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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Western Australia, Australia

Iconic Landmarks

Broome houses several globally recognized landmarks that draw visitors from around the world.

From pristine beaches to ancient footprints, each site tells a story of natural wonder or historical significance.

Iconic Sights

  • Cable Beach: This 22-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand. Internationally renowned for its beauty and camel rides at sunset.
  • Gantheaume Point: A dramatic headland with striking red cliffs meeting the Indian Ocean. Famous for 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, visible at very low tide.
  • Staircase to the Moon: A natural phenomenon 2-3 nights a month (March-October). Moonlight reflecting off Roebuck Bay's mudflats creates an optical illusion.
  • Chinatown: The historic precinct, once Broome's bustling commercial and social heart. Features historic buildings, pearl showrooms, shops, and eateries.

Visitor Tips for Landmarks

Cable Beach & Gantheaume Point

  • Public access points and ample parking exist along Cable Beach. No entry fee.
  • For best camel photos, position yourself in front (at a safe distance) or slightly ahead along the beach against the setting sun.
  • Less crowded times for beach enjoyment appear early mornings or mid-day, outside of sunset hours.
  • Gantheaume Point: Access is free. Consult tide times (Broome Visitor Centre or Tide Charts App) to find visible dinosaur footprints.
  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes when exploring rock formations at Gantheaume Point; rocks might prove slippery.
  • Plan Gantheaume Point visits around a spring low tide (below 0.8 meters) for the best chance to see footprints.

Staircase to the Moon & Chinatown

  • The best viewing location for Staircase to the Moon is Town Beach. Access remains free.
  • Check lunar calendars or the Broome Visitor Centre for precise dates and times. Markets often operate concurrently.
  • Chinatown: Free to explore on foot. Allow several hours to wander, visit shops, and absorb the atmosphere.
  • Join a self-guided walking tour (maps from Visitor Centre) to understand Chinatown's history. Visit pearl showrooms for demonstrations.

Travel Tip: Always check tide charts when planning a visit to Gantheaume Point. The dinosaur footprints appear only at very low tide.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Broome Historical Museum: A comprehensive museum detailed in Broome's pearling, aviation, and social history. Housed in heritage buildings.
  • Pearl Luggers Broome: Features restored pearling luggers and guided tours. Insight into the challenging lives of pearl divers and industry mechanics.
  • Local Galleries: Galleries like Short St Gallery and Broome Gallery present opportunities to appreciate and purchase authentic art.
  • For museum hours and fees, check official websites. Allow 1-2 hours for a museum visit.

Historical Sites

  • Japanese Cemetery:

    This poignant site, the largest Japanese cemetery outside of Japan, marks a memorial to Japanese divers lost in Broome's pearling industry. Over 900 graves, many with distinctive, colorful headstones, offer a powerful reflection on the human cost.

  • Sun Pictures Cinema:

    The world's oldest operating outdoor picture garden, established in 1916. The cinema often shows current release films in a nostalgic setting, with planes flying overhead from the nearby airport.

  • Sammy the Dragon:

    A beloved landmark in Chinatown, representing the Chinese community's history in Broome. A popular photo spot.

  • Old Broome Lockup:

    The original jail, offering a glimpse into Broome's early law and order history.

  • Visitor Information:

    For Sun Pictures, check their website for schedules and ticket prices. Booking tickets in advance during peak season is advised. Arrive early for good seats.

Natural Attractions

Beyond the well-known beach and point, Broome presents a range of natural beauty and wildlife encounters.

Exploring Broome's Nature

  • Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park

    Located just outside Broome. Home to crocodiles (freshwater and saltwater), kangaroos, emus, and other Australian wildlife. Educational feeding shows offer close-up views.

  • Roebuck Bay

    A RAMSAR-listed wetland of international importance, known for vast populations of migratory shorebirds. An important stopover for birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Best viewed from Town Beach, especially at high tide.

  • Broome Bird Observatory

    Approximately 20 km from Broome. This research and education center focuses on Roebuck Bay's diverse birdlife. Offers guided tours, courses, and accommodation for birdwatchers.

  • Other Beaches

    Beyond Cable Beach, Town Beach presents calmer waters (though highly tidal) and excellent views of Roebuck Bay. A pleasant spot for a stroll or a picnic.

  • Visitor Info & Tip

    Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park: An entry fee applies. Check opening hours. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit. For wildlife encounters, visit during feeding times for an engaging experience.

  • Booking Attractions

    Consider GetYourGuide for attraction ticket bookings and tours to various sites around Broome.

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond the main tourist trail to discover Broome's lesser-known but equally captivating spots.

Broome Town Beach

Often overshadowed by Cable Beach, Town Beach offers its own charm. Beautiful views of Roebuck Bay, prime viewing spot for "Staircase to the Moon," playground, and BBQ facilities. A popular local spot.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm

The journey and in-depth tour of this working pearl farm present unique insights into modern pearl cultivation. Located north of Broome (tour or 4WD access). A comprehensive educational experience.

Additional Hidden Gems

Explore beyond the popular spots for unique perspectives on Broome's natural beauty and lesser-known historical sites.

  • Mudflats of Roebuck Bay (by day): Beyond the "Staircase to the Moon," the vast mudflats during low tide reveal a unique ecosystem, home to diverse marine life and migratory birds. Consider guided mudflat walks for an educational experience.
  • Broome Town Oval: A central gathering spot and historical sports ground. Take a moment to view the surrounding heritage buildings and feel the local community spirit.
  • Photography Spots: Beyond Cable Beach sunset, look for unique photography opportunities at Crab Creek Road, offering stunning views of mangroves and the bay at different tides, or the old jetty remnants at Town Beach.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Planning your sightseeing with an eye to both the iconic and the unexpected leads to a comprehensive and rewarding visit to this remarkable Kimberley town.

Utilize local resources like the Broome Visitor Centre for current information on tides, tour availability, and local events. Early planning for popular tours and attractions, notably during peak season, comes highly recommended.

Seasonal Timing

Some attractions like Staircase to the Moon and whale watching appear seasonal. Check specific dates for these events.

Transport

Broome Explorer Bus services areas. Consider car rental for exploring outside the main tourist zones or for greater flexibility.

Local Information

The Broome Visitor Centre offers maps, tour bookings, and expert advice for planning your days.

Further Exploration

Damper Peninsula Access

The Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome, presents further natural and cultural attractions. Access often needs a 4WD vehicle or specific tours.

Find Tours to Dampier Peninsula

Kimberley Adventures

Broome serves as a gateway to the wider Kimberley region, offering opportunities for remote wilderness expeditions and scenic flights over gorges.

Discover Kimberley Tours

Local Events Calendar

Check the local Broome events calendar for festivals, markets, and cultural performances during your visit.

Guided Walking Tours

Several local operators offer guided walking tours focusing on Broome's history, pearling industry, and Chinatown precinct.

Book Broome Walking Tours

Boat Cruises

Enjoy various boat cruises on Roebuck Bay for wildlife spotting, sunset views, or exploring the coastline.

Explore Broome Boat Tours

Attractions Accessibility

Many of Broome's main attractions, including Cable Beach access points and parts of Chinatown, offer reasonable accessibility. However, some natural sites involve uneven terrain.

Accessibility Notes

  • Cable Beach has some accessible matting for wheelchairs during peak season.
  • Gantheaume Point's dinosaur footprints require navigating rocky, uneven terrain at low tide.
  • Broome Explorer Bus offers accessible services.

Photography Tips

Broome presents stunning photographic opportunities. Capture its natural beauty and historical character with these tips.

Best Photo Times

  • Golden Hour: Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point.
  • Staircase to the Moon: Use a tripod for long-exposure shots to capture the full effect.
  • Chinatown: Focus on architectural details and colorful shopfronts.
  • Roebuck Bay: Photograph the vast mudflats at low tide for unique patterns and reflections.

Tide Safety Note

Broome experiences large tidal variations. Always check tide times before visiting coastal areas, specifically Gantheaume Point and Roebuck Bay.

Rapidly incoming tides can present hazards if unaware.

Recommended Tours & Itineraries

Broome's varied attractions lend themselves to structured tours or self-guided itineraries, maximizing your time and experience.

Guided Tour Options

Consider guided tours for convenience, expert commentary, and access to unique experiences.

Popular Tours

  • Cable Beach Camel Rides: Iconic sunset experience. Book via operators or GetYourGuide.
  • Horizontal Falls Tours: Full or half-day scenic flights and boat rides. A premium, bucket-list experience. Book via GetYourGuide.
  • Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour: Educational tour on modern pearl cultivation. Book directly or through Broome Visitor Centre.

Self-Guided Itineraries

Design your own exploration to suit your pace and interests.

Example Itinerary Focuses

  • History & Culture Day: Chinatown (pearling showrooms, museums), Japanese Cemetery, Sun Pictures Cinema.
  • Coastal Wonders Day: Cable Beach (morning stroll, swim), Gantheaume Point (low tide for footprints), Town Beach (Staircase to the Moon view if seasonal).
  • Wildlife & Nature Day: Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, Broome Bird Observatory (if time), Roebuck Bay birdwatching.

Maximize Your Day

Balance your schedule to include varied experiences, from natural beauty to cultural insights.

Daily Flow Suggestions

  • Morning: Explore museums or local markets.
  • Midday: Enjoy lunch at a local cafe.
  • Late Afternoon/Evening: Head to Cable Beach for sunset or a Staircase to the Moon viewing.

Consider transportation options when planning, as distances between attractions can add travel time.

Booking Essentials

Advance booking for popular tours remains important, especially during peak travel periods.

Booking Platforms

  • GetYourGuide: Good for booking tours and attraction tickets in advance.
  • Directly with tour operators: Sometimes offers specific deals or more detailed information.

Always confirm booking details, including meeting points and timings, a day before your activity.

Flexibility & Weather

Broome's weather, notably in the wet season, can influence outdoor plans. Maintain flexibility in your itinerary.

Adaptation Suggestions

  • Have indoor alternatives (museums, galleries, pearl showrooms) for rainy days.
  • Schedule outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons during hotter periods.
  • Pack for varying conditions, including light rain gear and sun protection.

Check local weather forecasts daily to adjust your plans accordingly.

General Recommendations

Maximize Sunset Views

Do not miss a Cable Beach sunset. Whether by camel, car, or on foot, the spectacle remains a Broome must-do.

Embrace Local History

Spend time in Chinatown and visit the museums to immerse yourself in Broome's rich pearling and multicultural past.

Respect Nature

When visiting natural sites, stay on marked paths and respect local wildlife. Heed warnings about tides and local conditions.

Final Sightseeing Advice

Broome provides a wealth of sights. Planning ahead, booking tours through GetYourGuide for convenience, and staying flexible with weather conditions lead to an unforgettable visit.