9 Things to Do in Broome Western Australia

You’ll find Broome’s appeal lies in its remarkable ability to blend ancient natural wonders with multicultural heritage. This remote Western Australian town offers experiences you won’t encounter elsewhere—from 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints etched in red cliffs to vibrant markets selling local pearls. Whether you’re drawn to camel treks across pristine beaches or exploring limestone caves, each activity reveals another layer of Broome’s unique character. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this extraordinary destination.

Watch the Staircase to the Moon From Town Beach

When the full moon rises over Roebuck Bay’s exposed mudflats, you’ll witness one of Western Australia’s most spectacular natural phenomena—the Staircase to the Moon. Town Beach stands as the prime viewing location, offering expansive bay views and easy access to this optical illusion that creates a luminous pathway from Earth to the moon.

You’ll need to time your visit perfectly. The phenomenon occurs 2-3 nights monthly between March and October during extremely low tides coinciding with the full moon. The actual staircase effect lasts just 10-15 minutes around moonrise, so arrive early to secure your spot. The wide, shallow mudflats along Roebuck Bay create the perfect conditions for this magical reflection effect.

Town Beach enhances the experience with markets on selected nights, featuring local food, crafts, and live entertainment. The event’s free, but book accommodation well ahead—this natural wonder draws crowds from across Australia.

Take a Sunset Camel Ride on Cable Beach

After experiencing Broome’s celestial wonders from Town Beach, Cable Beach offers an equally magical experience with its legendary sunset camel rides.

You’ll traverse expansive white sands on gentle giants while witnessing spectacular red-golden sunsets create striking silhouettes against turquoise waters.

Red Sun Camels and Sundowner Camel Tours operate daily rides, with two-hour sunset experiences being the highlight. These award-winning operators provide guided tours in English, sharing fascinating camel history and wildlife facts during your journey.

Book directly through operator websites for flexible cancellation policies and best prices. Advance booking‘s essential during peak seasons.

Wear comfortable clothing, bring sunscreen and water, and don’t forget your camera for those iconic sunset shots. Most tours are family-friendly with all-encompassing safety briefings included. Each camel has its own distinct personality and quirks, making every ride a unique encounter with these charming desert characters.

Explore Gantheaume Point’s Dinosaur Tracks and Red Cliffs

Just six kilometers from Broome’s town center, Gantheaume Point delivers one of Australia’s most extraordinary paleontological experiences where you’ll discover 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints preserved in ancient reef rock. These Early Cretaceous tracks include massive sauropod and carnivorous theropod prints embedded in Broome Sandstone’s colorful formations.

You’ll need to time your visit carefully—the footprints are only visible at low tide below 2.16 meters. Check Bureau of Meteorology tide charts and avoid spring tides for ideal viewing.

The intertidal zone requires walking on slippery rocks, so exercise caution.

If conditions aren’t favorable, examine the plaster cast replicas embedded in the red cliffs above. The dramatic red ochre cliffs create stunning contrasts against white beaches and turquoise waters, making this location both scientifically fascinating and visually spectacular. Gantheaume Point represents part of an 80 km stretch of dinosaur track sites scattered across the Dampier Peninsula’s coastline.

Wander Through Broome’s Historic Chinatown

While most Australian towns developed around European settlement patterns, Broome’s historic Chinatown stands as a remarkable proof to multicultural pioneering born from the pearling industry’s unique demands.

You’ll discover heritage-listed corrugated iron buildings that once housed Chinese noodle restaurants, Japanese boarding houses, and Malaysian pearl divers’ shops. The precinct’s distinctive Broome vernacular architecture adapts brilliantly to the tropical climate.

Don’t miss Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema since 1916, where you can watch films under the stars.

Browse contemporary pearl boutiques showcasing South Sea pearls, explore vibrant street art in Johnny Chi Lane, and enjoy the thriving café culture. The area was once known as Japtown before World War I, serving as the bustling commercial heart of Broome.

Informative signage throughout the precinct tells compelling stories of the dangerous pearling industry and its diverse workforce from across Asia.

Visit the Japanese Cemetery and Pearl Luggers Museum

Beyond Chinatown’s bustling streets lies one of Australia’s most poignant historical sites—the Japanese Cemetery, where 919 graves tell the sobering story of Broome’s pearling industry‘s human cost. Established in 1896, this largest Japanese cemetery in Australia commemorates divers from Wakayama, Japan, who faced deadly perils including cyclones and diver’s paralysis.

You’ll notice unique headstones crafted from colorful beach rocks with bottles embedded in foundations—part of traditional Shinto rituals honored during the annual August 15 Obon festival. The industry employed over 2000 men by 1900, creating a remarkably diverse workforce that included Japanese, Chinese, Malays, Filipinos, and Aboriginal workers.

Complement your visit with the Pearl Luggers Museum, which showcases the operational history through equipment, photographs, and stories. Together, these sites provide profound insights into the multicultural heritage and sacrifices that built Broome’s pearling wealth, making them essential stops for understanding the region’s complex history.

Take a Day Trip to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek

When you’re ready to venture beyond Broome’s coastal charms, a day trip to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Kimberley’s ancient landscape. Located 220 kilometers east of Broome, this full-day adventure requires 10-15 hours but rewards you with spectacular limestone formations and unique wildlife encounters.

At Windjana Gorge, you’ll walk through a dramatic 3-kilometer canyon with 100-meter cliffs. You may spot freshwater crocodiles basking along the Lennard River.

Tunnel Creek provides an underground adventure through a 750-meter cave system where you’ll wade through water past stalactites and stalagmites. During your journey, you’ll also hear the fascinating story of Jandamarra, a legendary Aboriginal warrior.

Book tours during the dry season (May-October) and bring sturdy footwear, water, and insect repellent. Respect the cultural significance of these Bunuba traditional lands.

Go Wildlife Spotting in Roebuck Bay

Back closer to Broome, Roebuck Bay presents one of Australia’s most spectacular wildlife viewing destinations, where over 300,000 migratory shorebirds converge annually in what ranks among the world’s highest concentrations of these species. You’ll spot over 50 shorebird species, including Bar-tailed Godwits, Great Knots, and Red-necked Stints migrating from Siberia.

The bay’s extensive mudflats and mangroves support exceptional biodiversity with 300-500 benthic invertebrate species. These vital feeding grounds sustain diverse bird species throughout their migration journey.

Marine wildlife includes Australian snubfin dolphins near estuary areas, marine turtles nesting on beaches, and occasional dugong sightings. Visit the Broome Bird Observatory for guided tours and expert identification assistance.

The surrounding scrubland hosts Western Grey Kangaroos, wallabies, and various bat species, making this Ramsar-listed wetland essential for both migratory and resident wildlife populations.

Sample Local Brews at Matso’s Brewery

How does Australia’s most remote brewery capture the essence of Broome’s multicultural heritage in every sip? At Matso’s Brewery on Hamersley Street, you’ll discover Australia’s first alcoholic ginger beer alongside innovative flavors like mango and chili beer.

The heritage-listed building, originally Broome’s first bank and later the Matsumoto family store, overlooks Roebuck Bay’s stunning waters.

You can take brewery tours explaining the beer-making process, then sample unique brews with memorable names like “Hit the Toad” and “Angry Ranga.” The outdoor beer garden offers panoramic bay views, especially spectacular at high tide.

Don’t miss Matso’s Curry Hut for authentic Indian cuisine that perfectly complements their award-winning craft beers. Founded by co-founders Martin and Kim Peirson-Jones in 2000, this brewery began with a modest 200-liter setup and has grown into a nationally recognized brand. This local icon blends Aussie-Japanese culture with Kimberley’s adventurous brewing spirit.

Browse the Saturday Courthouse Markets

Since 1996, Broome’s Saturday Courthouse Markets have transformed the heritage-listed courthouse gardens into the Kimberley’s premier weekend gathering.

You’ll find up to 100 creative stalls every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm during high season, featuring local produce, indigenous art, handcrafted items, and prepared foods.

The scenic outdoor setting at Frederick and Hamersley Streets creates a welcoming atmosphere where you can interact directly with regional artisans and producers.

Arrive early for the best selection and to avoid midday heat.

During peak season (April to October), Sunday markets also operate with live music and cultural performances enhancing the experience. The markets have expanded to include Thursday night sessions during high season, operating from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Town Beach Precinct.

There’s no entry fee, and you’ll discover everything from Kimberley cultural items to fresh local produce, making this a essential weekend activity for both travelers and locals.

The Sum Up

You’ll discover Broome’s unique character blends ancient history with modern adventure. From watching the Staircase to the Moon to exploring 130-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, you’re experiencing genuine natural wonders. The town’s multicultural heritage comes alive through Chinatown’s architecture and the Japanese Cemetery’s stories. Don’t miss Cable Beach’s sunset camel rides or Roebuck Bay’s incredible birdlife. Whether you’re sampling craft beer or browsing weekend markets, Broome delivers authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else.