Broome’s Magical & Quirky Attractions
Banner above provided courtesy of Australia’s North West Tourism
If you have decided to cruise the Kimberley Coast there is a fairly good chance Broome will be your embarkation or disembarkation port, and it’s a town you will want to discover what to do in Broome as it’s full of incredible quirky history with so much to see!
Broome is like nowhere else in the world; a town with a point of difference situated on a very small Peninsula in the Kimberley Region, North-Western Australia. This is where one of the world’s last great wildernesses meets the Indian Ocean. Broome’s exotic pearling town past has left a rich history and a distinctive melting pot of wonderful multi-cultural mix of people.
Our pristine waters, wide empty beaches, abundant wildlife, tropical climate and breathtaking colours attract thousands of visitors each year.
If you are wondering about what to do and the weather…there are 2 seasons, wet & dry! The temperatures usually hover around 33 degrees most days give or take though 33 and dry or 33 and humid! During the dry season, it can get “Kimberley-chilly” with temps dipping down to an average 13 degrees Celsius during the evening!
Here’s a little local guide for your perusal. We’ve also divided these things to do into categories: relaxing, nature, food, attractions, must-do, WOW, activities, and cultural.
Broome attraction #1: Horizontal Falls Scenic Flight & Day Cruise
Go Horizontal Falls Tours
For many people spending time in the Kimberley Wilderness is one of the ultimate experiences. The Go Horizontal Falls day tour includes a visit to the world famous Horizontonal Falls via fast boat, with a scenic flight over the Falls as well as scenic flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago. You leave Broome at 8am and return by 5pm, suitable for all ages (over 3yo).
More info at: Go Horizontal Falls Tours
Broome attraction #2: Riddell Beach
Not as well known as Cable Beach and a little tricker to find, however, it’s worth the pindan (red dirt) track! This Broome beach oozes charm and has incredible rock formations, definitely worth packing an esky and heading here for a sundowner!
More info at: Beachsafe Broome
Broome attraction #3: Visit Dinosaur Footprints
Palaeontologists have recently uncovered even more dinosaur footprints in Broome – the largest in the world. Come and visit before the rest of the word finds out!
More info at: Dinosaur Coast
Broome attraction #4: Go fishing
The waters off the coast of Broome are ripe for fishing, particularly in the stunning Roebuck Bay where you can try your hand at catching Barramundi, Mangrove Jack or Threadfin salmon. You can choose to hire your own boat, fish off the beach or let the professionals take care of you on a fishing charter.
More info at: Visit Broome
Broome attraction #5: See Staircase to the Moon
A rare phenomenon occurring from March to October on specific dates over Roebuck Bay when the moon rises over exposed mudflats at extremely low tide creating a magical vista. Worth coordinating your dates in Broome to see this!
More info at: Australia’s North West
Broome attraction #6: Rent a brolly at Cable Beach
What a relaxing thing to do on one of Australia’s most famous beaches. A comfy sun lounger under the shade of an umbrella with arguably one of the best beaches in Australia! If you are feeling active your can hire SUP’s, Kayaks and more!
More info at: Australia’s NorthWest
Broome attraction #7: Discover the glorious colours at Gantheaume Point
Source: https://www.kimberleywa.com/broome/dinosaur_footprints
Red rocks and the aqua blue water of the ocean – no trip to Broome is complete without a wander down to Ganethaum point. (Which is right at the end of Cable Beach). The spectacular views from the cliff section of Gantheaume Point is reached by a short stretch of unsealed road. There you will find parking and an interpretive signage centre which showcases the history of the area. At high tide you will find locals jumping from the rocks into the sparkling waters, or maybe someone throwing over a lazy line in great anticipation for bite for the fish that swim below.
More info at: Australia’s Northwest
Broome attraction #8: Watch a movie in the oldest operating outdoor picture theatre in the world!
Source: A Taste of Travel Blog
Sun Pictures is a Broome icon, steeped in history. Relax in deck chairs under the stars as you soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some piping hot popcorn.
More info at: Australia’s NorthWest
Broome attraction #9: Learn about Broome’s amazing history at the Broome Historical Museum
Run by volunteers this cute little building is full to the brim with artefacts, photographs, and loads of Broome pearling memorabilia.
More info at: Broome Historical Society & Museum
Broome attraction #10: Buddha Sanctuary
A stunning ornamental garden where guests can meditate, reflect, practice yoga and just relax. Meet the 3.5 Metre Crystal Sitting Buddha who oozes grandeur and proudly promotes wellness and healing.
More info at: Cable Beach Club
Broome attraction #11: Visit the cemetery
The Japanese Cemetery in Broome pays homage to the hundreds of Japanese Pearl Divers who lost their lives to the bends (divers paralysis) and to cyclones at sea. See more than 700 grave sites. A quiet atmosphere of remembrance and tranquillity.
More info at: Trip Advisor
Broome attraction #12: Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park
Discover this adventurer’s Wilderness Park as you enter through a giant saltwater crocodile head! From crocs to dingoes, bilbies, kangaroo’s, snakes and lizards – there is something for the entire family. The shop showcases some amazing vintage footage of Malcolm’s adventuring films.
Broome attraction #13: Meet the legendary Space Gandalf!
Now world famous, “Space Gandalf” aka Greg Quicke is your master in charge of Astronomy on a 2-hour tour full of planets, big telescopes and quite a few yarns about all things in the planetary universe!
More info at: Visit Broome
Broome attraction #14: Visit the Broome Courthouse Markets
Every Saturday morning (check times for Thursday evenings and Sundays), there’s a great colourful vibe at the Courthouse markets. Soak up the local arts and crafts, inhale the gastronomic delights from the multitude of food vans and wander around meeting the local characters of Broome.
More info at: Broome Courthouse Markets
Broome attraction #15: Relax at Bali Hai Spa
One of our favourite spa’s in Broome town, the Traditional Balinese village treatment recipes will give you the feeling you are surrounded by the lush rice terraces and the tropical rainforests of Bali. You will emerge from your treatment in a state of peace and tranquillity after your physical and spiritual experience.
Broome attraction #16: Participate in a cultural tour with Bart Pigram
Bart Pigram is a Yawuru man from the West Kimberley region of northwest Australia. Born and bred in Broome Bart has a passion for telling the complete story of life in Broome. Drawing on knowledge gained from living a saltwater lifestyle as well as professional training as a curator Bart started Narlijia Tours in 2015. Narlijia means ‘true for you’ in the Yawuru (Australian Aboriginal) language reflecting Bart’s wish to tell the ‘entire’ story sharing his Aboriginal and multicultural perspective first hand.
More info at: Narlijia Tours
Broome attraction #17: Go to the Crab Races
Try your luck at Broome’s Crazy Crab Races every Sunday. Join your crabby compere, Rabbit, and his crabby critters for the Crazy Crab Races. Fun for all the family whilst helping out local charities and organisations.
More info at: Divers Tavern
Broome attraction #18: Back a winner at the Broome Turf Club
Today the Broome Turf Club has transformed from its rustic ‘pindan’ roots into a relaxing, shady oasis. A day at the Broome races is an experience unlike most others and one that many international tourists seek to repeat. A highlight of the tourism calendar in Broome, it is a place where members of the multi-cultural community mingle with visitors from far and wide and was recently by punters.com.au in their top 10 Stunning Racetracks You Have to See Before You Die!
More info at: Broome Turf Club
Broome attraction #19: Visit some of Broome’s Amazing Galleries
You will find some amazing, talented artists and galleries around Broome. From Sobrane’s amazing wall art and outdoor “birds” around town to the vibrant quintessential Broome colours of James Down’s canvases, Yane’s photographic masterpieces, Suzy French’s incredible landscapes and incredible Indigenous Art available from Short St Gallery…you are bound to find something that you love
More info at: Visit Broome
Broome attraction #20: It’s all about the old Pearling days
Broome is all about the Pearl, once the largest Pearling Port in the world, Broome’s history is steeped in stories of luggers, skulduggery, pearl diving and the infamous pearl masters of Broome. You can visit pearl farms, buy pearls and visit the Pearl Lugger museum to discover Broome’s culturally rich and entertaining pearling past.
More info at: Australia’s NorthWest: Pearls and Pearling
Broome attraction #21: Book in for a taste of Broome
If you are town don’t miss this remarkable homage to Broome, it’s history and culture. A Taste of Broome is a unique music and picture show with cuisine experiences created around the distinctive Indigenous culture within Broome’s multicultural community. The event showcases music, media, dance, food, arts and crafts, tradition and heritage.
More info at: Australia’s NorthWest