The 16 best things to do in Broome for first-timers

Take advantage of your East Coast jet lag by rising early (at least once) and embarking on the 7.7 kilometre trek from Cable Beach up to Gantheaume Point. The incredible red cliff rockface at the beach’s southern tip offers one of the best vistas in Broome. Get there in time for low tide to see the 120 million-year-old dinosaur prints, or visit during high tide for a glimpse of Anastasia's Pool. Rumour has it that this natural rock pool was created by the former lighthouse keeper for his wife who suffered from arthritis and believed in the healing properties of the saltwater that fills the pool.

It’s quite likely that you’ll let out an audible gasp after catching your first glimpse of Cable Beach. This sparkly 22km white sand beach earned bragging rights as the third best in the world, according to TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards. Like Venice with its gondolas, Broome has camels. At the end of the day, jump on a friendly camel and be guided along the shore to watch the sunset. This safari-type activity is a must for any Broome newcomer.

‘The Bay’, as the locals call it, is one of Broome’s most spectacular nature reserves. Its milky turquoise water ebbs and flows in a rainbow of colours against the paprika-red sand and thriving green mangroves. Roebuck Bay is a wildlife lovers' playground and is home to possibly the world’s largest diversity of shorebird species. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins year-round, along with whales from July to September.

After a hard day of retail therapy in Chinatown, unwind at the town’s longest-standing hospitality venue with a cleansing pale ale. You’ll find an extensive range of tap beers and a lengthy list of pub grub, including parmis, barbecue pork ribs, steaks and pizza. The Roey is famous for its nightlife, especially with backpackers and locals. Head to the nearby outdoor Oasis Bar for live gigs, then end the night down the road at Skylla Lounge, which stays up until 3am.

Broome illustrious past as the world’s pearling capital saw pearlers from China, Asia and Europe emerge from the water with money to burn inside the gambling halls and opium dens of Chinatown. Today, it’s Broome’s main shopping district, with galleries displaying Aboriginal art, pearl retailers crafting jewellery onsite, and restaurants serving up every cuisine under the sun. Take a stroll down Johnny Chi Lane for a quick history lesson, where 20 story panels narrate the tales of its bygone days.

Sir David Attenborough described these twin waterfalls in Talbot Bay as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, so you know they’re well worth the day trip from Broome. The fast-moving tides force their way through two narrow gorges, creating rapid-like formations that rush through the gap, resembling waterfalls turned on their side. You can experience the thrill of a low-lying scenic flight or feel the rapids on an action-packed boat ride.

East meets west at this famed breakfast spot located right in the heart of town. By day, you can dig into Asian-style brunch dishes, including panko crumbed eggs on toasted roti, spicy shrimp sushi rolls, breakfast banh mi and steamed sticky beef buns. Come back for dinner and share sweet and sour lamb ribs, prawn wontons and vegetable mee goreng. A refreshing Yuzu Tom Collins or Mango Daiquiri will also go down a treat in the Broome heat.

Every weekend, you’ll find half of Darwin gathered in the beautiful and historic Broome Courthouse Gardens for the weekly Courthouse Markets. In the Dry Season, you’ll find more than 115 diverse stalls selling everything from photo prints, pottery and plants to fresh bread, flowers and local mango. Strolling through the stalls is hungry work but you can refuel with mini Dutch pancakes, steamed pork dumplings, Filipino spring rolls and more. The Courthouse Markets are open every Saturday of the year from 8am to 1pm and every Sunday during the Dry Season. 

Those lucky enough to visit Broome during the Dry Season will have the chance to witness one of the Kimberley's most captivating natural wonders: the Staircase to the Moon. This mesmerising phenomenon occurs when the full moon rises over the mudflats at low tide, casting a reflection that appears as a stairway to the sky. Roebuck Bay is the only place in the world where you can witness this spectacle, with the Mangrove Hotel’s beer garden providing the best vantage point in town. Depending on weather conditions, sunsets, and tides, Broome sees approximately three Staircase to the Moon events per month from March to October.

Spanning from Streeter’s Jetty in Chinatown to the Old Jetty at Town Beach, this leisurely 3.4 kilometre trail will give you an insight into the culture and history of the Yawuru people and Broome’s pearling past. The self-guided interpretive walk encompasses 13 historical and cultural sights, each accompanied by fascinating stories and information available for you to listen to and read via the free Jetty to Jetty app. 

Dive into Broome’s pearling history and learn how it has shaped today’s practices on board a Willie Creek Pearl Tour. During the five-hour excursion, you’ll discover what it takes to create the perfect pearl, starting at the oyster nursery and ending at the jeweller’s showroom. Along the way, you’ll cruise along the crystal-clear waters of Willie Creek and stop for homemade damper at the Harvest Café. All tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned coach, or you can choose to drive the route in your own 4WD.

Come rain, hail or shine, you’ll find a mix of locals and backpackers gathering under the stars for a movie at the world’s oldest operating picture garden (which is mostly undercover). There are two sessions each night, including a family-friendly 6.15pm screening and an action-packed 8.30pm or 9pm showing. Stock up on popcorn, lollies and housemade choc bombs from the kiosk, and return for soft drinks and sparkling wines during the movie. 

Say g’day to Australia’s most remote brewery, which has been proudly family-owned and operated since 1997. Quench your thirst with one of Matso’s tropical ginger beers, including their original tinnie – the first alcoholic ginger beer in Australia – and their subtly sweet mango beer. Order a seasonal tasting paddle to sample both, alongside an evolving line-up of tap beers, and pair it with pub grub and charcuterie salads from the kitchen. During the dry season (April to October), head to Matso’s for Tuesday Jam Nights and Sunday Sessions.

Fear not: you’ll only have to walk through one massive saltwater crocodile mouth at the late crocodile hunter’s reptile park and animal refuge. The daily feeding display is a must-see, showcasing some of Australia’s biggest crocs, as is the guided tour around the expansive wilderness park that is home to giant saltwater crocodiles, freshwater alligators, emus, dingoes and kangaroos.

Make friends with Australia’s rarest dolphin onboard a 50-foot catamaran, sailing through the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay. This area is home to Australia’s largest population of snubfin dolphins, which you can spot socialising and having fun in the sun. Depending on the season, you might also spot turtles, manta rays and dugongs. Broome Whale Watching runs snubfin dolphin tours every morning from March to December, with transfers and morning tea included.

This eco-friendly resort is for those wanting to get away from it all. Situated 130 kilometres south of Broome, Eco Beach offers glamping with the most spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Fishing, turtle watching, kayaking and paddle boarding are all available, as are massage and facial treatments. Rise and shine with complimentary yoga sessions every morning (during the Dry Season), before enjoying breakfast overlooking the ocean at Jack’s Bar. Choose between eco-friendly villas or raised tents, with communal barbecue facilities available to cook up your daily catch. Altnertively, let the chefs at Jack’s turn your fresh fish into a delicious meal.