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Broome

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Pearl Coast Sunsets and Red Earth

Broome sits on Australia’s northwest coast where red earth meets turquoise waters. The town grew around pearling in the late 1800s, leaving a legacy of multicultural influences seen in its markets and food stalls. Today you can walk along historic streets lined with old buildings while listening to stories told by local guides. Nearby beaches stretch for miles, offering quiet spots away from crowds. The sky often glows orange at sunset over the Indian Ocean, creating calm evenings that feel far removed from city life.

Town in Australia
Climate zone: Hot steppe

Hot steppe: Semi-arid climates bordering hot deserts, with hot summers, limited rainfall and short grasses or shrubs dominating vegetation.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
See price details
Safety: 6.7
General Safety:7
Health & medical:6
Accessibility:6
Tap water:7
Read details
Tourist English: 5/5
English is universally spoken in Broome, with all tourism services, signage, and menus in English. Communication is easy for international visitors, and staff are used to helping travelers from around the world.
Last update: 24 Oct 2026
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Broome Summary

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Great for tropical beaches and outback scenery. Ride camels along sunset beaches, explore red cliffs, watch pearl diving heritage and take scenic coastal flights.
Place score
6.8
Best at:
Sea
9
Beaches
9
Fishing
9
Birdwatching
9
Natural sites
8
Personal score
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Suited for
👶 7
Families
🧓 6
Seniors
❤️ 8
Couples
🛡️ 7
Travel Beginners
Australia – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type I
Type I:
Diagram of a Type I power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
£1 ≈ A$1.89
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted, even in rural areas. Digital wallets are commonly used.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. Rounding up or 10% is appreciated in high-end restaurants.
Public drinking: Public drinking is regulated and often prohibited, except in designated areas.
Public smoking: Smoking is banned in public indoor spaces and most outdoor public areas.
Australia Day
(January)
Public events and celebrations occur nationwide.
ANZAC Day
(April)
Commemorations and closures happen.
Christmas
(December)
Festive events and closures occur.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, 13cabs, Ola
Other: Australia's vast size requires careful planning for travel between regions. Be aware of wildlife and sun exposure.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Broome, Australia
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High season: May - Sep.
Shoulder season: April, Oct.
Crowdedness: 6 (Many tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Wet season November to April with cyclone risk, many tours and outback roads close
Stinger season roughly November to May, swim only in stinger-protected areas
Staircase to the Moon: full-moon moonrise over the mudflats, March to October

Why travel to Broome?

Broome is a feast for the senses. Stroll along the 22-kilometre stretch of Cable Beach, ride camels at sunset or hunt for 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point. The town’s multicultural roots shine in its bustling Chinatown, pearl boutiques and the vibrant Shinju Matsuri festival. Nature lovers will be awed by the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomenon at Roebuck Bay, while foodies can indulge in fresh local seafood and tropical flavors. Aboriginal-led tours offer a unique window into Yawuru culture and saltwater traditions. But Broome isn’t without its quirks. The climate swings between a hot, dry season (May–October, perfect for beach days) and a humid, stormy wet season (November–April), when cyclones and heavy rains can disrupt travel. Some roads may be impassable in the wet and stingers (marine jellyfish) can be a risk in the ocean from November to April. The town is remote – flights are the main way in and out – and services can be limited, so book ahead in high season. Still, Broome’s blend of wild beauty, fascinating history and laid-back charm makes it one of Australia’s most memorable destinations.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Broome Historical Museum
  • 2 Japanese Cemetery
  • 3 Gantheaume Point
  • 4 Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
  • 5 Chinatown
  • 6 Sun Pictures
  • 7 Roebuck Bay
  • 8 Willie Creek Pearl Farm
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre
  • 2 Pearl Luggers
  • 3 Streeter's Jetty
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Gantheaume Point
  • 2 Cable Beach
  • 3 Roebuck Bay
  • 4 Willie Creek
  • 5 Broome Bird Observatory
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Courthouse Markets
🎈Events
  • Shinju Matsuri Festival (Aug–Sep)
  • Staircase to the Moon (Mar–Oct, full moon)
  • Broome Races (winter)
  • Courthouse Markets (weekends)
  • Opera Under the Stars

Knowledge before you go

  • Time Cable Beach sunset. Camels and cliffs create iconic scenes.
  • Hunt dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point only at low tide.
  • Catch Staircase to the Moon phenomenon from March to October full moons.
  • Visit Sun Pictures cinema, world's oldest outdoor picture garden in Chinatown.

How to travel to Broome

Broome International Airport is less than a kilometer from the town center, with direct flights from major Australian cities (or via Perth). Most visitors fly in, though adventurous road-trippers can drive the long, scenic route from Perth or Darwin. Airport transfers, taxis and car rentals are readily available.

Access summary

  • From Broome International Airport (BME): 5–10 min by taxi or shuttle.
  • From Perth: Direct flights about 2.5–3 hours into Broome.
  • From Darwin: Seasonal/direct flights around 1.5–2 hours to Broome.

Where to stay in Broome

Broome has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury resorts and eco-retreats to motels, caravan parks and backpacker hostels. Most places are clustered near Cable Beach or the town center. Book early in the dry season, as the best spots fill quickly. Camping is available but limited in town.

How to get around Broome

Broome is compact and easy to explore by car, bike or on foot in the town center. Public buses, taxis and car hire are available and most hotels offer airport transfers. There’s a local bus service running to major attractions and many tours include pickup. Some sites, like Gantheaume Point, are best reached by car or bike.
Budget snapshot
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Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-2 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to AUD) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety
7
Broome is very safe, with low crime rates. The main risks are sunburn, dehydration, marine stingers (Nov–Apr) and cyclones in the wet season. Always check local advice before swimming and heed weather warnings.
Health & Medical
6
Good medical care is available, but the town is remote. Bring any personal medications. Drink plenty of water, use sun protection and be aware of stingers and heat stress, especially in the wet season.
Accessi­bility
6
Most main attractions, hotels and restaurants are accessible, but some natural sites (like Gantheaume Point) involve uneven ground. The town is flat and easy to get around, with accessible public transport options.
Tap water
7
Tap water in Broome is safe to drink and widely available. Bring a reusable bottle and stay hydrated, especially in the heat.

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