Staircase to the Moon

Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon unique to Western Australia’s North West, when the rising full moon reflects over the tidal flats to create the illusion of a shimmering staircase reaching up to the sky. It’s one of Broome’s most magical sights and is also visible in other coastal towns across the Kimberley and Pilbara.

Planning a visit? We’ve gathered viewing locations, practical tips, and the key dates for Staircase to the Moon in Broome and the Pilbara, so you can make the most of this extraordinary natural event.In Broome, the event is often celebrated with night markets, food stalls, and live entertainment, making it as much a community gathering as a natural spectacle. Elsewhere, places like Port Hedland, Onslow, and Dampier offer quieter vantage points where you can simply take in the view.

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2026 Dates and Times

Broome viewing locations

Pilbara viewing locations

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In Broome, the event is often celebrated with night markets, food stalls, and live entertainment, making it as much a community gathering as a natural spectacle. Elsewhere, places like Port Hedland, Onslow, and Dampier offer quieter vantage points where you can simply take in the view.

The schedule of dates and times is linked to the lunar cycle and tides. Scroll down for this year’s viewing calendar, or read on to learn when it happens, why it happens, and the best places to experience it.

When to See It

Staircase to the Moon appears a few nights each month from March through October, timed to coincide with very low tides and the full moon. Typically, it’s visible for 2–3 nights around each full moon, though exact dates vary each year depending on lunar cycles and tides. Check the schedule below for this year’s Broome dates, and remember that the timing will be slightly later at other locations along the Pilbara and Kimberley coast.

Why It Happens

The phenomenon occurs when the rising full moon reflects across the exposed tidal flats at extremely low tide. This creates a striking illusion of a staircase stretching from the earth to the moon. The wide, shallow mudflats along Roebuck Bay in Broome — and similar flats across the Pilbara coast — are perfectly suited to this effect, giving photographers, visitors, and locals alike the chance to witness a truly magical natural spectacle.

Staircase to the Moon Dates and Times 2025

Staircase to the Moon Dates and Times 2026

Best locations to view Staircase to the Moon

BROOME STAIRCASE TO THE MOON

PILBARA STAIRCASE TO THE MOON

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