A trip out west wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Broome — and all the natural and cultural wonders this beautiful part of the world has to offer.
Broome, a jewel of the Kimberley region and one of the best places to visit in Western Australia, offers travellers a captivating blend of rich history, stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you’re taking in the sunset at world-renowned Cable Beach, exploring majestic gorges, or delving into the town’s rich pearling history, Broome takes your Western Australia excursion to the next level.
But how long do you need and what should be in your Broome itinerary? Whether you have a long weekend or a full week to spare, there’s plenty to enjoy and a fortune of things to do in Broome. To help you make the most of your time and ensure you can hit the ground running straight after your flight to Broome, check out our 3-, 5- and 7-day itineraries and discover just how magical a trip to Broome can be.
3 Days in Broome: The perfect long weekend
Day 1: Sun, sand and camels on Cable Beach
You’ve arrived in Broome, checked in at your hotel (we suggest the Mangrove Hotel for ocean views) and you’re probably in relaxation mode. The first stop on your Broome itinerary? The iconic Cable Beach of course. Spend the morning lounging on its 22-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand.
Now you’ve had a moment to recharge, how about hitting the water? The turquoise waters of Cable Beach are perfect for swimming and if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s paddleboarding or kayaking too.
Come late afternoon it's time to tick off one of Broome’s signature experiences – a Sunset Camel Tour. Take it from us: riding a camel along Cable Beach as the sky explodes into hues of orange and pink, with the gentle breeze of the Indian Ocean in the air, is truly unforgettable.
Then wrap up your day at Zanders, a beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood as the sun slowly goes down on your first glorious day in the Kimberly.
Day 2: History, pearls and the best brewery in town
Today’s the day to dive into Broome’s rich history. A visit to the Broome Historical Museum reveals the town’s pearling past and its role in World War II. After that, you can’t help but feel Broome’s history everywhere you go, wandering through Chinatown Broome as you explore its quirky shops, art galleries, and cafes; and Streeters Jetty, where you can almost feel the hustle and bustle of the pearl business that once dominated this town.
Next, make your way to Willie Creek Pearl Farm for a tour that shows the pearling process in action. You’ll even hop on a boat for a picturesque ride through Willie Creek’s tranquil waters. Broome’s pearling history isn’t just fascinating – it’s visually stunning.
For dinner, head to Matso’s Brewery, an iconic spot where you can sip on refreshing ginger beer or their famous mango brew—both perfect partners to the plate of local seafood you’ll be devouring on their deck.
Book a tour of Willie Creek Pearl Farm
Day 3: Gorges and markets
If it’s a weekend, your morning isn’t complete without a visit to the Broome Courthouse Markets. Set among lush greenery, these markets are perfect for picking up a smoothie and grabbing some local crafts or jewellery for presents—or yourself.
In the afternoon, take a trip out to Gantheaume Point for jaw-dropping views of Broome’s red cliffs, set against the vibrant blue of the sea. And you might even spot some dinosaur footprints at low tide, adding a touch of ancient history to your day.
We always recommend a visit to Broome during the full moon. Why? The bucket list-worthy experience known as the Staircase to the Moon. This natural phenomenon, visible during certain months, creates the optical illusion of a staircase rising out of the ocean toward the moon, a magical sight that only Broome can offer. There’s no more magical way to cap off your last day in this spellbinding part of the world. The best time to visit Broome to see this natural phenomenon is between April and October, so make sure to plan accordingly! We recommend heading to Town Beach for the best viewpoint.
5 Days in Broome: A few more days to go beyond
Day 4: Explore the Dampier Peninsula
Now you’ve really explored the Broome township, it’s time to hire a car and venture out – on an adventure to the breathtaking Dampier Peninsula. First stop? Beagle Bay, a remote Aboriginal community that’s home to the stunning Sacred Heart Church. Its mother of pearl-inlaid altar is a must-see, offering a unique blend of Indigenous craftsmanship, European architecture and the Kimberley’s pearl fishing history.
From there continue your adventure to Pender Bay, a tranquil and secluded spot on the Dampier Peninsula’s coast. Known for its clear waters and rugged beauty, it’s the perfect place for a swim or a leisurely picnic while taking in the serene surroundings.
After a day like this? You might struggle to get back in your car. But we can assure you, the drive back to Broome showcases even more of the Kimberly’s stunning beauty. And at less than three hours' drive, there’s plenty of time to stop and take it all in.
Book a full-day tour of the Dampier Peninsula
Day 5: Helicopter ride over Horizontal Falls and a dolphin cruise
Day 5’s a chance to go further again, out to the majestic Horizontal Falls via scenic flight for those looking to add something to their Broome itinerary. Most providers do a trip of around 4-5 hours, which takes you out to the Buccaneer Archipelago and across the thousands of islands dotted across the Kimberley coastline. The highlight is seeing the Horizontal Falls – a unique natural phenomenon where tidal flows cause waterfalls on the ebb and flow of each tide.
It’s a round trip, bringing you back to Broome with enough time to hop aboard a Dolphin Cruise. You’re spoilt for choice of operators doing tours in Roebuck Bay, which get you right up close to the bay’s Snubfin dolphins and bring you back to shore as the sun sets.
For dinner, pop into Pearler’s at the Roebuck Hotel and drink in the last moments of that magical sunset over a steak or small plates.
7 Days in Broome: Venture into the Bungle Bungles
Day 6: Fly to Kununurra and head to the Bungle Bungles
Today you’ll venture deeper into the heart of the Kimberley. Start with a flight from Broome to Kununurra, a small town that serves as a gateway to the Bungle Bungles, located in Purnululu National Park, which is famously one of the most impressive places to visit in WA. After arriving, take some time to visit the local arts centre, where you can view and purchase authentic Indigenous artwork. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of the region’s First Nations peoples.
Next, embark on a scenic drive to Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, where you’ll be staying the night. Nestled in the Purnululu National Park, this eco lodge lets you unwind, dine, and fall asleep under the stars of the Kimberly sky before you do the Bungle Bungles in the morning.
Day 7: Explore the Bungle Bungles and Return to Broome
Your final day in the Kimberley starts with a sunrise hike through the Bungle Bungles, a World Heritage-listed area is famous for its beehive-shaped sandstone domes that rise 300 metres out from the landscape. We recommend getting a package with a tour: either through the Savannah Lodge or an operator in Kunnunurra. You can 4WD or hike through the towering rock formations and explore Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre that amplifies the sounds of water trickling from above.
After your hike, return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest before flying back from Kununurra to Broome in the late afternoon. Once you’re back in town, enjoy a final dinner at The Aarli, celebrating the end of an epic Kimberley adventure with some of Broome’s best Asian-fusion cuisine.
Making it all fit together
From the world-famous sunsets of Cable Beach to the rich indigenous culture of Beagle Bay and the millenia-old Bungle Bungles, it's easy to build a Broome itinerary with mix of adventures you won’t find anywhere else. The enormous scale of the Kimberly means travelling a fair bit, but local tour and travel operators are experienced in making all your different destinations fit your schedule and help you get the most out of your Kimberly adventure.
Whether you’re spending 3, 5, or 7 days in Broome, there’s no shortage of activities, sights and experiences to fill your itinerary. From the sandy shores of Cable Beach to the ancient caves of Tunnel Creek and the stunning gorges of Windjana, Broome offers a unique escape that blends history, culture and natural beauty.
Flights to Broome
Now that we’ve sorted your itinerary, it’s time to book your flights! Virgin Australia offers regular flights via Perth and it takes less than three hours to get there. Search for fares from your home city below:
