My pick of the best things to see and do in Broome

Possibly the most iconic image people have of Broome is the camel rides along Cable Beach. This has been an institution for over 40 years and is a fun way to experience the sunset on Cable Beach (before heading up to the Sunset Bar at the Cable Beach Club for a drink perhaps?)

I suppose this one is a bit daggy nowadays. And tourist activities involving animals have become less popular in recent years, especially with younger generations. In deference to my daughters I won’t include a link to any of the camel operators. But a quick Google search of “cable beach camels’ should get you there if this is on your bucket list!

Lots of people have asked for specific information about the camels so here are the links (just don’t tell my daughters I told you!)

A very enjoyable experience in Broome is watching a film at its cinema – Sun Pictures – ‘the world’s oldest Outdoor Picture Garden’. The original building dates back to 1903 with the first film shown in 1913! It’s a really laid back experience. People will often go and get fish and chips or some sort of takeaway food and go into the cinema and sit back and watch the movie while they have their dinner. The seating is essentially deck chair style or, if you want, you can even lie on the grass just in front of the screen! Just be aware that Sun Pictures is directly under the Broome airport flight path so occasionally you do lose some dialogue to aircraft noise!

To check the film schedule at the cinema click here

The history of Broome over the last 150 years has been dominated by the pearling industry. The Willie Creek Pearl Farm half day tour has become the most popular tour in Broome and we always get very positive feedback. You will learn all about the modern farming process on the tour, watch a live pearl harvest and then enjoy a short cruise (with commentary) through the beautiful surroundings of Willie Creek. This is a thoroughly recommended trip for all visitors to Broome.

My personal favourite day excursion from Broome is the Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek tour operated by 4WD. If you haven’t cruised the Kimberley yet then this day trip will give you a taste of the wondrous scenery that that region is famous for.  As well as a guided walk through the gorge and Tunnel Creek you will see the Fitzroy River (one of the Kimberley’s most important and iconic rivers), usually get an opportunity for a swim in a natural waterhole, see an array of birdlife, fruit bats plus the occasional freshwater crocodile (not on your swim!) and view the infamous Prison Boab tree once used as a temporary jail for Indigenous people.

You will probably visit Matsos (‘the most remote brewery in Australia”) on your day tour. It has become one of the most popular hangouts in Broome. It is a great location for a drink and to enjoy the live music they often have in the gardens on an afternoon.

The Horizontal Waterfalls are the most famous natural phenomenon in the Kimberley. Tides of up to 12 metres create a horizontal waterfall that flows between two cliffs. The Kimberley is famous for its rugged coastline and the Horizontal Waterfalls are one of its most spectacular features.

One important question I am regularly asked is: do you need a car? Despite its small population Broome sprawls and is essentially divided into two areas – Broome town and Cable Beach. In a vehicle it takes about 5-7 minutes to get between the two – it is too far to walk. There is a regular and very reliable bus service in operation that works for most people but sometimes people like the freedom that a car can give you.

My personal view is that if you are staying more than two nights in Broome then consider getting a car for more extensive travel from Broome or just to give a bit more freedom to go locally.

One of my favourite day trips from Broome is to hire a car and drive south down to the Eco Beach resort. It is about a 90 minute drive, mainly on the highway with the last part on a farm track. Your journey is rewarded by a beautiful resort set around an outdoor restaurant with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. On the way back to Broome there are options to stop at a mango farm and a privately owned bird sanctuary.