Once the pearling capital of the world, Broome is a vibrant tourist town and the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley region. Japanese, Malay and Chinese pearlers were all lured here to seek their fortune, resulting in one of Australia’s most multicultural regional towns.
The sweeping white sands of Cable Beach front the town of Broome, with dramatic red cliffs providing a backdrop for sunset camel rides. The beach was named after a communications cable that was laid between here and Java in the late 19th century, with warm turquoise waters that will invite you to swim.
At the southern of Cable Beach lies Gantheaume Point where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen on the exposed reef. Be sure to visit the lighthouse where a small rock pool has been carved into the cliff, offering a captivating spot to soak.
Don’t miss a visit to the Broome Historical Museum that offers a fascinating insight into the pearling industry of the town. There is also an impressive collection of Aboriginal artifacts on display, as well as exhibits on Broome’s One Day War and the cyclones that have impacted the region. Then make a stop at the Japanese Ceremony where a monument honors the Japanese pearl-fishers who lost their lives here during a cyclone in 1908.
If you’re visiting between May and October, head to Town Beach where a natu-ral phenomenon known as the “Staircase to the Moon” takes place over two or three days each month. As the full moon rises, its reflection on the tidal flats cre-ates an optical illusion resembling steps leading into the night sky.