A new look for Chinatown, new tours, and upgrades to the airport - if you're travelling to Broome for the first time, or the first time in a while, you'll have lots to discover!
Chinatown's new look!
Broome's Chinatown has been the cultural and commercial heart and soul of Broome since the earliest days of the pearling industry in the 1880s and today has developed into an iconic tourism destination. The community wished to preserve the town’s history, celebrate its culture and reinvigorate its economic development, and so the exciting Chinatown Revitalisation Project was conceived.
The first stage is already complete - walking through Carnarvon Street, Johnny Chi Lane and Dampier Terrace, you'll notice vibrant and cooling landscaping, broadened walkways and shaded outdoor seating, all in materials complementing Broome's unique heritage themes from the original Asian Quarter and pearling, the mangroves and Roebuck Bay. Public art reflects and celebrates Broome's Aboriginal, Asian and pearling heritage - follow the walking trail to discover the pearling timeline and shopkeeper's abacus sculpture, as well as the historic buildings and the world’s oldest operating picture gardens at Sun Pictures. At the southern end of Dampier Terrace, the Roebuck Bay Lookout offers elevated, sweeping views over the bay and is well worth a visit.
In late 2020, the second stage of the Chinatown Revitalisation Project is due to start, so you can expect even more to discover in 2021!
For more about Chinatown, including walking and sightseeing tour options, see our Chinatown feature page.
Nearby, Town Beach has also received some upgrades. Enjoy Staircase to the Moon or a barbecue from the new grassed viewing terraces, browse the stalls at the Staircase to the Moon and Thursday night markets in their new purpose-built markets space, and let the kids loose on the amazing new nature-based playgrounds. Upgrades are continuing during 2020.
An Airport Jazz Up!
Visitors flying into Broome International Airport can expect to see some exciting changes. Work has commenced on a multi-million-dollar upgrade of airport facilities, including increasing the size of the check-in terminal and extended check-in capacity, an expansion of the departure and arrival terminals, and an additional air-conditioned departures lounge. Works will be completed in two stages through to September 2021.
New Tours from Broome!
Fly from Broome to the Bungles, or Karjini National Park with Air Kimberley. Itineraries to these iconic attractions include overnight stays at the national parks, with two days/one-night itineraries and a day trip-only option to the Bungles.
Run by Yawuru man Johani Mamid, Mabu Buru Tours explore country, nature, history, lore and traditional knowledge. At Cable Beach, the Min Min tour explores Minyirr Park, a sacred place for Yawuru people. At Roebuck Plains (a 30-minute drive from Broome) the Journey by the Jilas tour explores the Dreamtime and recent history of the area, as well as discovering traditional bushfoods and local wild and birdlife.
Join Salty Plum Social for fun and insightful small bar walking tours in Chinatown and Cable Beach. Long-time locals Chris and Robyn Maher tell stories from Broome's history and life during the walk, and the ticket price includes drinks and canapés.
