Broome
Town
Population 11547
Broome is distinguished by its pearling history, cosmopolitan character and startling natural assets including white sandy beaches, turquoise water and red soils. The discovery of pearling grounds off the coast in the 1880s led to the foundation of the Broome township in 1883. A melting pot of nationalities flocked to its shores in the hope of making a fortune. Japanese, Malays and Koepangers joined the Aboriginal pearl divers, while the Chinese became the shopkeepers in town. By 1910 Broome was the world's leading pearling centre. In those early, heady days, over 400 pearling luggers operated out of Broome. The industry suffered when world markets collapsed in 1914, but stabilised in the 1970s as cultured-pearl farming developed. Today remnants of Broome's exotic past are everywhere, with the town's multicultural society ensuring a dynamic array of cultural influences. Broome's beaches are ideal for swimming and there is good fishing year-round.
Visitor Information
Cnr Short and Hamersley sts; (08) 9195 2200 or 1800 883 777
In Town
Pearl Luggers Experience Broome's pearling heritage by visiting 2 restored pearling luggers in Chinatown. Tours daily. Dampier Tce; (08) 9192 2059.
Japanese Cemetery The largest Japanese cemetery in Australia contains the graves of over 900 Japanese pearl divers, dating back to 1896. This is a sobering reminder of the perils of the early pearling days when the bends, cyclones and sharks claimed many lives. Cnr Port Dr and Savannah Way.Staircase to the Moon This beautiful optical illusion is caused by a full moon reflecting off the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at extremely low tides. Town Beach; 3 nights monthly from Mar–Oct; check dates and times at visitor centre.Chinatown: an extraordinary mix of colonial and Asian influences, Chinatown was once the bustling hub of Broome where pearl sheds, billiard saloons and Chinese eateries flourished; now it is home to some of the world's finest pearl showrooms. Buildings on Hamersley Street: distinctive Broome-style architecture including the courthouse, made of teak inside and corrugated iron outside; Captain Gregory's House, a classic old pearling master's house, built in 1915, now an art gallery; and Matso's Cafe, once the Union Bank Building. Historical Museum: pearling display and collection of photographs and literature on Broome's past; Robinson St. Bedford Park: war memorial, replica of explorer William Dampier's sea chest and an old train coach; Hamersley St. Shell House: one of the largest shell collections in Australia; Dampier Tce. Sun Pictures: the world's oldest operating outdoor cinema, opened in 1916; Carnarvon St. Sisters of St John of God Convent: built in 1926 by a Japanese shipbuilder using traditional methods that emphasise the external framing of the building; cnr Barker and Weld sts. Deep Water Jetty: good for fishing; Port Dr. Heritage trail: 2 km walk introduces places of interest; contact visitor centre for self-guide pamphlet.
Nearby
Cable Beach With its 22 km of pristine white sands fringing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Every day the beach is washed clean by high tides ranging from 4 m to 10 m. It takes its name from the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889. The $55 million Cable Beach Resort, which fronts onto the beach, is a popular tourist destination. While you're here, why not do that quintessential Broome activity and ride a camel along this famous beach? Contact visitor centre for details. 7 km NW. Gantheaume Point Dinosaur footprints believed to be 130 million years old can be seen at very low tide. A plaster cast of the tracks has been embedded at the top of the cliff. Nearby, view the almost-perfectly round Anastasia’s Pool, built by a lighthouse keeper for his wife. 5 km NE. Crocodile Park: home to some of Australia's biggest crocodiles; Cable Beach Rd; 7 km NW. Reddell Beach: enjoy the dramatic sight of Broome's distinctive red soils, known as 'pindan', meeting white sands and brilliant blue water; 7 km SW. Buccaneer Rock: at entrance to Dampier Creek, this landmark commemorates Captain William Dampier and HMAS Roebuck; 15 km E. Broome Bird Observatory: see some of the 310 species of migratory wader birds that arrive each year from Siberia; 17 km E. Willie Creek Pearl Farm: the Kimberley's only pearl farm open to the public, with daily tours; (08) 9192 0000; 35 km N. Dampier Peninsula: this remote area north of Broome boasts unspoiled coastline (4WD access only). Record-breaking game fish have been caught in the surrounding waters. Charters and tours leave from Dampier. The Sacred Heart Church at Beagle Bay (118 km NE) was built by Pallotine monks in 1917 and boasts a magnificent pearl-shell altar. Lombadina (200 km NE) is a former mission now home to an Aboriginal community that offers sightseeing, fishing and mudcrabbing tours; contact (08) 9192 4936. On the eastern side of the peninsula is Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, the oldest Australian and family-owned pearl farm, which offers 1-hour and 1-day tours; contact (08) 9192 4283. Cape Leveque, at the north of the peninsula, is well known for its pristine beaches and rugged pindan cliffs (220 km NE). Buccaneer Archipelago: in Broome you can arrange scenic flights over this magnificent landscape that stretches north-east of the Dampier Peninsula. Also known as the Thousand Islands, this is a dramatic coastal area of rugged red cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and secluded white sandy beaches. Here you’ll find whirlpools created by massive 11 m tides and the amazing horizontal two-way waterfall of Talbot Bay. Hovercraft Spirit of Broome: tours of Roebuck Bay; details from visitor centre.
Fishing spots near town
Broome 1 km
While pearling in Broome is pushed for its tourism merits, the serious attraction at Broome, at least for anglers, is its fishing. The city sits on Roebuck Bay and has become the hub in the wheel of angler tourism in... Find out moreEco Beach - Fishing Sub-region 44 km
Cyclone Rosita wiped out Eco Beach resort, about 130 km south of Broome, several years ago. It reopened for business in 2009. I fished here before the cyclone with guides Dan O’Sullivan and Greg... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Indigenous tours - Dampier Peninsula 187 km
Swan Point Tag-Along Tours offers half-day tours departing from Kooljaman through spectacular scenic areas off-limits to the general public. The guides provide information about plants, animals and local history, and... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
The Club at Cable Beach Club Resort is Broome’s premier restaurant, with a smart dress code. It’s simply a must, if only to try pearl meat prepared as a ceviche and the fresh seafood, in particular the... Find out more
Although housed in the original feeding house of the Pearl Coast Zoological Gardens, you won’t find animal feed on the menu here. Instead, you’ll enjoy well-prepared tasty dishes to accompany the alfresco... Find out more
The Asian-inspired seafood menu is the perfect accompaniment to the azure sea you’ll be dining beside. Fans claim The Wharf serves the best seafood in town, and the chilli mud crab is a local favourite. Dine... Find out more
Nearby breweries
Campsites around town
Willie Creek camping area 22 km
Bring in drinking water and a stove (there may be fire bans in place) to this small area on the beach. It is a good spot for boating and fishing for self-sufficient campers, but has no facilities. The camping area is... Find out moreBarred Creek camping area 33 km
This is a good spot for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a bit of fishing. There are no facilities, so bring firewood or preferably a gas/fuel stove, and drinking water. The camping area is 9.2 km north of Willie Creek... Find out moreQuondong Point camping area 42 km
A good spot for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a bit of fishing, the track to this camping area is 7.6 km north of Barred Creek. You need to come equipped with drinking water and firewood, or preferably a gas/fuel... Find out moreBarn Hill Beachside Station Stay 50 km
Located 120km south of Broome, ( 95 km south of Roebuck Plains Roadhouse) and 9km off the Great Northern Highway. The park faces the sea, and has become very popular with anglers and others who just want to soak up the... Find out morePrices Point camping area 53 km
No facilities are provided here, so self-sufficient campers might find a secluded spot for a bit of fishing. A gas/fuel stove is preferred and you need to bring drinking water. The camping area is 13.4 km north of the... Find out moreMiddle Lagoon Natures Hideaway camping area 136 km
This camping area is 32 km west along the Cape Leveque Rd, sited in shady native scrub near the foreshore. It has basic facilities and is a good spot for fishing and swimming or just relaxing on the beach. Bring your own... Find out moreLa Djardarr Bay Community camping area 153 km
With basic facilities for campers who enjoy a bit of solitude and fishing, La Djardarr Bay Community camping area is 42 km east of the Broome–Cape Leveque Rd. The small camping area is under the shade of some gum... Find out moreBirdwood Downs Station 176 km
Birdwood Downs Station is north of the Gibb River Rd, 17.6 km east of Derby. The camping area is situated in a nature park setting near the homestead, and is frequented by numerous birds and wildlife. You need to bring a... Find out moreKooljaman camping area 187 km
Kooljaman camping area at Cape Leveque is a multi award-winning Aboriginal-owned wilderness camp, 208 km north of Broome. A beautiful remote paradise, it offers visitors a quiet place to get away... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
This is a very large park, two blocks from the beach. Our experience is that the park has a disastrous reservation system. They do not take bookings in busy times, as they know the park will fill. Unfortunately, this... Find out more
Barn Hill Beachside Station Stay 50 km
Located 95 km south of Roebuck Plains Roadhouse and facing the sea, this park has become very popular with anglers and dog owners. It has some special features including a lawn bowling green. There is limited power to... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
In the middle of town and close to all the action, the Kimberley Klub has all the creature comforts in a relaxed and fun environment. Features include a poolside bar/cafe, book exchange, guest kitchen, laundry, games... Find out more
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the beautifully restored McAlpine House boutique hotel was originally a pearler’s home built in 1910. Personalised service is offered to each of its nine rooms, which can be... Find out more
The Bungalow-Broome is a romantic one-bedroom hideaway in Cable Beach’s residential area. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the air-conditioned bungalow has private decking where you can enjoy the complimentary wine... Find out more
Located in town and designed with family living in mind, the luxurious two-storey, three-bedroom Courthouse B&B offers a choice of indoor and outdoor areas to relax, socialise and work. The hosts’ love of... Find out more
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is the epitome of paradise. Located 220 kilometres north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, access is only available by four-wheel drive or by air. A scenic flight to your remote beach safari... Find out moreEco-friendly places to stay around town
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque 188 km
Aboriginal owned, this resort sits in a sensational spot on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, 220 kilometres from Broome. It offers accommodation from beach shelters with sand floors, to comfortable safari tents with... Find out moreRest areas around town
Goldwire Rest Area 77 km
166 km NE of Sandfire (L) or 120 km SW of Roebuck (R) Large secluded area surrounded by scrub well off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S18 36.232 E121 57.941... Find out moreNillbubbica Rest Area 100 km
72 km E of Roebuck (L) or 60 km W of Willare (R) Large secluded area surrounded by scrub just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S17 39.358 E123 08.039... Find out moreStanley Rest Area 135 km
107 km NE of Sandfire (R) or 179 km SW of Roebuck (L) Large secluded area well off the highway in the scrub. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S19 02.583 E121 39.781... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Courthouse Markets: Hamersley St; Sat and Sun mornings Apr–Oct, Sat only Nov–Mar.
Town Beach Markets: Robinson St; 1st 2 nights of the Staircase to the Moon; check with visitor centre for dates and times.
Race Round: horseracing; June–Aug.
Opera Under the Stars: Aug.
Shinju Matsuri: Festival of the Pearl, recalls Broome's heyday and includes Dragon Boat Regatta; Aug/Sept.
Mango Festival: Nov.
