A Broome Solo Travel Guide with Best Things To Do
If there is a place that exceeded my expectations in Australia, Broome is a unique Outback town serving as the getaway to the Kimberley Region in North Western Australia. It used to be a quiet pearling town in West Australia, but nowadays, it is their hub for tourists offering many exciting places and things to see. It is a winter escape for South Western Australians who flock here between May and August.
As a tropical paradise, Broome’s beaches, its massive remarkable red cliff, peculiar bird and wildlife species, and a host of cultural experiences make it an extraordinary place. I love Broome. I first visited in 2008 and returned in May 2015 on a Kimberley 4WD adventure.
As a solo traveller to Australia, ensure you have plenty of time to explore. Who knows, maybe you’ll find some of Broome’s secret beaches during your stay. Plan your solo trip with enough time to spend in this fascinating town because it is an experience.
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Where and How to Visit Broome WA
The coastal town of Broome, Australia, is a 2,365 km drive from Perth if you take Highway One and 2,239 km by the inland route. It has a fascinating pearling history and much to learn about Aboriginal cultural traditions.
Broome has always been a multicultural town with tremendous natural beauty. Its magnificent white beaches, calming ocean hideaways, stunning red-coloured earth, and dusky sands will ensure you never take a dull picture. If you plan to visit Broome, make sure you plan a good time quite popular and secure a cheap flight, you must book months ahead.
Check our tips below about the best time to visit and how to make the most of your trip.
Best time to visit Broome
This tropical Outback location has two main seasons; the wet season and the dry season. The best time to visit Broome is in the dry season, from April through September, when you can enjoy the warm days and cooler nights.
None of Broome’s attractions is off-limits in the summer and a busy time for tourists. If you plan your trip during the wet months (November through March), you cannot swim in the Indian Ocean because of the nasty stingers. Also, the Broome climate is unpredictable in the wet season, with tropical cyclones and thunderstorms. It’s best to plan your trip keeping that in mind because you don’t want it to dampen your entire trip.
The first time I visited Broome was in February, and the hot humidity was unbearable, so I spent my time in my hostel, having a shower every hour or two. I highly recommend planning your trip between May and August, during the cooler months, to be e pleasant holiday time.
Best Things To Do in Broome
Before you begin exploring its rich pearling history, exquisite beaches, and shopping districts, visit the Visitor Centre and check out all the available maps, information, guides and pamphlets. There’s a lot that you can do in this town, and here are some of the best Broome activities:
Relax at one of the beautiful Broome beaches
Broome is a coastal town surrounded by water on all sides, which means beaches are abundant and relaxing. The beaches are great spots for swimming, fishing, taking long walks and the marvellous sunsets. You can do these things in the cooler winter months between May and August. In summertime in Broome, there isn’t much to do at the beach, and the high humidity will not allow any outdoor activities. So make sure to travel at the right time of year.
Cable Beach
Cable Beach is the most popular among all of Broome’s beaches. It stretches for almost 22km and has pristine white sand that will dazzle your eyes. You can also see dinosaur prints here, and it is one of the only beaches in the world where polo on horses is played.
Town Beach
Town Beach is a unique spot where you can see a natural phenomenon called the Staircase to the Moon. The reflection of light causes it on Roebuck Bay during a full moon. The Staircase Markets are also held monthly to commemorate this spectacular event.
Outback Red Beaches
At Willie Creek Beach, you can see one of Broome’s pearl farms and its incredible pearling history. Another beautiful beach is Riddell Beach which lies 8km from Riddell Point and Gautnheam Point. This is a lovely rocky place for picnics, and when the tides are low, you can find dinosaur footprints preserved there.
Go on a Broome Pearl Farms Tour
One of the rewarding things to do when visiting Broome, Australia, is to unravel the pearling industry.
The Pearl Luggers
You can see two restored pearl boats and learn about the pearl industries that used to flourish. You will also be guided about the diving gear used as we and the pearl collection they have.
The Willie Creek Pearl Farm
This is just outside Broome, and the Willie Creek Pearl Farm is a must-see. It will give you insights into the modern pearling industry. This guided experience starts at the museum and ends with a sailing cruise on a pearl lugger. I went on this tour and liked it a lot. It was very educational, and after that, I went shopping in town and bought myself a beautiful pearl.
The Cygnet Bay Pearls
The Cygnet Bay Pearls are four hours away from Broome; you can stay overnight to see it. Cygnet Bay Pearls harvested the most beautiful pearl, and t is displayed in this museum. Going on a pearl farm tour is an unmeasurable authentic experience you must have at least once.
6 Things To Do in Broome
Broome has many charming and unique attractions that you can see. Here are a few places for you to take your pick from:
Broome Shopping Delights
If you like arts and jewellery, Broome is a paradise for shopping. In town, there is a shopping area in Chinatown. It has some of the most beautiful pearl showrooms and many other speciality shops. Nearby that shopping district is the Courthouse Market which has many local art and crafts stalls. This is a place to immerse yourself in great music and good food. The Chinatown markets are usually on Sundays, whereas the Courthouse Markets are on Saturdays.
Gantheaume Point
One of the most exciting places in Broome is Gantheaume Point, with its unusual red rock formations. It’s best to get there early in the morning at low tide and explore its colossal lighthouse. From there, you can take a relaxing walk to Cable Beach. Make sure you get there early in the morning before seeing the sunrise.
Broome’s Bird Observatory
Broome also has a Bird Observatory located on the shore of Roebuck Bay. It is a world-famous birding location and excellent for bird watchers to spend their time. In March and April, one can see immense flocks of migratory waders departing for the Northern Hemisphere. It also has excellent accommodation options, tours, and courses for visitors. You can reach there with the help of a 4WD.
Stroll through The Japanese Cemetery
Another historical to check out is the Japanese Cemetery on Port Drive near Cable Beach. It dates back to Broome’s early pearling days and has 707 graves. Most of the headstones are unusual and are made from coloured beach rocks. It is a peaceful place to go during your trip, and the good thing: entry is entirely free. Many sightseeing tours stop at the Japanese Cemetery, and guides are on hand to give you information about its history.
Enjoy a Broome Sunset
One of the highlights of Broome is watching the sunset at Cable Beach or any beach. This is a sort of ritual. Many holiday-makers and locals alike flock here to enjoy this particular moment of the day. And everyone has a proper way of experiencing sunset in Broome. Either sitting on the beach, walking along the 8km sandy beach, or taking a camel ride is a scenic and quite a touristy thing to do in Broome. Or why not drive onto the beach with your 4WD vehicle, find a good stop far away and set up your picnic table?
You will see more sophisticated ways of enjoying the sunset at the beach, such as sitting on the grass while having a yoga class or sipping your favourite drink at one of the terrace cafes’ terraces looking at the beach. No matter how you decide to spend your time there, it’s a new experience worth your time every evening. And I can tell you every evening is an entirely new experience.
The Staircase to the Moon
This is an extraordinary phenomenon that takes place on a whole moon night. The shimmering moonlight creates a stunning reflection on the water, like a golden staircase rising to the dark sky. I was lucky enough to witness the Moonlight Staircase live on my last trip but was unprepared for it, and I didn’t have a tripod with me, so all my pics are no good and blurred. So make sure you pack your camera tripod. This amazing thing happens once a month, and there is a staircase calendar date time that you can check online or get from the visitor centre. If you can try to match your trip with it, it’s worth seeing it.
Broome Side Trips
You can make the most of your trip to Broome and other unique Outback destinations. Equip yourself with a 4WD since it is the best way to explore all the attractions easily. You head to Cable Beach, enjoy swimming in the ocean, and plan a picnic.
Self-Drive To Cape Leveque
The more interesting Broome beaches are situated around Cape Leveque, and you can see them by going on a 4WD trip for easy access to all of them. Or you can join a sightseeing tour and explore them on a day tour from town. Some times also offer the topic of return flight, which option is a great thing to do if you want to see the colour contrast of deep blue, red cliffs, and white sands.
See Crocs at Malcolm Douglas Park.
The Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is about fifteen minutes away from town. It is a hotspot for saltwater crocodiles that you must see.
Walk around Gantheaume Point
And sea turtles swimming around in the gorgeous turquoise water. At low tide, the 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen pressed into the rock. You can Broome Beach resort at Cable Beach after your adventurous day.
Visit Broome Heritage sites at Kooljaman Camp.
Next, you can visit Kooljaman camp in the Dampier Peninsula. It is an Aboriginal-owned camp where you can chat with the Aboriginal staff and learn a lot. You could also visit the Beagle Bay church and see its beautiful, inset walls with pearls.
Go on a 4WD Adventure on the Gibb River Road.
As you move further, you must take a trip to the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, which is 660 kilometres long. You can make this adventurous experience in a 4WD, and you must plan it. It will take 4-6 days to travel the entire stretch.
For an easy day trip, you can go to Windjana Gorge and explore its walking trails, and eventually, you can also spend your night at the camping spots and return home the following day.
And if you are more adventurous, you can drive further to the Bungle Bungle Ranges of Purnululu National Park. With a scenic flight to top off your trip, you can see the tiger-striped domes and ancient rock formations.
How to get to Broome from Perth
There are many means of transport that you can take to get to this beautiful Outback destination. If you are looking for an adventure, going on a road trip to Broome might be the most enjoyable experience. But it’s a long way from Perth. You can also choose to take a comfortable flight right to your destination. For the hardier solo travellers, taking a trip by bus is an exciting option.
Taking a flight
You can fly to this town from any part of Australia. A Perth to Broome flight will take approximately two and a half hours. But it’s not a cheap flight. The Broome Airport has two daily direct flights from Perth and seasonal direct flights from cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Travelling by plane is a speedy option allowing you to reach well-rested and ready for adventure. Domestic flights to Broome are not cheap. The average airfare is around 250-300 dollars one way, and it is advisable to book at least 3 or 4 months ahead.
A Road Trip from Perth
Driving is one of the most fun ways to get to Broome. You can take the North West Coastal or Inland Highway to get here. There is also much to see on a Perth to Broome road trip. The Highways will take you through several national parks, rugged landscapes, and beaches. You can rent a car or travel by campervan, giving you more time to spend in these remote and beautiful places. If you decide on a road trip, it’s best to be prepared with all the travel essentials to remember the long distance you must cover. Approx 3.000 kilometres north of Perth.
By Bus
The Perth to Broome bus journey will take nearly three days to complete. The primary bus service operates twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You need to plan your travel to avoid going out and waiting for a long time. Going by bus ensures you will have multiple stops at many main spots. It allows you to access beautiful areas and is also an economical option for solo travellers on a budget.
Guided Tours
There are also privately guided Perth to Broome tours for solo travellers who don’t have transport, and there is great value to travellers who want to hit all the best sightseeing spots in the Outback. The packages range from basic backpacker tours to more luxurious options. Depending on the time you have to spend, you can take a guided excursion that lasts a few days to even two weeks. Some of the trips also carry on past Broome to Kimberley and further to Darwin.
How to get around Broome
Once in Broome, getting around the place is safe and comfortable. The Broome Visitor Centre has a lot of information you can use for your travel needs. They can assist you with quotes and bookings for scooters, bicycle hires, taxis, city tours, etc.
- Hiring A Car
A convenient option for getting around Broome is to hire a car. It will allow you to explore everything at your leisure and in comfort. A four-wheel drive is essential to reach some of Broome’s best beaches or rugged attractions. - Bicycle Riders
Broome’s flat terrain and open roads make it an ideal place to walk or cycle. You can hire bikes and travel by the cycleways present alongside just about every main street. The wide roads, kilometres of footpath, and flat landscape will make your cycling excursion around the town exciting and safe. - Hop-on a Bus
The local bus service runs seven days a week all year round except Christmas Day. Travelling on the Broome Explorer Bus is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to see it. That is why most of the local Broome population travels by bus. There are bus stops close to all accommodations near Town Beach, Chinatown, Boulevard Shops, and Cable Beach.
Where To Stay In Broome
You can find several accommodation options in this fascinating town. Choose from resorts, luxury hotels, backpacker hostels, a Broome Airbnb, or beach houses.
On your solo trip to Broome, you can choose from many options that suit your budget and have all the necessary facilities. Even though you have many to stay, you must book well in advance.
The peak tourist season is from June to August, and most of the Broome accommodation options get snatched up pretty quickly. So here below are our recommendations from all possibilities:
Budget Stay in Broome for Solos
If you want to stay in a resort-like hostel at reasonable prices, I recommend this hostel in Broome.
I stayed there a few years ago and loved it. There are many budget and shared rooms; if you can spend a little more, book yourself into a private room. There is a fantastic pool, and the place is well-kept and only 5 min away on foot to Cable Beach.
Broome Hotels
For Hotels in Broome, I know that there are hotels downtown, but the Mantra Hotel is a good one, close to the beach, offering excellent facilities at lower prices than resorts.
The best Broome Resorts
If you are looking for a retreat, Broome has many, but they are pricey, especially if you travel solo. The SeaShell Broome Resort has great bungalows and serviced apartments at reasonable prices.
If you want an exclusive luxury resort overlooking Cable Beach with top spa facilities, you must book the Cable Beach Club Resort SPA. Or click on the link below for more hotel deals in Broome.
More Trips in North Western Australia
This beautiful town is a tropical paradise for all travellers. Broome’s lively beach life, untouched Outback wilderness, and impressive history make it a tantalising holiday hotspot. So before you get to Broome, research well to have a fabulous trip and make the best memories.
Check out our Kimberley Attractions Guide or our Kununurra Guide
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First Published in 2013, last updated May 2023
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