The Top Things to do in Broome

Location: Cable Beach, Broome

“Postcard-perfect.” “Unforgettable”. “No words to describe its beauty”. These are just some of the terms used to describe Broome's Cable Beach uttered by first-time visitors witnessing one of its fabled sunsets, and upon stepping upon its shores at just the right time of the day and the year, it isn't hard to see why.

Although increasingly gaining an added degree of national and worldwide exposure due to publicity received on the Internet, Cable Beach – located just a short walk from the town of Broome itself – remains a basically untouched stretch of shoreline that is especially famous for one particular reason – its Indian Ocean-facing sunsets.

Stretching over 22 kilometres and featuring wonderfully white sands and warm, crystal-clear waters, Cable Beach has long been the focal point of many a balmy tropical night for both locals and visitors alike to Broome for this very reason.

Unlike many other of the most famous beaches in Australia, Broome's location on the west coast gives its sunsets much more of a scarlet-orange glow, with the sun appearing as a bright red ball in the sky. As if the standard sight of the sunset itself was not enough, adding to this sense of wonder is its annual “Staircase to the Moon” phenomenon – an optical illusion that typically occurs during the period between March and October.

“Postcard-perfect.” “Unforgettable”. “No words to describe its beauty”. These are just some of the terms used to describe Broome's Cable Beach.

Caused by clear skies combining with lower tides that expose the mud flats of the bay in which it lies, the sun's reflection forms a perfect “line” that seemingly leads directly towards the full moon itself. This is a sight that looks simply surreal, and as such it's made Cable Beach one of the most-photographed spots in Australia and the subject of popular works from many a skilled photographer.

The locals of Broome are obviously aware of the beach's beauty as well, as two of the most popular ways to take advantage of the sunsets are provided by both its iconic sunset camel rides (mentioned above), and its charming “Sunset Bar” that allows visitors to kick back and enjoy a drink as they admire the view of the glowing orb descending over the water.

During non-sunset times Cable Beach likewise remains a wonderful natural attraction, as its long, flat stretches of sand and gentle waves offer the perfect change to cool off during the day. Conditions here are great for a swim, although during the November – March period care must be taken as the deadly box jellyfish can sometimes be found in the waters offshore.

Getting to the beach on foot is easy, while driving on its sand in a 4WD vehicle from its adjacent carpark is also allowed and allows for both further exploration of the beach, or the chance to bring your own equipment to enjoy a picnic. In addition, Cable Beach is also famed for its rather large (optional) nudist area – so feel free to indulge if that's your thing, and take care to avoid if it's not!

When all is said and done, however, it's Cable Beach's evening spectacle that is the true show-stealer however, and its combination of unforgettable colour and sun-meets-moon beauty that leads to it being one of Australia's true must-visit destinations in one's lifetime, and thus our choice for the Top Thing to do in Broome.

Location: 158 Reid Rd, Cable Beach

Broome's coastal location has played a large role throughout its history in both the town's establishment and continued development as a sightseeing destination, with its famously beautiful turquoise waters offering plenty of chances for exploration of both marine life and interesting rock formations for which the region is famous.

Getting out and enjoying this alternative viewpoint of Broome's surrounds is made both easy and fun on a tour with the Broome Adventure Company, who offer kayaking tours for travellers looking for a firsthand look at the renowned blend of bird and marine life that call this part of Australia home.

Featuring dual kayaks that are designed for a combination of teamwork and stable paddling, this allows even first-timers to get out on the water and access some of the more remote beaches and bays of the greater Broome area.

The ease of controlling kayaks means all ages can participate, and it makes for a great way for non-swimmers who may be hesitant in the water to do some quality marine-based sightseeing. The waters of this area are not only famed for their beauty and clarity, but the variety of marine life found with in is a major drawcard.

Kayaking tours offer a firsthand look at the renowned blend of bird and marine life that call this part of Australia home. Encounter manta rays, dolphins and iconic sea turtles.

A kayaking tour will present participants with the opportunity to encounter the likes of manta rays, dolphins and the iconic sea turtles that are a staple of promotional imagery of the Broome region. Breaching whales can also sometimes be spotted during their annual migratory period, adding to the potential spectacles on offer.

Kayaking tours here focus on the stony coastline off Broome's Gantheaume Point, and the various rocky outcroppings encountered along the way are a sight to behold in and of themselves – the Kimberley region's rocks boast famously bright red-orange colours which contrast brilliantly with the colour of the surrounding waters.

Along the way, the famously friendly and knowledgeable guides will provide you with plenty of information about the region and sea life throughout, and their familiarity with the local area means you'll be able to visit a variety of secluded little beaches and coves that the average tourist to Broome – and even some locals – likely wouldn't know existed.

Typically conducted in the afternoon, these kayaking tours come with the added bonus of being able to soak in one of the spectacular sunsets that Broome boasts entirely from the water, which makes for quite the spectacle. It's a relaxed rather than go-go way to experience the region that provides a dose of fresh air and exercise to boot that requires no prior experience to enjoy, although you'll want to bring plenty of sun protection (slip, slop, slap people!) as there is little to no shade throughout. Peaceful, serene and unfiltered natural surrounds make for an easy to recommend adventure overall.

Location: 67 Robinson St, Broome

Broome has quite a mixed and interesting history that sets it apart from many other towns and cities around Australia, with a variety of different influences that have combined to make the town and its surrounds what they are today.

You can find one of the most comprehensive visual displays of this past at the Broome Historical Museum that is a living slice of history in and of itself.

it's a reminder of early building styles dating back to this time period, and sets the scene appropriately for what is contained within.

Situated near the Broome town beach, while the size of the Broome Museum is relatively small, the sheer quantity and uniqueness of many of the exhibits contained within offers plenty to keep you occupied, and it serves as a great attraction to visit on your first day in Broome that helps provide additional context to some of the things you'll be seeing during the rest of your stay.

The layout of the museum is separated out into different rooms that each have their own story to be read, and a number of significant events and factors in Broome's history are covered in detail here – the bombing of Broome during World War 2 by the Japanese (a fact that is little-known to many) is documented thoroughly, while elsewhere the museum contains a veritable goldmine of interesting artefacts, photos and stories that are all well curated.

While the size of the Broome Museum is relatively small, the sheer quantity and uniqueness of many of the exhibits contained within offers plenty to keep you occupied.

While the Broome Museum doesn't have the prim-and-proper atmosphere or layout of larger museums, the amount of information on offer and their specificness to Broome add their own sense of charm and ensure that there's going to be something new to learn for all ages.

Broome's pearling history and the role this industry has played in the town's history and establishment are well-documented, with stories of what the (often Aboriginal) original divers suffered through to obtain these natural jewels and help to make a living quite shocking in some cases.

Another highlight is a video documentary showcasing the operators of the local Broome telephone exchange that manages to be both informative and humourous at the same time, as well as an intriguing story about a diamond heist conducted via a Dutch airplane. In all, you can expect to spend over 2 hours here if you're willing to take a proper look at everything – the size of the facility can be deceiving in this regard, so if you're in a hurry you may not have time to see it all in full.

Capable volunteers who know Broome's history like the back of their hand staff the facility, so if you've got a question about any aspect or one of the items on display they are happy to oblige with detailed answers. The museum itself also has a pleasant yard to relax in surrounded by Boab trees characteristic of the region that provide some nice shade to relax in and enjoy some refreshment in the warmer months.

Lastly, minimal pricing (adults are $5, kids 12 to 17 are $1 and ages under 12 years can enter for free) make the Broome Museum one of the most budget-friendly ways to spend a couple of hours in the Broome region – if you're a history buff, be sure to include a stop here on your itinerary.

Location: Gus Winckel Road, Broome

Western Australia's expansive size as the largest state in what is already a massive country can make things difficult when it comes to taking in as much of its diverse scenery as possible. Scenic flights can help alleviate this somewhat, providing not only faster transportation but the ability to take in panoramic views of a far greater area from high above.

It's here that local operator Kimberley Air Tours comes in, offering a range of air safaris that whisk guests away to see some of the region's key highlights. Utilising light aircraft ideal for this kind of exploratory tour and landings that don't require a full-sized airport, various regional landmarks – such as the iconic Horizontal Waterfalls, vivid colours of Cape Leveque, variety of local islands and more all become reachable within a feasible amount of time while providing incredible aerial photo opportunities along the way.

The rugged shapes of Broome and the Kimberley's impressive coastline take on a whole new aspect when viewed from the air, and the itineraries on offer here allow visitors to land and explore various key spots on foot, or even with a dip in the water, for a combined air/land/sea adventure that makes for a true “safari”.

While many people may feel nervous about boarding a light aircraft, Kimberley Air Tours obviously takes their safety seriously, and the series of pre-flight safety checks piped through the passenger headsets go a long way towards alleviating any fears that first-time flyers may have. Professionalism and friendliness of staff and pilots add to creating a nerve-free environment, so simply sitting back and enjoying the incredible WA landscape views can be the main focus.

The rugged shapes of Broome and the Kimberley's impressive coastline take on a whole new aspect when viewed from the air on a Kimberley scenic flight.

Regardless of your choice of flight itineraries, the trips involve landings on tiny dirt strips are expertly done and surprisingly smooth – indicative of the experience that their pilots have. Exactly what your day will entail will depend on which tour you select – you can choose to visit the spectacular islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago with their vivid waters and enjoy a swim in the characteristically-warm waters of the Indian Ocean, land for a tasty breakfast at the rugged Cape Leveque, get a dose of pearling history at Cygnet Bay, or do a combination thereof.

The undoubted highlight are the Horizontal Falls, however – created by the rush of tidal waters squeezing their way through a small gap between two land masses, the surprising power of the water is impressive to witness firsthand.

An array of inclusions and thoughtful additions round out the experience, such as large windows offering an optimal viewing angle, quality headsets to hear pilot commentary and communicate with one another, complimentary pickups and more.

Full day tours are available that start early (approximately 6:30am) and provide a comprehensive overview of the region, and while prices for scenic flights can be more expensive than standard land-based day tours, the combination of the amount of sights covered, unmatched views and great all-round service provided here makes the investment well worth it.

Location: 24km from Broome

The landscape isn't the only major highlight of the greater Broome area, as its array of distinct wildlife on both land and sea is equally impressive. The Kimberley region boasts over 300 species of birds as a whole, including an array of colourful parrots, cockatoos and galahs which can reach relatively large sizes for bird life.

If you've got an interest in all things avian, be sure to pay a visit to the Broome Bird Observatory during your visit, as it's one of the best overall showcases of winged creatures not only in this region but Australia as a whole.

Located on the shoes of Roebuck Bay, the Broome Bird Observatory is dedicated to the conservation of its vast number of shorebirds – the largest of any location on the planet, with numbers approaching 150,000 annual avian visitors in total.

The Bird Observatory is an expansive whole that's divided up into several subsections, each highlighting a different aspect of both the environment and the bird kingdom. Perhaps the most renowned of these is the main shoreline area at Roebuck Bay that is brimming with bird roosting sites as the birds come to shore while looking to escape from the incoming tide.

The Broome Bird Observatory is one of the best overall showcases of winged creatures not only in this region but Australia as a whole.

This proximity to the shore makes for easy viewing and access, giving you the chance to get up close with the multitudes of seabirds and learn about what differentiates one species from the next. While some of these birds are native, many of them make amazing journeys across vast distances each year to this part of the Kimberley to roost, and discovering details about their life cycle can be highly interesting.

Other areas involve different ecosystems altogether, with the Bush and Plains sections a veritable showcase of salt flats and grasslands or wetlands depending on the season, while a number of sections covered by mangroves where rare species of birds intermingle with creatures such as crabs and other appropriate varieties of wildlife.

Birds thus aren't the only animal here, so if you're a wildilfe enthusiast you'll also be able to encounter frogs, wallabies and other land-based life although birds remain the obvious focus here. A lot of credit needs to be given to the volunteer staff who maintain the Observatory, as their passion for – and knowledge of – the ecology behind such a locale is impressive. In addition, while there's no entrance fee, donations that go towards the continued maintenance and running of the Observatory are requested.

Getting to the Broome Bird Observatory can sometimes be a challenge as it's accessible via a corrugated road that makes driving 2-wheeled vehicles possible but only during dry periods. Once there, however you'll have the option to stay either via camping or in basic accommodation that has all the necessary facilities you'll need to cook, clean and wash.

Guided tours are also available at an extra charge that will take you around for a more detailed look at the birds and their habits. In all, the Broome Bird Observatory allows you to get a dose of wildlife while going truly “off the beaten track” that's completely different to your average, sterile “stare-at-animals-in-cages” zoo experience, and the sheer diversity of birds on display here makes it a must-visit for bird watching enthusiasts and wildlife lovers in general.

Location: 27 Carnarvon St, Broome

Broome's weather is a large contributing factor to making the town such a popular getaway spot, particularly during its long dry season when it's nearly picture-perfect: pleasant blue skies, comfortably warm weather and balmy evenings make it a destination where you're likely going to want to spend most of your time outdoors.

It's only fitting then that Broome takes what is traditionally an indoor experience and flips its on its head, with its long-standing Sun Pictures Cinema offering visitors the chance to take in a variety flicks out in the open air. As Australia's oldest outdoor picture theatre – having been in operation in one form or another since back in 1916 – there's a lot of history behind the venue, and it's living proof that the time-tested formula of combining quality entertainment with lovely outdoor surroundings makes for a winning experience.

Starting back in the days when silent movies were in vogue, today the Sun Pictures Cinema offers the chance to view all of the latest big-budget Hollywood offerings, providing a unique viewing experience that comes with a twist of history. The cinema is basically part-exhibition itself, as the entrance serves as a museum of sorts full of film-oriented memorabilia such as old projectors and other film equipment that helps to set the tone for the experience to come.

As Australia's oldest outdoor picture theatre – having been in operation in one form or another since back in 1916 – there's a lot of history behind the venue.

Boasting surprisingly good acoustics given its age (although it has recently been updated to digital), the cinema laid out in a viewing area that is separated between seating in the open air and an undercover area. The main outdoor section features old fashioned canvas-style sling deck chairs that are fairly comfortable, although many choose to bring along their own pillow or cushion for added support that can help during lengthy viewings.

The alternative undercover area meanwhile offerings wooden “park bench” style seating at the rear which, while they're further away from the speakers, is ideal should the weather turn sour. Audience-wise, the Sun Pictures Cinema typically plays host to a good blend of both tourists and locals, and it can serve as a solid place for making some friendly new acquaintances.

The atmosphere here is truly something special, as the wonderful evening sky serves as an idyllic backdrop while the spectacle of jet planes – it's located directly in the flight path of Broome airport - birds and bats flying overhead only serves to add to the experience rather than detract from it.

If you're planning to settle in for an evening at the Sun Pictures Cinema, it's a good idea to bring along some insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes away, which can be the only real factor that can otherwise dampen the experience. With multiple screenings per night (unlike most other outdoor cinemas in Australia which feature only one or two per week), there's always a good time to grab yourself some popcorn or a choc-top ice cream, settle in and enjoy an evening of entertainment under the open skies.