Roebuck Bay

Roebuck Bay, a shimmering expanse of turquoise water on the edge of Broome, is a place where the Indian Ocean meets the red Kimberley soil. This tidal bay is famous for its dramatic 10-metre tides, which reveal vast mudflats that become a feeding ground for thousands of migratory shorebirds. The bay’s rich history includes pearling luggers and Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, and today it offers a serene escape for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The iconic Cable Beach is just around the corner, but Roebuck Bay has its own quiet magic, especially at sunset when the water turns to gold.

Highlights & What to See

• Birdwatching at Roebuck Bay – The bay is a Ramsar-listed wetland and a critical stopover for migratory birds from Siberia and Alaska. Bring binoculars to spot sandpipers, curlews, and the rare eastern curlew.
• Staircase to the Moon – From March to October, the full moon rising over the exposed mudflats creates a stunning optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon. The best viewing is from Town Beach or Mangrove Point.
• Mangrove Discovery – Explore the boardwalks and trails through the mangroves at the Broome Bird Observatory or along the bay’s edge, learning about this vital ecosystem and its role in marine life.
• Pearling History – Visit the Broome Historical Museum or take a pearl farm tour to understand how Roebuck Bay was once the heart of the world’s pearling industry, with Japanese, Malay, and Aboriginal divers.
• Sunset at Town Beach – Unlike the touristy Cable Beach, Town Beach offers a local vibe with a playground, picnic tables, and a jetty perfect for watching the sun sink into the bay.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to experience Roebuck Bay’s key attractions. Spend a couple of hours at the Broome Bird Observatory in the morning when birds are most active, then head to Town Beach for lunch and a walk along the shore. If you’re visiting during the Staircase to the Moon season (March–October), plan to stay for the evening – arrive an hour before sunset to secure a good spot and enjoy the spectacle. Combine this with a visit to Broome’s Chinatown for dinner.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cable Beach – Broome’s famous 22-kilometre stretch of white sand, perfect for swimming, camel rides, and sunset drinks.
• Broome Town Centre – Explore the historic Chinatown district with its pearling museums, galleries, and alfresco restaurants.
• Gantheaume Point – A dramatic red-rock cliff with dinosaur footprints visible at low tide, just south of Cable Beach.
• Willie Creek Pearl Farm – Take a tour to see how South Sea pearls are cultivated, set against the backdrop of a pristine tidal creek.
• Horizontal Falls – A thrilling boat ride through the powerful tidal currents of the Kimberley, a day trip from Broome.

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