Top 15 things to do in Broome

Broome might look like a small coastal town on the map of Western Australia, but once you arrive, you realise it’s just the gateway to something much bigger. When it comes to things to do in Broome, it’s not just about the town itself, it’s about everything that surrounds it. Once you head beyond the township, especially with a 4WD, the real adventure begins.

➤ If you’re planning a trip to Broome, we highly recommend starting with our full Broome Travel Guide to find out the best time to travel, where to stay and how to plan your days.

We spent a good amount of time exploring this part of Western Australia, and it’s one of those places that keeps surprising you. From red cliffs meeting turquoise water to remote communities and bucket list experiences, there are so many things to do in Broome that you could easily stay a week or more and still not see it all.

➤ To make the most of these experiences, use our Broome map to plan your route and avoid unnecessary driving back and forth.

Before you start ticking off all the best things to do in Broome, it’s always worth popping into the Broome Visitor Centre. You’ll get the latest updates on things to do in Broome, current road conditions, tours, experiences and local tips that can really shape your trip.

Best things to do in Broome

1. See the incredible colours of Simpson Beach

One of the more underrated things to do in Broome is visiting Simpson Beach. It’s one of those places that feels almost unreal the first time you see it. The contrast between the deep red cliffs and the bright turquoise ocean is something Western Australia does exceptionally well, but here it really stands out. 

It’s not a crowded spot, which makes it even better. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Broome, this is it! Bring your camera, take your time and just enjoy the stillness. Make sure you time it right and go at high tide.

➤ For more information on when to visit and how tides affect beaches like this, read our guide to Broome’s Beaches.

2. Learn about Broome’s pearling history

When listing the most interesting things to do in Broome, learning about its pearling industry should be high on your list.

Broome’s history is deeply tied to pearling, and you’ll notice it straight away when you walk through Chinatown and along Dampier Terrace. This isn’t just a tourist story, it’s a big part of how the town was built.

You can browse pearl showrooms, visit museums and learn about the multicultural history behind the industry. It’s a mix of Japanese, Malay and European influences, and it gives Broome a really unique identity compared to other coastal towns in Australia.

➤ If you have the time, combine this with a visit to Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay as part of a half-day plan in our 3 Days in Broome travel itinerary.

3. Watch a movie at Sun Pictures Outdoor cinema

Among the most unique things to do in Broome is visiting Sun Pictures Broome. It’s believed to be the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema, dating back to 1913.There aren’t many places left in the world where you can watch a movie under the stars in a heritage-listed cinema.

Deck chairs, warm air, and occasionally flying planes flying overhead as you watch, it is one of those simple but memorable things to do in Broome that you won’t find elsewhere.

4. Grab a drink at Matso’s brewery

No list of things to do in Broome would be complete without a stop at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Matso’s is a bit of an institution in town. It’s famous for creating Australia’s first and original alcoholic ginger beer in 1997, and it’s still one of the best places to sit back for a relaxed afternoon.

The setting is tropical, sitting outside under a giant mango tree, and the food is delicious! It’s one of those relaxed things to do in Broome that just fits into your day naturally.

5. Drive onto Gantheaume Beach (and find dinosaur footprints)

If you’re after slightly more adventurous things to do in Broome, head to Gantheaume Point, just outside town.

At low tide, you can see dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock. It’s one of the more surprising things to do in Broome, and definitely worth timing your visit around the tides.

➤ Also here, tides matter. Check the conditions before you go. Find more details about tides in our Broome Travel Guide.

6. Cable beach sunset with camels

One of the most iconic things to do in Broome is watching the sunset at Cable Beach. You just can’t come to Broome and skip Cable Beach. The sunsets here are genuinely some of the best in Australia. 

You’ll see the iconic camel ride along the shoreline. Whether you ride them or just watch them from the beach, it’s worth being there as the sun sets into the ocean. It’s one of those classic things to do in Broome that lives up to the expectations.

➤ For swimming conditions and where to watch the best sunsets, check our Broome Beaches guide.

7. Float through Coconut wells

For something a bit different, Coconut Wells is one of the more playful things to do in Broome. 

At low tide, walk with your floatie to the rivermouth, and as the tide comes in, float your way back. It’s not your average beach day, it one of those fun, lesser-known things to do in Broome that you’ll probably talk about afterwards. 

➤ This only works at specific tide times. Read all about it in our Broome Beaches guide.

8. Camp at James Price Point

James Price Point is another standout when it comes to scenic things to do in Broome

The drive itself is part of the experience. It’s a long, corrugated drive and one of the more rewarding things to do in Broome if you travel in a 4WD. If you are planning to camp here, we recommend reading our full Camping in Broome guide to find the best camping spots at James Price Point (4WD only).

9. Go Whale Watching

If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in Broome, this one easily makes the list.

Jump on board a small-group eco cruise in Roebuck Bay and spend you morning or sunset on the water. Broome is known as a hotspot for the rare snubfin dolphins, which you won’t find in many other places in the world. At the same time, this coastline becomes a migration highway for humpback whales, with more than 35,000 passing through each year.

It’s one of those things to do in Broome where you don’t just observe nature, you become part of it.

10. Visit Town Beach

Among the more relaxed things to do in Broome, spending time at Town Beach is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. Located along Roebuck Bay, Town Beach has a completely different feel compared to Cable Beach. It’s calmer, more local and tied closely to Broome’s history.

You’ll also find markets here during the dry season, with food stalls, local crafts and a relaxed atmosphere.

11. Watch the staircase to the Moon

At Town Beach, you can watch the famous ‘staircase to the moon’. It’s a natural phenomenon where the rising full moon reflects across the tidal flats, creating an illusion of a staircase. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Broome, and timing your visit with the right dates is worth it. Find 2026 dates here.

12. Visit Lombadina Aboriginal Community

If you’re looking for more meaningful things to do in Broome, spending time at Lombadina Aboriginal Community is a great option. It’s relaxed, culturally rich, and offers a completely different perspective compared to staying in town. Make sure you check access permissions and travel guidelines with the visitor centre before visiting.

13. Visit the Pearl Farm at Cygnet Bay

Another must on your list of things to do in Broome is visiting Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. It’s not just about pearls, it’s also about the unique tidal movements and the gateway to Horizontal Falls. A unique Kimberley setting.

14. Bucket List Experience: Horizontal Falls

When talking about bucket list things to do in Broome, Horizontal Falls stands out.

You’ll enjoy a scenic flight in a seaplane, explore by boat and witness one of nature’s most powerful tidal movements. David Attenborough called it one of the greatest natural wonders, and it genuinely feels that way!

15. Camp at Smithy’s – Cape Leveque Area

To finish off your list of things to do in Broome, head to Smithy’s for a proper off-grid camping experience. 

If you enjoy fishing, remote beaches, and quiet nights by the ocean, this is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Broome.

➤ Before heading there, make sure you read our Camping in Broome Guide.

Best things to do in Broome

Best beaches

• Cable Beach
• Simpson Beach
• Coconut Wells

Best cultural experience

• Pearling history
• Sun pictures
• Aboriginal communities

Best 4WD Adventures

• Dampier Peninsula
• James Price Point
• Cape Leveque

Best tours

• Horizontal Falls
• Whale watching

Planning your trip to Broome?

If you’re planning your trip to Broome, start with our complete Broome Travel Guide, and find more information here:

Things to do in Broome FAQs

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