Overview
About Broome
Broome is a tropical outpost where the red pindan cliffs meet the turquoise Indian Ocean, a place shaped by the lustrous pearl industry and a rich multicultural tapestry. Its relaxed pace belies a history of adventurers, pearl divers, and Indigenous Yawuru custodians. Cable Beach’s 22 kilometres of white sand host unforgettable sunsets, while the town’s Chinatown district hums with pearl showrooms, vibrant markets, and alfresco dining. Beyond the coast, the ancient landscapes of the Kimberley beckon, offering a gateway to rugged gorges, dinosaur footprints, and the mystical Horizontal Falls.
What to see & do
Top attractions
01
Cable BeachFreeKid-friendlyHistoricalNatureActiveScenicUnique
Stretching for 22 kilometers along the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach is a masterpiece of natural theatre where rust-red cliffs dissolve into powdery white sand and turquoise water. Named after the telegraph cable laid between Broome and Java in 1889, this iconic shoreline is best experienced at sunset, when the sky erupts in a riot of tangerine and magenta hues. The beach is famous for its camel trains silhouetted against the dying light—a quintessential Kimberley experience that feels both timeless and cinematic. During the wet season, bioluminescent plankton occasionally transforms the shoreline into a shimmering, electric-blue spectacle. Whether you are wading into the warm shallows, exploring the ancient dinosaur footprints revealed at low tide, or simply reclining beneath a pandanus palm, Cable Beach offers a profound sense of isolation and beauty that defines the Australian frontier.
Logistics
Practical info
Getting there & around
Broome’s compact centre is easily walkable, but a car is recommended for exploring the peninsula and surrounds. Local buses (Broome Transit) connect key areas, while taxis and ride‑share services are readily available. Bicycle hire is popular for the flat, scenic coastal paths.
Food & drink
The culinary scene blends fresh seafood — especially pearl meat and mud crab — with Asian flavours reflecting the town’s Malay, Japanese, and Chinese heritage. Chinatown’s laneways offer everything from fine‑dining pearl‑meat degustations to casual laksa bowls. Sunset drinks at a beachfront bar are a ritual, and the weekly Courthouse Markets showcase local produce, crafts, and street food.
Stay aware
Safety considerations
Broome is generally safe, but visitors should observe standard precautions: protect against intense UV radiation, stay hydrated, and heed crocodile warning signs in tidal creeks and mangroves. Respect sacred Indigenous sites, and always swim at patrolled beaches during stinger season (November–May).