If you’re planning a trip to the northwest of Australia and looking for those iconic remote landscapes, Broome is certainly a destination that you should consider.

In this post, you’ll discover all the best things to do in Broome, from its famous red cliffs and turquoise beaches to coffee spots, markets, scenic viewpoints, and adventures that celebrate the wild, rugged, remote beauty of this corner of Western Australia.

But first, you may be sitting there wondering… Of all the epic destinations in Australia, why Broome? And where is Broome?

Broome is a small coastal town on the northwestern edge of Western Australia, sitting between the Indian Ocean and the vast Kimberley outback. It’s located 2,400 miles north of Perth, and it’s about as far from city life as you can get. Broome is a place where fiery red cliffs meet bright blue sea, where camels stroll across the beach at sunset (that viral video might be why you’re here), and where the tides dictate your daily adventures.

Broome is definitely a destination made for travellers who love outdoor adventure, wide-open spaces, and natural beauty that feels untouched. If you’re on a wider Australia road trip, this is an epic spot to pass through on your way from Exmouth or Karijini National Park up to Darwin (or vice versa).

If you’ve heard whispers of the best things to do in Broome, like ‘that beach with camels at sunset’ or the glowing red cliffs that drop into the ocean, chances are you’ve already got an idea of the magic that awaits you here.

This Broome travel guide is your key to exploring it for yourself and planning the adventure of a lifetime.

Getting to Broome

Broome is remote – and that’s part of its charm. The quickest way to get there is to fly into Broome International Airport (BME), which connects with Perth and Darwin and occasionally with Sydney or Melbourne in peak season. The airport is a small one and right in the town, so once you’re there, you don’t have to think about any more long car journeys, simply hop in a short taxi to your accommodation.

If you’re on a road trip through Western Australia, Broome marks the gateway to the Kimberley region, and the drive itself is quite the adventure. The Perth to Broome drive takes around 24-27 hours non-stop, so most travellers break it up with stops at Exmouth, Karijini National Park, and Eighty Mile Beach.

If you’re keen for an epic road trip and want to weigh up different motorhome and campervan options, I’ve got you. Submit your rough dates and locations, and the Ratpack team will provide a free quote and outline your best options!

Once you’re on the ground, having your own vehicle is without a doubt the best way to explore freely – especially if you plan to visit off-grid beaches or go camping around Broome.

See all my Western Australia travel guides here.

• Top tips for travelling in Western Australia
• A 9-day West Coast Australia road trip itinerary: Exmouth to Perth

When is the Best Time to Visit Broome?

Broome has two main seasons: dry (May–October) and wet (November–April). The dry season brings blue skies, cooler nights, and that classic tropical warmth – perfect for beach days, road trips, and outdoor adventures. This is also when you can see the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon.

The wet season is hot, humid, and dramatic, with afternoon storms that make the landscape glow even redder. It’s a quieter, more local time to visit but some tours shut down due to weather. For most travellers, June to August ends up being the sweet spot.

The Best Things to Do in Broome

Below you’ll find my ultimate list of the best things to do in Broome, whether you’re chasing coastline adventures, having laid-back mornings over great coffee, or incredible viewpoints for sunset, it’s all waiting for you!

1. Watch the Staircase to the Moon

This natural phenomenon is one of the most iconic things to witness in Broome. A few nights each month between March and October, the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay, reflecting light that looks like a staircase climbing to the sky. It’s pure magic and such a unique experience in not only Broome but in Australia.

Head to Town Beach for the best view, and time your trip with the Broome Night Markets, which usually pop up on the same evenings. Grab dinner from a local food stall, sip on something cold, and enjoy one of the most unique natural shows on Earth and one of the best things to do in Broome.

2. Go Whale or Snubfin Dolphin Watching

Between June and September, humpback whales migrate through the waters around Broome, and seeing them breach at sunset is, well, as you can imagine… unforgettable.

A sunset whale watching cruise is a great option and one of the best things to do in Broome if you love ocean time.

If you prefer something even rarer, look out for snubfin dolphins, an unusual species found only in this part of the world. Their rounded heads and shy behaviour make them a local treasure and a highlight of any Broome travel guide.

3. Explore Cable Beach + Book A Sunset Camel Ride

No Broome travel guide is going to be complete without mentioning Cable Beach. So here we are. This 22km stretch of white sand is framed by red cliffs and is easily one of the most photogenic places in Australia. Spend the day swimming, picnicking, or driving your 4WD along the sand at sunset.

This is where the camel rides are! Yup the best things to do in Broome you were waiting for!!!

Even if you don’t hop on a camel yourself, it’s so beautiful to watch them stroll past as the sun dips below the horizon. For a drink with a view of the camels, pop into the Cable Beach Club Resort for a sunset cocktail.

4. Discover Gantheaume Point and the Dinosaur Footprints

Just south of Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point is home to stunning red rock formations and 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints revealed at low tide. YOU HEARD RIGHT. It’s mind-blowing to think you’re standing where dinosaurs once walked!

It’s no surprise this made it to the list of best things to do in Broome.

This is also an amazing spot for sunrise photography, a morning exploring the rockpools, and soaking up that dreamy Broome landscape — bright red cliffs, blue sea, and white foam. Bring a picnic and stay for the colours to change with the light.

5. Visit the Markets

If you love browsing local goods, make sure you don’t miss the Courthouse Markets (Saturday and Sunday mornings) for local art, crafts, jewellery, and tropical fruit smoothies. On Staircase to the Moon nights, the Town Beach Night Markets come alive with food trucks, live music, and local makers. A lovely local Broome vibe.

6. Experience the Outdoor Sun Pictures Cinema

Step back in time at Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest operating open-air cinema!! How cool is that.

One of the best things to do in Broome if you’re looking for a relaxing evening is to bring a blanket, grab some popcorn, and watch the latest film under a sky full of stars. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and one of those experiences that sums up Broome’s unique charm.

7. Visit the Mangrove Hotel for a Sunset Drink

The Mangrove Hotel offers one of the best views in town, overlooking the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay. Order a margarita from Johnny Sausage, or dine on some yummy Italian cuisine with a glass of vino and settle in for sundown. Here you can watch the sky explode into pinks and oranges over the mangroves.

8. Enjoy the Best Coffee in Broome

You might not expect great coffee this far north, but trust me – Broome delivers.

• Good Cartel – Drive-through spot serving the best and cheapest flat whites in Broome. No view, but unbeatable coffee.
• Mangrove Hotel (Johnny Sausage kiosk) – Sip your morning brew overlooking Roebuck Bay and the mangroves.
• Haven Café, Chinatown – Cute and cosy, perfect for coffee and cake.
• Zookeepers Café, Cable Beach – Great coffee, even better baked goods, and just a short stroll from the sand.

Wherever you stop, you’ll find that coffee in Broome is all about relaxed vibes and local charm.

9. Take a Pearl Farm Tour

Broome was built on the pearling industry, and a visit to a local pearl farm is a fascinating way to connect with the town’s history. Willie Creek Pearl Farm offers daily tours where you can learn how pearls are grown and even take a scenic helicopter or boat ride over the turquoise creek.

10. Go Camping Around Broome

If you love camping, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Quondong Point, about 45 minutes north of town, is a stunning coastal spot where red cliffs drop straight into the ocean. It’s free camping, right on the beach.

For those with a 4WD, Barred Creek and James Price Point are incredible – wild, remote, and totally off-grid. Just bring plenty of water, fuel, and supplies, and be ready for some of Australia’s most beautiful camping spots.

11. Explore Reddell and Simpsons Beaches

For something a little more hidden, check out Reddell Beach and Simpsons Beach. These are Broome’s lesser-known red-sand beaches, where you’ll find vibrant rock formations, mangroves, and zero crowds. The contrast of the red earth against the blue water is unreal — especially for photographers.

12. Take a Scenic Day Trip to Horizontal Falls

If your budget allows, the Horizontal Falls are a must-see. Located deep in the Kimberley and only accessible by plane or boat, these powerful tidal waterfalls are among the most distinctive natural wonders in Australia. Tours depart from Broome and include scenic flights over the Buccaneer Archipelago – it’s pricey, but absolutely worth it.

Broome might be small, but it’s one of the most unique and visually striking destinations in Australia. Whether you’re here to surf, sip your way through the best coffee in Broome, or camp under Kimberley stars, this coastal outpost has a way of slowing you down and grounding you in nature.

If you’re planning a wider trip, be sure to check out my other guides:

• The best things to do in Exmouth, Western Australia
• Best things to do in Karijini National Park, Western Australia

I hope this Broome travel guide has helped you think about how epic your trip could be and that you leave as obsessed with this wild corner of Western Australia as I am.

Is there anything else you’d add to the best things to do in Broome bucket list?

What are the best things to do in Broome, in your opinion? Anything you’d add to this Broome bucket list? Have any questions or tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

Love as always and happy adventuring… 

Mollie Bylett + Kat

All images in this blog post have been shot and provided by Marine Biologist & Shark Ecologist Kat. You can view Kat’s work here and follow Kat’s adventures on IG here.