By the time you arrive in Broome, Western Australia, you have most likely spent a lot of your budget to get to the remote destination in Australia’s north-west. If you are not living in Broome it does cost a lot to travel to – but it is well worth it.
This historic town is set beside the gorgeous Indian Ocean. The stunning views on Cable Beach are iconic. Not to mention the diverse town, camel rides, and history, including some of the oldest dinosaur footprints in the world!
Broome is a stunning must-see part of Australia. If you combine some budget ideas with more expensive options, you can travel to Broome and have an incredible trip.
There are plenty of expensive things to do in Broome. Like staying in a luxury resort, take a camel ride or a scenic helicopter view of cable beach and beyond.
Here are 5 incredible things to do in Broome, which won’t cause you to break out in a sweat (leave that to the weather). I have included these low budget options below to balance out your travel budget.
Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa
Cable Beach resort, the beach-view-bar welcome people for a drink to watch the beach sunset at this iconic spot.
Take in the wealthy tourists, sporty locals and the returning camel rides, as the sun drops into a deep red sky.
Cape Leveque Day Trip
It’s common to visit Cape Leveque for 2-3 days, and stay over in the spectacular location in beach side huts.
Cape Leveque feels incredibly remote for somewhere known to travellers as an epic place to visit. Stay for few days to relax and experience the area to its fullest. Dinosaur footprints have been found here, which historians say are some of the oldest on the planet.
Alternatively, there is also a quicker and cheaper one-day tour with a local company called Kimberley Wild. This is a fantastic day tour is often led by a down to earth local tour guide. He has lived in Broome, Western Australia for 20 years, is knowledgeable, and is willing to answer plenty of questions.
For more detail and prices on the Kimberley Wild day trip, see here.
Visit Beagle Bay Church
On your way to or from Cape Leveque, you must stop at the iconic Beagle Bay church. The small chapel is tucked away at Beagle Bay, on the gorgeous Dampier Peninsula. The plain exterior conceals the awe-inspiring Mother of Pearl altar, which was handcrafted by local Aboriginal women in 1917.
The altar is made up of hundreds of mother of pearl, cowrie, volute and olive snail shells. They form a one-of-a-kind mosaic that includes tribal motifs from the Nyul Nyul, Nimanborr, and Bardi peoples.
In 2018, the Sacred Heart Church celebrated its centenary. This provided an opportunity to reflect on the community’s rich history of indigenous heritage. local culture, and the pearling industry. Only accessible by four-wheel drive, this is a one-of-a-kind spot to put to your bucket list.
Aboriginal cultures in Australia were among the first to respect the power and beauty of pearl shell. They harvested and sold them in the region for thousands of years. The church was built by hand in the middle of an indigenous community. It has also featured in many Australian films. The simplicity and history of the area is refreshing to any seasoned traveller.
Shimmering Beach Walk
Gaze out at the Indian Ocean and watch the Broome, Western Australia tides while wandering along the quieter side of Cable Beach.
Whether you are living in Broome, or visiting, the early morning presents a shimmering shore with millions of shells. This adds to the magic of this spectacular and uncrowded beach stroll.
Broome Night Market
The town centre of Broome, Western Australia has a mixed atmosphere. While I wouldn’t walk alone at night, a visit by bus or car to the night market is well worth the time. The market presents live music and local artists selling their own creations.
Next door to the markets is the impressive Staircase to the Moon Broome, where the moonlight over the water gives the illusion of a ‘staircase to the moon’. An impressive sight worth visiting.
Staircase to the moon, Broome
Broome History
Broome, Western Australia has an interesting and unique history. Once considered the main Pearling Port in the world, the area still carries with it an idiosyncratic atmosphere.
Before Europeans arrived, First Nations people lived in Broome and the Kimberley region for at least thirty thousand years. During this time, there was trading among the language groups of the Dampier Peninsula, which also included local island groups. Trade routes existed between east and west Kimberley, known as ‘winan’. Family groups moved around in a semi-nomadic manner. Aboriginal people followed rigors beliefs that had a close relationship to the land.
International travellers mainly from Asia began arriving in Broome in the late 1800’s, seeking fortune from the Pearling industry. Although this has changed in some ways, still continues today.
The diverse and multi cultural nature of Broome mixes all of these nationalities and backgrounds together. This makes an interesting place for people watching!
Conclusion
Broome, Western Australia is an incredible place to visit, for the stunning beach scenery, diversity and history. It is expensive to travel to Broome, but worth every penny to see this incredible part of the world. If you are travelling to Broome on a budget the list above will help balance your daily spending.
