The Top Things to do in Broome

Location: Cable Beach, Broome

In terms of iconic imagery of the Broome region, there are few that can compare or feel more significant than the sight of a line of camels making their way along the beachfront as the sunset casts its glow on the shoreline.

It's without a doubt one of the most popular activities for visitors to Broome to take part in, and while it might seem a little touristy given this popularity, there's a reason for this: it's a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, particularly when coupled with the famously beautiful sunsets of Broome's Cable Beach.

Camels have played a large role throughout Aussie history, particularly given their affinity for desert and other dry environments, thus having an encounter with them during your time in Broome is widely considered to be a key part of the trip. Local operator Red Sun Camels provide visitors with the chance to take part in this distinctive part of Aussie sightseeing, and come highly recommended for a variety of reasons that help them to stand out from the competition.

First of all, while it's only natural for first-time camel riders to be somewhat nervous, here you'll encounter only friendly and well-behaved camels that are obviously loved and properly cared for rather than being used as mere money-making props. Passionate guides with decades of experience with camels also go a long way to making the tour comfortable, as they have in-depth knowledge of their behaviours and sometimes temperamental personalities.

The camels aren't merely dumb, like-minded creatures - each camel has its own character quirks that makes the adventure uniquely interesting.

They aren't merely dumb, like-minded creatures either, and each camel has its own character quirks that makes the adventure interesting. As an added bonus, this option also tends to be slightly cheaper than other comparable tours, which when coupled with the standard of serve makes the choice an easy one.

It's easy to stroll down and book an adventure on impulse; getting on and mounting the camel for the first time can be something of a challenge, but the staff are always patient and willing to take the time to help skittish riders get comfortable before setting out. Once the journey kicks off, you'll not only get a dose of wonderful scenery but get the chance to listen to informative and entertaining stories and adventures of camels, camel riders and their staff.

As it's one of the most photogenic spots on the west coast of Australia, photography is obviously a large focus of the Red Sun Camels, and this is reinforced throughout the tour in two ways. While the camel rides are designed to coincide with sunset, the length of the experience ensures to allow extra time at the beginning to pose with the camels amongst the scenic backdrop of Cable Beach, get some pictures with your fellow adventurers, and otherwise document this lovely stretch of coast.

The Red Sun Camels staff are always more than willing to help out with grabbing some photos taken with your own cameras, while guests will also have the option to purchase USB sticks containing professionally-taken photos of you on your camel throughout the journey at extra cost.

A sunset camel ride on Cable Beach is a true “bucket list” item in every sense of the word, and there are no better group of people at doing this with a smile and fun, warm atmosphere than Broome Camel Safaris.

Location: Talbot Bay, WA

As mentioned above, the Kimberley region's diversity of landscapes offers a number of spectacles you simply can't encounter in many other parts of Australia, and the nearby Horizontal Falls are one of the prime examples of this.

Nicknamed the “Horries” by locals, this majestic display of water's power and the effect of the tides is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the region that simulates the visual effect of a waterfall as water is pushed between a relatively narrow gap in two gorges of the nearby McLarty Range.

If you're looking to witness this spectacle firsthand offer a range of tour options to enjoy the marvel of the falls both from the air via seaplane, or up close and personal with a thrilling jet boat adventure right through them!

The gap between the two land masses that create the “falls” effect comes in two separate sections, and both are remarkably narrow for this kind of landform – a large contributing factor to making this kind of visual possible. The first gap is approximately 20 metres wide while the second is a mere 10 metres, and at high tide the sheer volume of water pushing through creates a wall of whitewash that renowned documentarian David Attenborough once labeled “one of the world's greatest natural wonders”.

These are tours that serve as a great “sampler” of a range of intermingled experience of this part of the Kimberley all-in-one; you get the variety of enjoying some relaxed scenic flying, a dose of unspoiled nature (both land and water-based), information on history of the area, and a dose of adrenaline courtesy of the jet boats.

Nicknamed the “Horries” by locals, this majestic display of water's power and the effect of the tides is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the region. If you're looking to witness this spectacle firsthand then join a Horizontal Falls day tour, seaplane flight or overnight stay.

The adventure starts by boarding a seaplane and ascending into the skies, and the flight out to the falls is breathtaking in and of itself – on the way out, you'll soar over the amazing island-strewn stretch of the Buccaneer Archipelago with its various specks of land dotting the vivid waters that surround them making for quite the impressive tableau of colour. It's a scene that many have labelled the best view in the Broome region, and rightly so.

After reaching the outskirts of the falls, a gentle landing on the waters of Talbot Bay is followed by boarding a waterborne “houseboat” type vessel for some relaxation and food before the rest of the fun begins.

Boarding a high-powered jet boat and charting a course for the Horizontal Falls themselves is the next step, and it's an undeniable adrenaline rush approaching the onrush of water as the tides push through. The trip provides the chance to go through the falls a number of times inwards and outwards in accordance with the tides, with their height reaching an impressive height of several metres on average at peak times.

Great care is given my the Horizontal Falls Adventures staff to keep things extremely organised and safe while still fun and entertaining. Tours here come in a variety of flavours, from shorter half-day trips to extended overnight versions that provide even more exploration heading out to Derby and beyond. Optional addons such as helicopter rides also provide an alternative for yet more incredible scenery as well, however it's the Horizontal Falls that continue to be the show-stealer regardless of any potential tour itinerary.

Location: Willie Creek Rd, Waterbank

It's interesting the impact that a single mineral can have in altering the fortunes of an entire region, but Broome's abundance of a particular gorgeous oyster-produced gem has been one of the main lifebloods of the town's economy for over a century.

The award-winning Willie Creek Pearl Farm, located in a beautiful spot on the coastline roughly 38 kilometres to the north of Broome makes what might sound like the relatively boring process of pearl production and history into a highly entertaining attraction with plenty of insight and attractive visuals to make it an essential part of a visit to Broome.

While you will learn about how these rare and beautiful gems are created during your time here, there's much more to the attraction than that. Various activities to take part in provide a taste of the sights of the Broome region's lovely natural environment as a whole to form an experience that is part educational, part sightseeing.

It all starts with the facility's idyllic location; it's situated on a wonderful tidal estuary that makes for a natural showcase in and of itself. The experience starts with a meet and greet from the Pearl Farm's friendly hosts followed by an outdoor presentation in a shaded lecture area in which a range of examples of oysters are showcased.

Throughout the process of touring the farm, you'll also be able to view all the different stages of how the pearls are cultured.

Throughout the process of touring the farm, you'll also be able to view all the different stages of how the pearls are cultured, outlined by Willie Creek Pearl Farm's staff in a way that is made entertaining. The next step is a guided boat trip, which often proves to be the main highlight as you're taken on a journey to navigate the calm yet scenic waters of the creek itself with its beautiful azure waters, getting an up-closer look at the live pearling process.

There's also plenty of bird and marine life in the area, and it's even possible to see one of the local resident crocodiles in the water along the way!

Willie Creek Pearl Farm also offer optional helicopter rides at an additional charge that are very reasonably priced – an extra $90 per adult is all it takes for a wonderfully scenic aspect on the area. With kids also being able to go free, this is a revelation in terms of price as far as scenic flights go, especially when compared to other similar trips around the country.

The farm also boasts a lovely little cafe that offers a variety of fresh-made cakes, lunches and other refreshments with a nice outlook that makes it pleasant to kick back and enjoy. There's also a well-equipped playground for the kids to allow the little ones to burn off some energy while you sit back and relax. And, of course, a chronicle of the pearl farm wouldn't be complete without a mention of its impressive showroom where you can view the pearls in the “final product” form should you wish to purchase some or some pearl-based jewellery for yourself.

If you're looking to make your way to Willie Creek Pearl Farm yourself, be prepared to allow around a 1 hour drive from Broome along a length of road of varying condition, some of which an unsealed characteristic red-brown.

As a result, it's thus advisable to drive a 4WD vehicle if taking the self-drive option; alternatively, tours are available that include pickups from Broome accommodation and may be a more recommended course of travel, particularly if the weather has been wet recently. Nature, history, friendliness and some wonderful insight combine to make Willie Creek Pearl Farm a great overall attraction.

Location: 20 Johnny Chi Ln, Broome

One of the biggest drawcards for many people visiting Broome is the various geographical lures of its surrounding Kimberley region, and its rugged beauty and diversity of natural features make it the ideal place for a range of different adventures in which to take part.

Still largely untouched and a true embodiment of “raw” Australia at its finest, the Kimberley manages to blend gorges, towering rock formations, incredible sunsets and unique landscapes into one impressive sightseeing extravaganza. Those looking to head out of Broome for a single or multi-day trip would be well served travelling with Kimberley Wild Expeditions, who – through a combination of local regional knowledge and some tough all-terrain vehicles – specialise in getting visitors to the Kimberley an up-close-and-personal taste of its many offerings.

A multitude of different tours of Australia's North West are available to choose from, each with different budget levels, travel itineraries and accommodation options to provide a range of choice that should hopefully suit any needs. From journeys that focus on the best of the Broome town area and can be done in half a day to epic 2-week adventures that extend all the way to Kakadu and back, your choice of itineraries will likely depend on how much time you've allocated to spend in the region.

For the sake of brevity here, we're going to focus on trips to three of the most popular spots that will fit most people's schedules and are true natural must-sees: Cape Leveque, Windjana Gorge, and the slightly longer journeys out to the Bungle Bungles. Each itinerary requires a certain degree of fitness ranging from easy to advanced, and the Kimberley Wild staff are experts in providing advice as to which best suits your needs.

Kimberley Wild Adventures offer a combination of in-depth local regional knowledge and some tough all-terrain vehicles to explore these unique landscapes.

Cape Leveque is perhaps the most accessible of these in terms of time, with this remote locale lying on the very tip of the Dampier Peninsula to the north of Broome, making it one of the remotest corners of the world. There are plenty of highlights here – both natural and man-made – that make the Cape worth visiting, including vibrant red cliffs, its Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community with its historic church dating all the way back to World War 1, and over-100-year-old lighthouse, to name just a few.

It's also home to a wonderful eco resort operated by traditional Indigenous land owners which can make for the ultimate, isolated escape. Tours here from Broome can be done within the span of a single day and provide enough time to explore its largely deserted beaches or enjoy a swim before returning back to the town.

Windjana Gorge, meanwhile, is likewise popular due to its degree of accessibility and the impressive heights of its rock walls, which extend at some points to 100m high on each side, making for a journey that is peaceful and exciting at the same time.

The Gorge is home to its own ecosystem and is renowned for its population of local freshwater crocodiles which can often be seen both in the water and sunning themselves on the rocks, with the water in between its walls serving as a veritable oasis for quenching the thirst of some of the animals of the Kimberley. Windjana Gorge extends for a distance of 3.5 kilometres, and there's plenty of chances to learn about Aboriginal history in the area along the course of the trip.

Lastly, the Bungle Bungles are one of the most prominent examples of the Kimberley's topography and thus most often cited as one of the region's most impressive sights – a number of striped domed rock formations clustered together within the Pumululu National Park, they're a landmark that has gradually been formed over the course of 350 million years' worth of weathering and erosion.

During this trip, a variety of caves and caverns formed by their shape make for interesting exploration opportunities, however the cherry on top of the sightseeing sundae is the possibility of a scenic helicopter flight above the Bungle Bungles themselves. From high above, their unique “beehive”-like structure becomes even more obvious, and the relative isolation of the range makes it all the more spectacular.

Regardless of your choice of travel itineraries, Kimberley Wild Expeditions' efficient, friendly service and a staggering degree of knowledge on historical and geographical information of the Kimberley means you'll be in good hands during your foray into this untouched part of Australia.

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: 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.