Broome

Broome is a sun-baked pearling port on the Kimberley coast, where turquoise waters meet red pindan cliffs and a fascinating multicultural history unfolds. This is a place where you can watch camels plod across Cable Beach at sunset, discover ancient dinosaur footprints, and dive into a past shaped by Japanese, Malay and European pearl divers. The laidback pace and dramatic landscapes make it an essential stop on any Western Australia self-drive itinerary.

Highlights & What to See

• Cable Beach – 22 km of white sand and impossibly clear water, best seen at sunset when the sky blazes orange and a camel train parades along the shore.
• Gantheaume Point – Red sandstone cliffs that drop into the sea; at low tide you can see 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock.
• Broome Historical Museum – Housed in a former post office, this small museum tells the town's pearling story with poignant artefacts and photographs.
• Chinatown – A strip of corrugated-iron buildings housing pearl showrooms, cafes and galleries; don't miss the Sun Pictures outdoor cinema, the world's oldest operating picture gardens.
• Roebuck Bay – A wetland of international importance, where migratory shorebirds gather and the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon (March–October) creates a shimmering optical illusion on the mudflats.
• Willie Creek Pearl Farm – A short drive north, this working farm offers tours that explain how South Sea pearls are cultivated, with a chance to see the process up close.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors base themselves in Broome for at least three full days. Use the first day to explore Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point, the second to delve into Chinatown and the museum, and the third for a pearl farm tour or a scenic flight over the Kimberley coast. If you're self-driving, plan to arrive early and allow an extra day for relaxation – Broome's tempo is slow and you'll want to linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Horizontal Falls – A natural phenomenon where tidal currents rush through narrow gorges; accessible by seaplane or boat tour from Broome.
• Dampier Peninsula – Remote Aboriginal communities offer cultural tours, pearl farms and the stunning white sands of Cape Leveque (about 2.5 hours drive north).
• Kimberley Region – The wild landscapes of the Kimberley (including the Bungle Bungles and El Questro) are a logical extension for a longer self-drive adventure.
• Derby – A historic town with the famous Boab Prison Tree and massive king tides; about 2 hours east of Broome.

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