Western Australia, Australia
Your journey to Broome begins here. Broome is Western Australia's north-western jewel, promising an escape into nature and history.
Broome's position in the Kimberley region shapes its identity. The town hugs Roebuck Bay, a tidal expanse that is not just picturesque but also a RAMSAR wetland. This designation underscores its global significance for migratory shorebirds, drawing birdwatchers from around the world. The Indian Ocean stretches west, giving Broome its famous coastline, including the iconic Cable Beach. East of Broome, the landscape quickly shifts into the rugged, ancient terrain of the Kimberley, a region known for its vastness, gorges, and waterfalls.
Broome serves as the main service and tourism hub for this remote north-west corner of Australia. Roebuck Bay experiences large tidal movements, exposing wide mudflats that become the stage for the natural phenomenon known as the "Staircase to the Moon." The town acts as a departure point for adventures further afield, especially to the Dampier Peninsula. The clear, warm waters off the coast invite swimming and marine exploration during the dry season, while the vast skies present unparalleled stargazing opportunities away from city lights. The red earth and ancient rock formations tell stories stretching back millions of years, visible in places like Gantheaume Point, where dinosaur footprints stay preserved in the reef rock. The flat, expansive plains surrounding Broome gradually open to the dramatic gorges and ranges that make up the Kimberley interior. Broome's air accessibility makes it a popular starting point for visitors keen to explore the broader Kimberley. However, its remoteness means that infrastructure and services can be different from those found in larger cities. Prepare for this by planning transportation, especially if traveling outside the immediate town area. The town relies on its port for many supplies, underscoring its role as a regional center. The distinctive scent of the ocean and the dry, warm air are sensory hallmarks of Broome, rooted in its coastal, tropical location.
Broome's history centers on its pearling industry, a story of wealth, hardship, and cultural fusion. In the late 19th century, the demand for mother-of-pearl shell for buttons and decorative items propelled Broome into global prominence. This boom drew people from across the world, creating a truly multicultural settlement. The pearling industry posed significant dangers. Divers faced risks from sharks, decompression sickness (the "bends"), and cyclones. The Japanese community, in particular, saw heavy losses, reflected in the solemn Japanese Cemetery, the largest outside Japan. This cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind Broome's prosperity. The diverse workforce fostered an unique social fabric. Chinatown, Broome’s historic town center, developed as the commercial and social hub for these diverse communities. Its architecture and street names still echo this rich past, with buildings that housed pearl traders, noodle shops, and lodging houses for the transient population.
Beyond pearling, Broome holds other historical layers. During World War II, its strategic location on Australia's northern coastline made it a target. In March 1942, Japanese forces launched an aerial attack, sinking several flying boats and killing many civilians and military personnel, mainly Dutch refugees fleeing Java. This event deeply impacted the town and is commemorated at the Broome Historical Museum.
The land Broome occupies is traditionally Yawuru country. The Yawuru people have lived here for thousands of years, holding deep cultural connections to the land and sea.
Their knowledge of the tides, seasons, and natural resources forms an ancient layer of Broome's heritage.
Broome’s history is not confined to museums or monuments; it is present in the town’s character.
This gesture indicates respect for the traditional owners of the land.
The annual Shinju Matsuri, or "Festival of the Pearl," commemorates this heritage, honoring the town's pearling pioneers and the diverse communities they created.
The Yawuru people's stories and customs continue as an integral part of the region's identity. Efforts are underway to preserve and share Yawuru language and culture, offering visitors a chance to learn about this ancient heritage.
You see history in the surviving pearl luggers, the architecture of Chinatown, and the multicultural faces of its residents.
Guided tours provide understanding of the town's layered past and its people.
Broome's distinct character comes from its remoteness, its history shaped by diverse communities, and its proximity to an ancient, untamed landscape. It presents an authentic Australian experience, different from the country's major cities. Be ready to be charmed by its unique blend of influences and its stunning natural setting.
Broome is recognized globally for several defining features. Cable Beach, a 22-kilometer stretch of white sand, stays its most famous attraction. Here, camel rides at sunset fashion an enduring image, drawing visitors to witness a spectacular natural light show. The vastness of the beach, coupled with the warm Indian Ocean, offers a pristine environment for relaxation and recreation.
Another geological wonder, Gantheaume Point, showcases dinosaur footprints dating back 130 million years. These ancient tracks, visible only at very low tide, bring a tangible link to a prehistoric world. The dramatic red cliffs contrasting with the turquoise ocean also make it a stunning spot for photography and exploration. Anastasia’s Pool, a rock-hewn bathing pool, contributes another layer of intrigue to this coastal landmark. Broome’s pearling legacy continues to shape its identity. Chinatown, the historic center, hosts numerous pearl showrooms where you can learn about and purchase South Sea pearls, a true regional specialty. Active pearl farms, like Willie Creek Pearl Farm, conduct tours that explain the cultivation process, from oyster to gem. This industry, though transformed, maintains a strong presence in the town's economy and culture. Beyond these icons, Broome operates as a natural tourist hub for the wider Kimberley. It serves as the main base for tours and expeditions into the region's rugged interior. From here, travelers access the Horizontal Falls, an unique tidal phenomenon, or embark on longer journeys along the Gibb River Road. The town holds the necessary infrastructure—accommodation, dining, services—to support these adventures. Life in Broome proceeds at a relaxed pace, typical of a remote, tropical town. The wet season (November to April) presents a different experience: lush landscapes, dramatic thunderstorms, and fewer crowds, though accompanied by high humidity and heat. Regardless of the season, Broome features a blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural richness that makes it a memorable destination.
An iconic sunset spectacle.
Ancient history at Gantheaume Point.
Explore Broome's pearl story in Chinatown.
Broome serves as a base for exploring the rugged Kimberley interior, including the Horizontal Falls and the Gibb River Road.
