Hands up if you are regularly subjected to the enviable social media feeds of your family or friends who live in Broome?
How many more idyllic beach visits, sunset drinks and fun times can they have without you? Maybe you should pause the scroll and take up their offer to visit after all!
Now is the ideal time to enjoy your mate’s hospitality (and their spare room!)
While we know your friends and family will relish the opportunity to be your tour guide, here are some suggestions to throw into the mix.
Have you visited family and friends in Broome before? There is always something new for you (and them) to discover!
BEST THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR MATES IN BROOME
Staying with your mate? Treat your pal to a Broome experience. Not only do you get to create memories together, we bet they learn something about their own town they didn’t know!
Fun on the water
With Broome surrounded by water, you'd be mad to miss out on a fun afternoon on a boat with your mates, whether it's watching the migrating whales, searching out the shy little snubbies in Roebuck Bay, or on a hunt for dinosaur footprints! If it's a classic sunset cruise you're after, we've got that covered too - how about on board an old pearling lugger, or relaxing with a deluxe 7 course seafood feast while you sail?
Something a little different
You might know Greg Quicke as 'Space Gandalf' or the Starman, but one thing's for sure - after an evening with Greg and the telescopes under some of the world's best stargazing skies, you'll be tuned into the mind-bending and never-ending journey of the stars and moon!
Eat, drink, walk and talk through Chinatown on Salty Plum Social's Small Bar Walking Tour. Some high tech digital projections help hosts Chris and Robyn Maher bring some of Broome's stories to life, with tastes of Broome along the way!
Another walking tour with a difference is the Bagul Bagul Mangroves Tour with Bart Pigram - time to experience the Roebuck Bay's mangrove forest and the jabalbal (mudflats), to hear the Yawuru stories, and tales of Broome's pearling heritage.
Even more fun on the water
If you fancy a bit of action around the water, book your group in for a fishing charter and see who's got the bragging rights at the end of the day. Kayaking tours are an awesome way to explore a little differently - and you might even spot a zippy little sea turtle!
At the Beach Hut, plan for maximum relaxation with their umbrellas and sun loungers and some splashy fun with surfboards, stand up paddleboards, boogie boards & children's toys all for hire.
Eat & drink
What's a mates adventure without some good times over a meal and drinks? Luckily you'll be spoiled for choice with local favourites like The Aarli Bar, Bali Hai Café and Matso's Broome Brewery serving up some delicious treats. "Popping up" this year you'll find the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar at The Zookeepers Store and of course some flavours from around the world at the Thursday night and Weekend markets.
With the kids
Of course there's plenty to keep the kids active - play on a new beach every day, head to the incredible new playground at Town Beach, and when the tide is right get on the hunt for some dinosaur footprints around Roebuck Bay and Cable Beach. For some non-fossilised animal adventures, you can't miss the feeding tour at the Croc Park.
What's new?
Chinatown's new look is almost complete and keeping things Broome style, you'll notice that the shaded seating areas, walkways, landscaping and public art all reflect Broome's natural environment and unique heritage. All the better to enjoy the cafés, shops and cinema!
A new sunset cruise off Cable Beach will be one to remember - fresh Kimberley seafood is the hero of a 7 course feast while you enjoy sunset, and discover Broome's pearling.
There's also an exciting new seafood option on land - Sydney Cove Oyster Bar is 'popping up' and ready to shuck at The Zookeepers Store from 1 May!
Those of you who enjoy a round of golf will have another reason to book in at the Broome Golf Club - in addition to those incredible views, you can enjoy the facilities at the brand new clubhouse.
A DAY IN DERBY
Grab your buddy, crank up those tunes and road trip it to the town of Derby for the day.
FIRST TIME IN BROOME?
You are finally heading to Broome for the first time and want to see EVERYTHING, but where do you start? Here are some ideas to set the scene for your holiday.
Getting to know Broome
One thing's for sure - Broome's not exactly a big town, but you'll have a bit of ground to cover to get your bearings. Our tip? Hop on a fun and informative sightseeing tour to get your local knowledge all sorted! Tours can last from a couple of hours to a half-day, and you can choose a bus, a trike or even a tram!
Broome's Beaches
Of course you've heard about Cable Beach, and you won't want to miss its glorious sweep north from Gantheaume Point to Willie Creek, but leave some time to explore the other beaches! Around from Gantheaume Point towards the port, you'll find lovely Redell Beach, and keep heading towards the port to visit Entrance Point and Simpson Beach. Visit Town Beach and Roebuck Bay, and further out of town, ask your mates about Coconut Wells and James Price Point!
Pearling
From buttons to fine jewellery, Broome's story is entwined with the pearling industry, so where better to discover this lustrous gem and it's many stories? Jump right in - join a pearl farm tour, cultural or heritage you. Don't miss the pearl and diamond jewellery showrooms either!
Heritage
There's more to discover about Broome too - like it's unique multicultural history, and the terrifying WWII Air Raid. Head to the Broome Museum, and there are more fascinating stories told at the SSJG Heritage Centre. Time for a walk? Download the app and follow the Jetty to Jetty Trail to listen to stories from Broome of old.
Crocs, birds and more!
Head out of Broome towards the area known as 12 Mile to meet some feathered and non-feathered friends! About 16km from town you'll find the Croc Park - get there in time for the afternoon feeding tour! The Astro Tours take place just beside the Croc Park, so keep the location in mind. Travel another 5km away from Broome to get to the Bird Park, where you'll also find some beautiful little farmyard animals, and closeby is The Mango Place, great for a lunch stop!
Events
As if all of the rest wasn't enough to keep you busy, you might find a festival or event to tempt you. Here's just a few:
March - October - Staircase to the Moon
28-30 May - Chinatown Discovery Festival
May - August - Broome Race Rounds
30 July - 1 August - Corrugated Lines, a Festival of Words
22 August - 5 September - Shinju Matsuri
Feburary - Broome Pride Mardi Gras
Markets
On weekend mornings you'll find locals and tourists alike gathered around the courthouse for the markets - local products and services, food and drinks are all on offer. From April to October you'll find a range of traders at the Staircase to the Moon Markets at Town Beach, with night markets happening there every Thursday night from June to September.
DON'T MISS THE KIMBERLEY ICONS
You’ve finally made it to Broome, but wait there’s more! The Kimberley is home to an astonishing array of natural attractions. Build in a little extra time and add these to your must-see list.
Take a half- or full-day, or even an overnight tour from Broome. For extended touring, book now for 2022 or check for cancellations.
