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Broome — destination

Overview

Broome, Western Australia

Broome is a small pearling town on WA’s north coast known for long tidal beaches, sunset camel rides and a chilled backpacker scene centred on Chinatown and Town Beach.

Broome’s defining feature is its coastline — massive tidal swings, long sandy beaches and those famous Cable Beach sunsets that make the town feel like a theatrical set. Low tides reveal mudflats and dramatic foreshore scenery; high tides pull the ocean close to red cliffs. The town’s compact core (Chinatown, Town Beach and the foreshore) concentrates hostels, cafes and tour operators, so you can cover sights on foot or by hire bike. It’s the gateway to Kimberley trips and seaplane day tours. Budget hack: book dorm beds mid-week and cook from Coles in town — grocery prices are the cheapest way to survive expensive tour and food costs in Broome.

Things to do

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Things to know

Get to know Broome

Top 4 things you need to know before travelling to Broome

Timing & weather

Dry season (May–September) is peak: sunny days, cooler nights and full access to dirt roads. Wet season (November–March) brings heavy rain, closed outback roads and cancelled tours—don’t plan Kimberley drives then. Book flights and popular tours (camels, seaplane trips) at least 2–4 weeks ahead for winter.

Getting around town

Broome’s centre is very walkable; Chinatown to Cable Beach is bike-able if you’re fit. For anything beyond town (Gantheaume Point, Cape Leveque) hire a car or join an organised tour—self-drive gives flexibility but check 4WD requirements. Broome Airport handles regional flights; pre-book airport transfers or use a taxi/ride-share at peak times.

Money, groceries & eating cheap

Coles in town covers basics and is the cheapest supermarket option—use it to stock up and cook in hostel kitchens. Expect casual meals and beers to be pricier than southern cities; split takeaway or buy bulk to save. ATMs charge fees, so withdraw bigger amounts less often.

Booking tours & etiquette

Popular experiences (sunset camels, Staircase to the Moon evenings, seaplane or cruise trips) sell out in peak season—check dates and tide charts for tidal events. Respect Indigenous sites: many coastal areas are culturally significant—follow signs and guides, and don't stray into fenced-off headlands.

Why backpackers love Broome

Backpackers like Broome because it’s small, social and scenic without the attitude of big tourist hubs. Most hostels cluster around Chinatown and Town Beach, so it’s easy to meet people and join group tours or share a rental car for Kimberley trips. Dorms typically run in the $40–$54 range; winter (May–September) fills up fast and pushes prices up, but shoulder months can yield cheap mid-week stays.

Getting around is straightforward: the town is highly walkable, bike hire is common and Broome Airport links to Perth and Darwin. Tour operators and hostels do transfers, so organising trips from town is low-fuss.

FAQ

Travel FAQs Broome

Common questions backpackers ask about Broome

Aim for the dry season, May–September, for reliable weather, open roads and full tour schedules. Shoulder months (April and October) can be quieter and cheaper but check specific tour availability.

Cable Beach is about a 10–20 minute bike or car ride from Chinatown/Town Beach. Many hostels organise evening shuttles to sunset; otherwise grab a taxi or hire a bike for a cheap round trip.

Yes—Coles in town is the go-to for groceries. Most hostels have communal kitchens, so buying staples and cooking will cut your daily costs significantly compared with eating out.

Not for town: Broome is highly walkable and bike-friendly. Rent a car if you plan to explore the Kimberley, Cape Leveque or remote beaches—some roads require 4WD and permits, so check conditions before you go.

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