Things to do in Broome: Tides, Pearls, and the Wild Luxe Frontier of Western Australia

Once upon a tide, it was the pearling industry that placed this far-flung coastal town on the map. Today, Broome’s multicultural heartbeat still pulses with those early connections — Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Filipino — and it plays out through everything from its food to its festivals. A short flight from Perth (or a red-dirt road trip for the committed), Broome is a place ruled by moon phases and monsoons, with a landscape that shifts with the tide and never fails to thrill.

Below, we’ve curated the best things to do in Broome — where to play, where to eat, and where to stay — each worthy of a spot on your Kimberley itinerary.

Things to do in Broome: Play

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Shinju Matsuri – Festival of the Pearl

A kaleidoscope of food, culture and community, Shinju Matsuri returns from August 23rd to September 7th, 2025, more dazzling than ever. Gourmet feasts, cultural tours, art exhibitions and electrifying performances celebrate Broome’s rich multicultural past and luminous pearling history in spectacular fashion.

Saturday August 23rd to Sunday September 7th, 2025

Visit a Pearl Farm

Dive into the legacy that made Broome shine. At Willie Creek Pearl Farm, you can harvest your own pearl, fly over the coast by helicopter, and browse the kind of heirloom-worthy jewellery that tells a story. For something even more immersive, head north to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, a working property run by the pioneering Brown family, where sea safaris, pearl meat tastings and overnight stays turn the ordinary into the unforgettable.

Cygnet Bay Giant Tides Sea Safaris

Mother Nature puts on a show in the Buccaneer Archipelago, and this one’s front row. These sea safaris carry you over giant standing waves, tidal whirlpools, and—on the right day — a waterfall that emerges from the ocean itself.

Mayi Harvests Tours

Led by Djugun Elder Patricia ‘Mamanyjun’ Torres, these Indigenous cultural experiences through Mayi Harvests go beyond the bush tucker tour. Through workshops, storytelling and native food tastings, they open a powerful window into the land’s deep spiritual and ecological knowledge.

Salty Plum Social Small Bar Walking Tour

Bespoke and brilliant, the Salty Plum Social Small Bar Walking Tour is led by Broome locals Chris and Robyn Maher. The tour weaves bar stops with anecdotes, Chinatown history, and the pearling tales that made the town. Sip and stroll with purpose.

Go Mud-Crabbing

Hunt Kimberley mud crab the way the locals do. This five-hour adventure in Roebuck Bay combines a scenic catamaran cruise with lessons in tidal tracking and crustacean chasing — it’s deliciously hands-on.

Visit Broome’s Markets

From the boab-shaded Courthouse Markets (operating from April to October) to the moonlit Staircase Night Markets (held during full moon nights and Thursdays from June to September at Town Beach), Broome’s open-air stalls deliver everything from pearl-shell art and vintage finds to tropical juices and handmade jewellery. Come hungry. Leave happy.

Mabu Buru Tours

Led by Indigenous guides, these deeply rooted tours take you across Yawuru Country to dinosaur footprints, sacred sites, and into the bush for damper, dance and storytelling at sunset. One of the most soulful ways to connect with Broome’s true heart.

Take a Sunset Cruise

Set sail aboard a historic lugger with Willie Pearl Cruises, or indulge in a seven-course seafood feast on Broome Cruises’ Sunset, Seafood and Pearling Cruise, helmed by chef Tony Howell. If you’re lucky, the ocean puts on a show to match the plate.

Broome Astro Tours

Known as Australia’s Space Gandalf, Glenn Quickie delivers intensely practical astronomy guidance in the heart of the Kimberley. His popular Astro Tours are a joyful experience, offering a two 1/2-hour educational and entertaining mind-bender involving giant telescopes, lasers, and fun under some of the best stargazing skies on the planet. It’s one of the most incredible things to do in Broome.  

Quickie runs star shows for the public from April/May to October/November at the Astro Tours dark site, which is an easy 20-minute drive out of Broome. 

Explore Broome’s Spectacular Beaches

Broome’s famed beaches beckon, none more so than Cable Beach at sunset, a serene stretch patrolled by surf lifesavers. It’s ideal for a dip – unless a crocodile sighting prompts closure, that is. Don’t miss the quintessential camel ride along its sands as the sun dips low.

Town Beach offers equally inviting turquoise waters against pink sands, while Roebuck Bay unveils a natural spectacle with turtles, dolphins, and dinosaur footprints, best explored via boat tour with Dinosaur Adventures.

Then there’s Entrance Point, which boasts striking rock formations, a haven for photography and weddings, while Reddell Beach and James Price Point are pristine gems to adorn your Broome itinerary with. 

Horizontal Falls

Set amidst the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago, the Horizontal Falls are a must-see natural wonder. Best viewed from a scenic flight or experienced up close on a thrilling cruise, this phenomenon occurs as seawater rushes through twin peaks, creating a mesmerising waterfall effect. Shifting tides add to the drama, revealing Broome’s unique tidal beauty.

Various tour operators, such as Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures and Kimberley Boat Cruises, offer diverse ways to immerse yourself in this stunning landscape, affectionately known as the “Hairy Horries.”

Gantheaume Point

One of Broome’s most iconic natural landmarks — where red pindan cliffs tumble into turquoise seas. At low tide, spot 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, then dip your toes into Anastasia’s Pool, a natural ocean spa carved into the rock.

Chinatown

Broome’s beating heart — where tin-roofed buildings, pearl boutiques, and the world’s oldest outdoor cinema Sun Pictures meet the red soil streets of yesteryear. Stroll down Streeter’s Jetty, once teeming with pearling luggers.

Staircase to the Moon

Witnessing the Staircase to the Moon is an unforgettable natural marvel worth making the journey to Broome alone. The full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay two to three days a month between March and October and is best witnessed from Town Beach or the Mangrove Hotel Resort, where you can enjoy the spectacle over dinner and a bevy or two.

For 2025 Staircase to the Moon dates, check the website.

Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park

Enter another world through the jaws of a giant saltwater crocodile. Welcome to Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. You’re here for one reason: the famous daily feeding tour. It showcases some of the most giant crocodiles on display in Australia – and it’s a jaw-dropping sight!

A little scared? Fear not, for the park is also home to vibrant birdlife, cassowaries, kangaroos, emus, and more, along with snakes and lizards. Don’t miss the shop museum, showcasing Malcolm Douglas’s remarkable forty-year career in adventure filmmaking.

Broome Road, Roebuck

Things to do in Broome: Dine

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Haven

Haven brings a breath of fresh air to the heart of Chinatown, effortlessly redefining tropical brunch culture with its polished calm and pared-back charm. Tucked inside Paspaley Plaza, the space is all clean lines, sun-drenched corners, and cool minimalism — yet the energy is warm and quietly buzzing. Locals swear by the “half-and-half” breakfast, coconut mango muesli, and Little Owl Coffee, all plated with finesse but never fuss. Just a haven in every sense.

Shop 17/8 Short Street, Broome

Moontide Distillery

As Broome’s only distillery, Moontide Distillery proudly incorporates native and local botanicals into its gins and spirits. Kakadu plum (gubinge) and native lemon myrtle are just some of the unique flavours of the Kimberley used, combined with the purity of the monsoonal rain to create a refreshing backdrop to the tropical climate. While here, enjoy a tour of the distillery, a gin tasting, browse their store, and devour a cheeseboard with a gin paddle.

17 Gwendoline Crossing, Billinngurr

Matso’s

Matso’s, Broome’s only brewery — and the most remote in Australia — is a laid-back local institution. Famous for its ginger beer and tropical-leaning craft brews like mango and chilli beer, it’s where afternoons stretch out on the deck overlooking Roebuck Bay. The food menu leans casual, with grilled barramundi, steak sandwiches and share plates to match. For the whole experience, stay just across the road at Moonlight Bay Suites.

60 Hamersley Street, Broome

Mangrove Hotel 

For a front-row view of Broome’s famous Staircase to the Moon, the Mangrove Hotel delivers in spades. With two standout dining options, it’s as much about the food as the show. The Bay Club offers a breezy tropical setting with grazing plates and cabanas overlooking Roebuck Bay, while Johnny Sausage serves up refined Italian fare. Settle in with a spritz, soak up the view, and let the natural wonder unfold before you.

47 Carnarvon Street, Broome

Papa Fuego

Broome’s dining scene sizzles with Papa Fuego, where the “fuego” in its name brings the heat to its Argentinian parrilla menu. Flame-grilled over WA hardwoods, must-tries include Tira de Asada (crosscut beef short rib) and Cuadril de Cordero (garlic and chipotle lamb rump). Start with empanadas, and finish with churros or flan — unless you opt for the indulgent Feed Me Fuego menu.

2 Louis Street, Broome

Roebuck Bay Hotel

For a taste of Broome’s lively nightlife, head to the iconic Roebuck Bay Hotel — fondly known as ‘The Roey’. Set in the heart of Chinatown, this historic spot delivers an energetic mix of local culture and good times. Think cold drinks, a buzzing bar and bistro, a sports bar, and quality accommodation. The Oasis Bar pulses with live music, while Skylla Lounge keeps the night alive well past midnight. It’s the beating heart of Broome after dark.

26 Dampier Terrace, Broome

Things to do in Broome: Stay

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Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Since the sealing of Cape Leveque Road, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm — just 200 kilometres north of Broome — has become one of the Kimberley’s most accessible and iconic destinations. While renowned for its pioneering pearling legacy, it’s also home to a stunning range of accommodation. Choose from heritage shacks, breezy safari tents or private retreats, all with air-conditioning and ensuites for modern comfort.

Guests can dive into immersive experiences: sea safaris, Indigenous cultural tours, fishing adventures and the extraordinary Shell Island. After a day of exploring, that shimmering infinity pool is exactly where you’ll want to be.

Cygnet Bay, Cape Leveque Road, Broome

Kimberley Quest

Cruising through the Kimberley aboard Kimberley Quest is less a holiday and more a once-in-a-lifetime immersion. Sleek, intimate and wildly scenic, this luxury expedition yacht glides through some of Australia’s most remote and majestic terrain—think soaring cliffs, secret waterfalls, ancient rock art and mangrove-fringed inlets teeming with life. Running from February to October, each journey is curated for adventure and comfort, with seafood so fresh it may have been swimming beside you earlier that day. In short, it’s the Kimberley in cinematic, barefoot-luxury form.

14 Tanami Drive, Broome

The Billi Resort

Step into paradise at the luxurious Billi Resort. Just ten minutes away from Broome and moments from Cable Beach, this secluded escape is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens, raised timber walkways, and tranquil surroundings. The Billi Resort offers premium holiday villas with fully equipped kitchens, outdoor showers, and a private patio with a barbecue. All rooms have access to the gardens and swimming pool.

97 Oryx Road (Lullfitz Drive), Cable Beach

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

As its name suggests, Cable Beach Club sits directly opposite Broome’s most iconic stretch of sand. The accommodation — studios, bungalows, villas and suites — is infused with a blend of colonial and Asian design sensibilities: corrugated iron meets natural timbers, deep hues mirror the Kimberley landscape, and handcrafted touches speak to a time-honoured aesthetic. Beyond the rooms, guests can indulge at the Sunset Bar & Grill — best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand as camels drift past at dusk. With multiple dining options, a serene day spa, inviting pools, and the tranquil Buddha Sanctuary, this internationally acclaimed resort delivers a seamless mix of escapism and refinement.

Cable Beach Road, Broome

Bali Hai Resort and Spa

Drawing on its proximity to Indonesia, the Bali Hai Resort and Spa exudes Balinese style in each of its studios and villas, which have private courtyards and stone and timber details — some even have outdoor bathrooms for tropical bathing. The onsite Bali Hai Cafe serves up Asian-inspired fare, and if you don’t already feel like you have been transported to Bali, the day spa will complete the journey. 

6 Murray Road, Cable Beach

Seashells Broome

Just entering the tropical grounds of the Seashells Broome instantly infiltrates your being with holiday vibes. The self-contained one, two and three-bedroom apartments invite you and your entourage to make yourselves at home before hitting the pool or strolling to the Wharf Restaurant and Cable Beach. With properties across the state, the Seashells group regularly has special offers, especially if you sign up for their rewards program and mobile app.

4-6 Challenor Drive, Cable Beach

Mangrove Hotel

Overlooking the vivid blues of Roebuck Bay, the Mangrove Hotel boasts one of Broome’s most enviable views—and a front-row seat to the ethereal Staircase to the Moon each month. Between live music on Friday nights, sunrise yoga sessions on Saturdays, and culinary indulgences at Johnny Sausage and The Bay Club, there’s plenty to lure you from your sleek, coastal-inspired suite. Equal parts laid-back and luxurious, it’s the kind of place where Broome’s natural beauty meets breezy sophistication.

47 Carnarvon Street, Broome

Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat

Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves at the Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, located 130km south of Broome on Cape Villaret’s pristine coastline. Stay in luxurious oceanfront eco-tents, villas, or beach houses, all designed with sustainable energy and water-saving features. Guests can unwind with a mud bath in the mangroves, enjoy Australian bubbles, or explore the area through activities like fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, yoga, caving, and scenic helicopter flights.

323 Thangoo Station, Great Northern Highway, Broome

Things to do in Broome: How to Get There & Local Transport

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Fly direct to Broome from Perth (and other major cities), or take the slow route by road for a true West Coast pilgrimage. Once on the ground, car hire is a must — Uber and taxis are limited. For unforgettable extras, book a sunset camel tour with Broome Camel Safaris, or a private 4WD journey with InStyle Adventures. Meanwhile, Broome Trike Tours provide thrilling rides around town, including bush tucker tours and crocodile feeding.

Accessible via a short flight from Perth with Qantas or Virgin Australia, Broome is also reachable from other major cities and internationally. For the adventurous, a road trip from Perth offers stops at the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Karijini National Park, and Eighty Mile Beach. Visit between May and October for the dry season, or enjoy stunning thunderstorms from November to March.

Broome is a place of elemental beauty. A land where tides roar, red earth blazes, and history runs deeper than the mangroves. Here, nature doesn’t just frame the experience — it is the experience. And once it gets under your skin, you’ll never quite shake it. Did you love our roundup of the best things to do in Broome? Keep exploring WA and pay a visit to the wine region of Margaret River, take a day trip from Perth, or discover the best of the port city of Bunbury.