans. We used it for four weeks in New Zealand and had no issues, highly recommended by us!
- WorldNomads – Travel insurance is our go-to insurance company. They have the best fine print of all travel insurance companies and are number one for a reason.
By Air: The most common way of getting to Broome is by flying to Broome International Airport (BME). The airport is well-connected to major Australian cities like Perth, Darwin, and Sydney, with several airlines offering regular flights. Flight durations vary depending on your departure city, but direct flights from Perth usually take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Car: If you’re up for a epic Australia road trip and want to explore the scenic landscapes of Western Australia, you can drive to Broome. The drive from Perth to Broome is approximately 2,200 to 2,500 kilometers (about 1,367 to 1,553 miles) and can take around 20 to 25 hours of driving time, depending on your route and stops along the way.
*Keep in mind that this is a long and remote drive, so be prepared with enough supplies, fuel, and accommodations if needed.
By Bus: Long-distance bus services operate between major cities in Australia, including Perth and Darwin, and pass through Broome. These bus journeys can take several days due to the distance involved but if you view it as a tour of Western Australia, well then, that’s a pretty exceptional deal you got there my friend!
Check out bus companies like Greyhound Australia and Integrity Coach Lines.
By Train: It is possible to get a train from Perth to Broome, and you can be lounging on Cable Beach in just 7 hours but of course you will be paying for such efficiency.
Check out Trainline to book your train tickets.
By Cruise: If you are really thinking of upping your Broome holiday big time, Broome is also accessible by cruise ships just saying!
Is Broome Worth Visiting?
Let’s face it, no matter what transport you choose getting to Broome – it’s going to be a long journey.
So let’s answer the vital question “Is Broome worth visiting?”
There are lots of unique places in Australia and is our opinion Broome is up there with the best of them. You can ride a camel across a beach at sunset after all! And dare we say, some of the most beautiful sunsets in Australia at that.
Combine this with wildlife – think whales, dolphins, turtles – fascinating history, and glorious beach days. We think that makes one epic Broome holiday, don’t you?
It honestly feels like a tropical paradise at the edge of the world. So, yes we feel that Broome is worth visiting!
Enjoy Your Broome Holiday!
We truly hope you enjoy your Broome holiday as much as we did. Trust us, it is worth the long journey to get there. And seeing as we left from Cairns 6 months earlier, it was definitely a long journey!
Are you planning a Broome holiday or have you already visited this coastal gem?
Let us know how you get on on by leaving a comment below or contact us through our socials.
Slán go fóil
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