Broome Travel Guide 2026: Everything you need to know before you visit
To us, Broome felt completely different from anywhere else in Western Australia. It’s remote, red but tropical, and it’s so much more than just the famous Cable Beach. That’s why we created this Broome Travel Guide; it’s designed to help you plan your days and make sure you have a similar (surprising) experience to the one we had.
Broome is where the outback meets the ocean. Think red cliffs that drop into turquoise water, the famous camel ride along the beach at sunset, tides that move faster than you’ll ever expect, fun 4WD adventures, natural wonders, and a town with a fascinating pearling history that still shapes Broome today.
If you are planning a trip here in 2026, this Broome Travel Guide covers everything you need to know. From where it’s located, to how to get there, the best time to visit, how many days you need, whether you need a 4WD or not, where to stay, where to eat, what to do, what it costs and how to plan your time.
➤ For a quick overview of all the main stops, you can also check out our Broome Map. And if you’re planning your itinerary, our 3 Days in Broome itinerary will help you plan your days without overthinking it.
Where is Broome located?
Broome is located in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia, around 2,200 kilometres north of Perth by road. It’s located on the coast, between the Indian Ocean and Roebuck Bay.
Broome is both a tropical holiday location and the starting (or ending) point of 4WD adventures across the Kimberley. Broome is the gateway to the Campier Peninsula, Derby, the Gibb River Road, and Horizontal Falls.
The town itself is packed with restaurants, cafés, epic breweries, caravan parks, hotels, shops, supermarkets and fuel stations. It has everything to stock up and reset before or after a bigger adventure across the Kimberley.
How to get there?
You can either fly or drive to Broome.
Flying is the easiest option if you are short on time. Broome has an airport close to town, and there are direct seasonal and regular flights from several major Australian cities, depending on the time of year and airline schedules. Perth is the most common connection point, and the flight from Perth to Broome is around 2.5 hours.
Driving to Broome is a completely different experience. From Perth, the drive is roughly 2,200 km depending on your route. It’s not a place you just “pop into”. You make the effort to go there, and mostly it’s part of a bigger road trip through Western Australia.
If you are driving here, great stops are places like Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Exmouth, Karijini, Porth Headland, and 80 Mile Beach. Just to name a few. If you’re coming from the east, you might arrive from Kununurra, the Gibb River Road or Derby.
If you are doing a lap around Australia or a road trip through WA, Broome works really well as a reset point. It’s a place to do some washing, go to the mechanic or fix anything that has rattled loose, restock on food and fuel, and enjoy some proper meals.
Best time to visit Broome?
No Broome travel guide is complete without covering the seasons properly.
The best time to visit Broome is during the Dry Season, which generally runs from May to October. This is when you get warm days, lower humidity, clearer skies and much better conditions for exploring.
Dry & Peak Season
June, July and August are the most popular months. The weather is beautiful, the days are warm without being unbearable, and the nights are comfortable. This is also peak season, so expect higher prices, busy caravan parks, tours and restaurants. Bookings become essential during this time of year.
Shoulder Season
May and September can be excellent shoulder-season months. You still get good weather, a little bit more humid, but less crowds.
Wet season
The wet season runs between November and April. This time of year is hot, humid and unpredictable. It’s not the best time to travel.
If seeing the Staircase to the Moon is high on your list, you need to plan around the full moon and low tide. The phenomenon usually happens between March and October, when the rising full moon reflects across the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. The official 2026 dates are listed by Visit Broome, and the night markets run on selected Staircase evenings at Town Beach.
How many days do I need in Broome?
You can see the main highlights of Broome in three days, but five days is much better.
Three days gives you enough time to visit Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, Town Beach, Chinatown, a pearl experience, Staircase to the moon (if your dates line up) and maybe one bigger tour like Horizontal Falls.
Five days gives you breathing room. You can enjoy the slower pace, spend more time at the beaches, enjoy a sunset without rushing, explore more cafes and restaurants, and add a 4WD trip up the peninsula.
If Broome is a stop on a bigger WA road trip, then 3 to 5 days is a good minimum. If Broome is your main destination, then 5 to 7 days is advised.
➤ We have put together a 3-day in Broome itinerary if you want the planning done for you.
Explore Broome with 2WD vs 4WD
You don’t need a 4WD to enjoy Broome. The main attractions around town are accessible by 2WD such as Chinatown, Town Beach, Simpson Beach, Cable Beach car park, cafes and restaurants and there are plenty of accommodation options.
A 2WD is perfectly fine if you are flying in, hiring a car and sticking to the main town attractions.
With a 4WD, you can drive onto certain beach sections when conditions allow, explore more of the coastal area and make the most of the Dampier Peninsula.
The main thing to remember is that Broome is heavily influenced by tides. Beach driving is not something to take casually here. Always check tide time, follow local signage, avoid driving too close to the waterline and never assume a beach is safe just because others are driving there.
If beaches are a big part of your trip, read our full guide to Broome Beaches before you go. It helps you work out which beaches are best for swimming, sunsets, 4WD access and relaxing.
Broome 4WD hire
If you’re planning your trip, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to hire a 4WD or not.
If you’re flying into Broome and you’re only willing to stay around town, a standard car is enough. But if you already make the effort to fly all the way here, you want to explore beyond the main highlights and do it properly. That’s when a 4WD becomes essential.
Here’s how we think about it:
- 2WD travellers: Town Beach, Simpson Beach, Chinatown, restaurants and tours
- 4WD traveller: If you want to drive on Gantheaume Beach, Cable beach (when they reopen), James Price Point and go camping.
For us, a big part of Broome travel is getting off the beaten path. The moment you leave town and start exploring those red dirt tracks, that’s when Broome becomes magical.
What to look for when hiring a 4WD in Broome?
Make sure you choose:
- A high clearance vehicle
- Recovery gear included
- Tyre pressure gauge and if possible a compressor
- Clear insurance terms for remote travel and beach driving
Always double-check where you’re allowed to drive. Not all rental companies allow travel on the Dampier Peninsula or certain beaches.
We have done the research, and these are our two favourite companies to go with if you’re planning on renting a 4WD for your Broome adventure:
Broome Broome 4WD camper hire
If you want to travel exactly like us, in a Tommy Camper, then Broome Broome 4WD Camper Hire is your go-to.
All star camper hire
The owners of All Star Camper Hire have explored Australia themselves and know the magic lies where the road ends.
A small favour from us to you
We put a lot of time into creating guides like this to help plan your trip. If you end up renting a 4WD with one of these companies, mentioning Bush and Bay goes a long way for us behind the scenes and helps us keep this content free.
Understanding Broome tides
This will make or break your Broome travel experience. And something people truly underestimate when planning their Broom trip.
Broome has one of the largest tidal movements in Australia. We’re talking up to 9 to 10 metres difference between high and low tide. And that affects everything, especially beach access, 4WDing, and even how the beaches look.
At high tide, Simpson Beach is magical. The red sand, the turquoise water, it’s picture perfect. If you go on a low tide (like we did the first time), you mainly see mud flats and you will be disappointed. Luckily we had the time to come back a second time.
Also, if you’re planning on going camping up the Dampier peninsula as part of your Broome travel experience, make sure you set up camp beyond the high tide mark.
Always plan your days and nights around the tides.
Where to stay in Broome?
Broome has a good mix of accommodation. From caravan parks and campgrounds, to resorts, apartments, hotels and holiday homes.
If you want to be close to the famous sunset, Cable Beach is the most popular area to stay. It’s convenient, scenic, and close to several resorts, a great caravan park and cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for more of a holiday feel.
Town Beach is another popular area, especially if you want to be close to town, Staircase to the Moon, the markets, and Roebuck Bay.
For campers and caravanners, Broome can be expensive and busy in peak season. Book ahead if you already know when you’re travelling. Caravan parks fill quickly, especially during school holidays.
➤ If you are spending time in Broome camping, we recommend reading our Camping in Broome guide, which covers the best camping options, caravan parks, and what to know before booking.
Where to eat in Broome?
Broome has some really good food, especially if you know where to go. It’s not the cheapest place to eat out, but there are a few places worth adding to the list.
Johnny Sausage
For dinner, Johnny Sausage is a great option if you feel like Italian-style food and a more ‘fancy’ dinner date.
Matso’s
Matso’s is a Broome classic. It is touristy, yes, but it’s a must-do. They were the first to come up with an alcoholic ginger beer, and you just have to try them at least once in your life. Taco Tuesdays at Matso’s are a fun, easy dinner option, especially if you want something casual after a day of exploring.
Spinifex Brewery
Probably one of the best pizzas we had when travelling in Western Australia. It’s a great place to enjoy a beer, a pizza and watch the camels walk by every day.
Mr Saigon Vietnamese
For lunch, Mr Saigon is a great choice if you like Vietnamese food. It is fresh, simple, and ideal when you want something lighter than a heavy pub meal.
The Green Mango & Haven
For breakfast, the Green Mango and Haven are both worth checking out. They are good options for a slower morning before heading out sightseeing. Short street Cafe is great for takeaway sweets and a coffee, and something easy to grab on the go while you wander around town.
Zookeepers
And if you stay in Cable Beach, go to Zookeepers. I have an extreme weak spot for Cinnamon scrolls, and these guys might have one of the best ones I’ve tried while travelling in Australia.
Just a heads up, these places get really busy in the dry season. If there’s something you’d really want to eat, book ahead where possible. Do not assume you can just walk into every popular restaurant in July and get a table.
Things to do in Broome
Broome has more to do than many people expect. It surely caught us by surprise…
Yes, Cable Beach is probably the most famous part of Broome, but the best Broome trip includes beaches, history, food, tides, viewpoints, cultural experiences and at least one sunset.
➤ For a full list, read our Top 15 things to do in Broome. This guide goes more into detail on each attraction, but here are the main experiences you should have on your radar.
Cable Beach
Probably the most famous place in Broome, and it deserves your attention. The beach is huge, wide and beautiful, especially in the late afternoon when the light softens and the reflection of the water is just next level. Sunset here is a must, you can either watch the camels passing by for that iconic shot, or ride the camels.
Gantheaume Point
Another must visit. At very low tide, you may be able to see dinosaur footprints. The beach is also a great place to spend an afternoon and watch the sunset.
Chinatown
This is where you’ll start to understand Broome’s pearling history. It’s worth wandering around the pearl shops and galleries.
The Broome historical museum
The museum is also worth visiting, especially if you like understanding the places you travel through. Broome has so much history, and the museum gives you useful context around pearling, wartime events, local life and the town’s development.
Horizontal Falls
If you have the budget, Horizontal Falls is one of the biggest bucket-list experiences in Broome. The falls are located in the Buccaneer Archipelago and are not accessible by road, so you need to visit by seaplane, scenic flight or boat-based tour. It’s a unique experience and one of our best memories when we travelled through WA.
➤ You can read more in our full Horizontal Falls Guide
Broome’s Pearl history
You cannot really understand Broome without understanding its Pearl History.
Broome became one of the world’s most important pearling centres, and that history shaped the town’s identity, economy, and multicultural character. People came from many different backgrounds to work in the pearling industry, such as Aboriginal people, Japanese, Malay, Filipino, and European communities.
But it is also important not to romanticise it too much. Pearling was dangerous, physically demanding and often deeply exploitative.Divers worked in extremely difficult conditions, and many lost their lives.
Today, pearls are still a big part of Broome’s identity. You will see pearl showrooms, jewellery stores and tours throughout town. If you are interested, a pearl farm tour can be a good way to learn more about how pearls are grown and why Broome became so famous for them.
Even if you are not planning to buy pearls, learning about the industry gives you a much better understanding of Broome as a place.
Staircase to the moon
Staircase to the Moon is one of Broome’s most famous natural events, and it’s worth planning around if your timing lines up.
It happens when the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of a glowing staircase across the mudflats. It’s simple, but beautiful.
The main viewing area is Town Beach, and this is also where the Staircase to the Moon markets are held on selected dates. The atmosphere is part of the experience, with food stalls, local products and plenty of people gathering before moonrise.
A few tips:
- Arrive early, especially in peak season. It gets busy…
- Check the official times with the visitor centre before you go. Moonrise changes each night.
- Do not expect it to look exactly the same as every photo online. Visibility depends on weather, tides and conditions.
- Bring a camera, but also put it down for a minute and actually watch it.
The Staircase to the Moon usually happens between March and October. Check with Visit Broome and Australia’s North West to find 2026 dates.
Day trips from Broome worth adding to your itinerary
If you have more than a few days in Broome, adding a day trip is one of the best ways to elevate your Broome experience.
Dampier Peninsula
This is hands down one of the best additions to your Broome trip. Red cliffs, remote beaches, turquoise waters and less crowds. You can visit Aboriginal communities, and enjoy remote beach camping. It’s a full-day trip, ideally you stay for 2 to 3 days.
Willie Creek Pearl Farm
You could join a pearl tour in town, but if you have the time, visiting Willie Creek Pearl farm is a great place to dive deeper into the pearl history. You’ll learn how pearls are grown, see the process up close, and understand why Broome became world-famous for them.
James Price Point
Red cliffs, ocean views, and a great free camping spot (when the wind is low). The road can be heavily corrugated, but the views are well worth it.
How much does a Broome Travel trip cost?
Broome is not a cheap destination.
Accommodation will likely be your biggest cost. Caravan parks, hotels and resorts can all get expensive in peak season, and prices often rise during school holidays and other major events.
Eating out also quickly adds up. You can keep costs down by cooking your own meals. If you’re going out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, expect your budget to climb fast.
Tours are also a major expense. Bucket-list experiences like the Horizontal Falls tour can cost a lot. You should calculate a minimum of $1,000 per person, depending on departure point and tour type.
Is Broome worth visiting?
If you’re wondering if Broome is worth visiting, here’s our honest opinion:
Yes, but only if you explore beyond town. Broome itself wasn’t the place that blew us away. Yes, it’s a nice town, but you’ll find something similar in more places in Australia.
The magic here is in watching the sunset at Cable Beach when the camels pass by, understanding the pearl history, free camping at James Price Point, and visiting beaches like Gantheaume Beach and Simpson Beach.
If you rush it, you won’t get the same experience.
What to pack for your Broome trip?
Packing properly will make your Broome travel experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what we found essential:
- Swimmers
- A floatie (essential for Coconut Wells)
- Sunscreen
- A hat
- Lightweight clothing
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Thongs or sandals and closed shoes for exploring
Broome Travel Guide 2026
Broome is not just another beach town. It’s one of the most unique places in Western Australia, and it deserves more than a rushed overnight stop.
Take your time, wander through time, visit the iconic red beaches, watch the sunset and go on a 4WD camping adventure.
Plan you Broome Travel Trip
If this is your first time visiting Broome, start with this Broome travel guide and use our other supporting blogs to plan the details
FAQs about Broome Travel
Is Broome worth visiting?
Yes, Broome is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy a mix of beaches, outback landscapes and unique experiences. What makes Broome travel special is the contrast between red cliffs, turquoise water and the town’s rich pearling history. It’s not a typical beach destination, which is exactly why it stands out.
What is the best time To Travel To Broome?
The best time to travel to Broome is during the dry season, from May to October. You’ll get warm days, lower humidity and better conditions for exploring. June to August is peak season, while May and September offer a good balance between weather and fewer crowds.
How many days do you need in Broome?
You’ll need at least 3 days to see the main highlights, but 5 days is ideal for a more relaxed Broome travel experience. This gives you time to explore the best beaches, sunset spots, and the full camping experience.
Do you need a 4WD in Broome?
You don’t need a 4WD for Broome itself, but it’s highly recommended if you want to explore beyond town. For travellers wanting to visit the Dampier Peninsula or access James Price Point, a 4WD is essential and adds a completely different layer to your Broome travel experience.
The content on Bush and Bay is based on our personal experiences and opinions. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, travel conditions and recommendations may change over time. We do not take responsibility for any decisions or actions made based on our content. Always conduct your own research and consult with professionals where necessary. Bush and Bay may earn a small commission from affiliate links, but this does not influence our reviews or recommendations. We only endorse products and places we have personally tested and believe in.
