Lykkers, craving a town where tides climb like stair-steps and sunsets set red cliffs ablaze? Broome on Western Australia’s Kimberley coast blends jaw-dropping nature with a pearling story that still glitters.

Here’s a lean, field-tested guide—what to do, when to go, how much to budget, and simple ways to move around without stress.

Cable Beach

Twenty-two kilometres of white sand and turquoise water make Cable Beach a headline act. Swim between flags (Sep–May lifeguards), try gentle kayak sessions, or just walk the wide tidal flats. Parking is free; shade gazebos near the main access. Budget $0–$10 for snacks, 1–3 hours minimum. Turtle nesting (Oct–Feb): keep distance and avoid lights at night.

Sunset Camels

That iconic silhouette photo? Book a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach. Typical price $45–$100 per person, 45–60 minutes. Platforms ease mounting; guides take photos for you. Wear closed shoes for hot sand and bring a light cover—the seabreeze cools fast after dusk.

Pearl Secrets

Understand Broome through its pearling heritage. Join a Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour: coach transfers, estuary boat ride, seeding demo, and showroom visit. Expect 3–4 hours, ~$99–$130, with multiple departures daily (dry season adds capacity). In Chinatown, free museum-style displays inside showrooms help decode grades, lustre, and size before you browse.

Gantheaume Point

Minutes from town, Gantheaume Point fuses pindan-red rock and electric-blue sea. At very low tide, ancient dinosaur prints are visible on reef rock; otherwise, plaster casts appear atop the cliffs. Plan 45–90 minutes; check tide tables beforehand. Tip: sunrise lighting makes the cliffs glow and the paths cooler.

Staircase Moon

Three nights per month (Mar–Oct most reliable), a rising moon turns Roebuck Bay’s flats into a shimmering “Staircase to the Moon.” Watch from Town Beach terraces. Arrive 60 minutes early to snag a spot; food stalls appear on the first two nights. It’s free—bring a picnic rug and a red-light torch to protect night vision.

Town Beach

By day, Town Beach is a family hub: shaded playground, water park, and long tidal walks. At very low tide, you can view remnants of historic flying boats off the flats. Allow 1–2 hours; check tide times at the kiosk. Nearby Pioneer Cemetery (brief visit) traces early Broome stories.

Sun Pictures

Catch a double feature at Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest open-air cinema still screening. Doors usually open ~18:00; films roll after dark. Typical ticket $16–$22; cushions for hire. Planes sometimes pass overhead—locals applaud. If winds pick up, bring a light jacket.

Whale Watching

From July–September, humpbacks frequent warm Kimberley waters. Operators run 2–3 hour cruises with wildlife commentary. Prices average $95–$140, often including light refreshments and courtesy transfers. Outside whale months, short Roebuck Bay cruises spotlight resident marine life and tidal scenery.

Horizontal Falls

North-east in the Buccaneer Archipelago, fast tides squeeze through twin gaps to form the famed Horizontal Falls. Classic packages pair a seaplane hop with a high-speed boat ride and a calm bay cruise. Count half-day door-to-door, $750–$950. Motion-friendly clothing and secure sunglasses are wise.

Crocodile Park

At the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, daily feeding tours reveal impressive jaws up close in a safe, guided format. Typical entry $38–$45; allow 1.5–2 hours. Transfers available from central Broome for a fee. Keep hands well inside barriers and follow every instruction.

Chinatown Stroll

Broome’s Chinatown blends heritage façades with modern boutiques and eateries. Pop into galleries and pearl showrooms; pause at interpretive signs that chart multicultural roots. It’s walkable from most central stays; allocate 60–90 minutes plus shopping time.

Bird Observatory

On Roebuck Bay’s north shore, the Broome Bird Observatory focuses on migratory shorelife that feeds on rich mudflats. Best months Aug–Oct (northbound return) and Mar–Apr (southbound departure). Day tours usually 2–3 hours, $35–$65; self-guided access by corrugated road (check vehicle suitability) or book a transfer.

Dampier Peninsula

For red-earth tracks and empty beaches, the Dampier Peninsula rewards with cultural tours, coastal viewpoints, and small communities. Most sites require 4WD or guided trips (day tours $220–$350). Respect permit areas, stay on marked roads, and carry extra water. Visitor Centre staff can match tours to your timing.

Courthouse Markets

Weekends bring bustling Courthouse Markets in heritage gardens: handmade fashion, art, homewares, and global street food. Saturdays year-round; Sundays Apr–Oct. Free entry; bring small cash for quick buys. Allow 60–90 minutes, then walk five minutes to Chinatown.

Practical Tips

When to go: Dry season May–Oct = milder days, vibrant skies, peak tours. Wet season Nov–Apr brings heat and humidity; some road closures.

Getting around: Broome is compact; resort shuttles and local taxis fill gaps. Car hire helps for Gantheaume Point and out-of-town sites.

Budgeting: Mid-range rooms $160–$280 per night (dry season higher). Local buses $4–$5 per ride. Sunset camels, whale trips, or Horizontal Falls add to costs—book early in peak months.

Conclusion

Broome shines brightest when you sync plans to tide and moon: a lazy morning swim, a pearl farm by noon, a fiery sunset finale. Which moment would you time your visit for—stair-stepped moonrise, glowing red cliffs, or a quiet tidal walk? Share your window and pace, and a matching day plan can be sketched to fit.