Broome Time in the Tropical Summer is a little different to the rest of the year - and just as special. While temperatures are higher and the air is humid, there's the promise of rain or the excitement of a lightning storm putting on a show for the locals who gather to watch. Those Broome colours of red, turquoise and green seem to shine a little brighter at this time of year, and the pace of life slows to match the weather.
While there are fewer people around than during Broome's dry season, there is still plenty to do for visitors at this time of year - and of course no shortage of hotel pools to cool down in!
Read on for our guide to Broome in the tropical summer.
How to do Broome Time in the Tropical Summer
Check out our insider’s guide on how to enjoy Broome’s tropical summer like a local.
GOOD MORNINGS
A great way to start the day is by getting your feet in the sand for a beach walk before the tropical heat kicks in, or to find a good spot to watch the tide as it rolls in and out of Roebuck Bay.
From about October to March is turtle nesting time, meaning that the turtle hatchlings will be making their way back to the water in February and March - a magical bonus for early morning Cable Beach walkers. If you are out and about at hatchling time, remember to always follow the slogan - stay low, go slow and no glow, and keep an eye out for any signs and directions.
If you're heading on a scenic flight or heli adventure , you're also likely to be getting an early start to make the most of the cooler parts of the day, and depending on the tides, tours on and around the water may be in the morning or afternoon.
Take to the skies
With the incredible Dampier Peninsula right on Broome's doorstep, a scenic flight tour is a great way to take a remote coastal adventure on your trip. Depending on your preferred tour itinerary, choose a half day or full day adventure that can include a pearl farm tour, boat trip, a swim and visit to the aquaculture centre at Ardyaloon community in addition to your flight over the Horizontal Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago.
To fly a little further, ask your scenic flight operator about viewing the Mitchell Falls from the air on a full day trip from Broome.
By helicopter there are even more adventures, including heli fishing!
Tours and Activities
You'll also have a lot of options on land and on the water, from pearl farm tours to dinosaur adventures, discovering the mangroves to discovering the snubfin dolphins, sightseeing and town tours to croc spotting!
On the Water
LEISURELY AFTERNOONS
While on Broome Time you'll definitely want to spend some afternoons relaxing by and in the pool. You might also be tempted by the thought of spending a leisurely afternoon browsing the artworks in Broome's art galleries, the pearl showrooms and the local shops - there are plenty of little gems to discover.
A big part of the Broome Tropical Summer is welcoming the end of day at the beach as the sun goes down - preferably with a cool drink in hand! You may also be planning an afternoon tour, whether that's a sunset camel ride or the afternoon departures for tide-dependent tours.
Aboriginal Experiences
Shop Broome style
Art Galleries & Australia's leading Indigenous publisher
The relaxed pace of life in Broome's quieter months lends itself well to some leisurely time spent looking at works by local artists and those curated from around regional Australia, including works by talented Aboriginal artists. In addition, Broome's own Magabala books is a must-visit for its wide range of books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, artists and illustrators.
At Home with the Queen of Gems
Broome's pearl showrooms are dotted along Dampier Terrace and Short Street, and their craft jewellers show a dedication to showcasing this wondrous and local gem to its best effect. You'll also find pearls from around the world alongside the prized Australian South Sea Pearl, placing Broome as one of the world's top places to search for your perfect pearl jewellery.
You'll always find a welcoming and friendly atmosphere along "the pearling strip", and during Broome's Tropical Summer months that refreshing breeze from the air conditioning will surely entice you to linger longer!
Sunset with the Camels
While it may be Broome's quieter part of the year, you'll still see the famous camels as they amble their way across the sands of Cable Beach! At this time of year, the pre-sunset and sunset rides are available - remember to book your seat ahead of the tour.
EVENINGS
If you've visited Broome during the Dry season you'll be familiar with that sudden drop of temperature when the sun goes down, and just how chilly it can get at night - the evenings are a lot balmier during the Tropical Summer, perfect to head out to eat, for a drink, or on Broome's small bar walking tour.
Eat & Drink
Salty Plum Social
Enjoy a fun and informative evening as you walk, eat and drink your way around! Hosts Chris and Robyn will take you to three of their favourite venues in Chinatown for a drink and canapes, and as you wander, gain a new insight into Broome's history.
Matso's Broome Brewery
With its famous mango and ginger beers, you'll definitely taste the tropics at Matso's Broome Brewery! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Moontide Distillery
People in Broome love the rain, and none more so than the team at Moontide Distillery, where monsoonal rainwater is infused with native botanicals and exotic spice and distilled to create their signature gins and spirits. Visit the distillery for a guided tasting experience and to sample their range!
The Aarli
The Aarli's menu is Asian inspired including share plates, main meals and desserts, and is a favourite with Broome locals. Enjoy a drink from the extensive wine list, beers, and cocktails. Check with the Aarli for their opening hours.
Wild Flower Broome
Check with Wild Flower Broome for their opening hours, so you don't miss out on their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and of course their amazing cocktail list!
Sunset Bar & Grill
Overlooking Cable Beach, sunset cocktails at the Sunset Bar are a tropical summer must-do!
Choose your Pool!
It wouldn't be summer without some quality time spent relaxing in the pool, and that goes extra for Tropical Summer. Luckily for visitors, there are plenty of pools to choose from at Broome's resorts, hotels and self-contained accommodation.
Want someone to organise a great itinerary and book your tours too?
Head to www.visitbroome.com.au and the local Broome experts will assist you.