A Kimberley expedition cruise is the kind of journey people talk about for the rest of their lives: thundering waterfalls, ancient gorges and rock art older than the pyramids. But the smartest travellers know the adventure doesn't end when you step off the ship.
For a few days before or after your Kimberley expedition, linger in the ‘Pearl of the North’. Broome, the classic gateway to the Kimberley, deserves dedicated days of its own.
With turquoise water, red pindan cliffs, a pearling heritage and some of the best sunsets in Australia, Broome is the ideal place to ease into the wild or unwind afterwards. Here's how to spend your time.
Watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean at Cable Beach
Cable Beach's 22 kilometres of white sand are famous for good reason. The sunset ritual is to arrive at golden hour with a chilled glass and watch the sky turn amber, then crimson, then violet.
For a uniquely Broome experience, take a sunset camel ride. Watching a line of camels silhouetted against the setting sun is one of the most photographed scenes in Western Australia, and the gentle pace suits every fitness level. Book ahead in peak season (similar to cruise season, from roughly May to September), as the most popular departures sell out.
Discover the story behind Broome’s pearls
Broome's identity was built on pearling, and few places tell the story as well as a visit to a local farm. With some close to town, such as Willie Creek Pearl Farm, you’ll see how these gems are cultivated, from seeding to harvest, and browse a showroom of South Sea pearls.
Back in town, the Broome Pearl Luggers experience and the Japanese Cemetery offer a moving look at the multicultural community of divers who shaped the region, and the risks they took to do it. Many visitors choose to take home a piece of jewellery as a keepsake of the trip. Ask about provenance and grading, and buy from reputable dealers.
Many Kimberley cruise itineraries, such as all aboard the Paspaley Pearl, integrate this slice of the region’s history into their journeys. But for those that don’t, a pre- or post-departure tour is highly recommended.
See the Staircase to the Moon
On certain nights between roughly March and October, the full moon rises over the mudflats of Roebuck Bay, just south of town, and creates the illusion of a golden staircase reaching into the sky.
It draws crowds to Town Beach, with a market and live music on the nights it appears. If your dates line up, it's worth planning around.
Check the annual moon-rise calendar as the best nights vary from year to year.
Walk with dinosaurs at Gantheaume Point
Around 130 million years ago, dinosaurs walked the shores of the Kimberley Coast near Broome, and their footprints are still preserved in the rock at Gantheaume Point.
They're visible only at very low tides, so check the tide charts and plan an early morning visit. The dramatic red cliffs above are worth the trip on their own, especially against the blue of the ocean.
Take to the skies and see the Kimberley Coast from above
You’ll see it from sea level during your expedition, and seeing it from the sky truly completes your experience. If you'd like to see the Kimberley from above before or after your voyage, scenic flights from Broome are a spectacular option.
Trips over the Buccaneer Archipelago and the extraordinary tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls give a bird's-eye perspective of the coastline you'll be exploring by sea or a stunning recap of the places you've just left. Small-aircraft flights are subject to weather and tides, so keep a little flexibility in your schedule.
If you’re short on time in Broome, some ships, like the Scenic Eclipse II, bring helicopters aboard and offer scenic flights right from the deck of the ship.
Explore Yawuru Country
To understand Broome beyond the beach, spend time with the Traditional Owners. Yawuru-led cultural tours share bush tucker knowledge, Country, and stories that reach back tens of thousands of years.
Seasonal foods like gubinge (Kakadu plum), one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C in the world, are part of the story. These are personal, meaningful experiences and a perfect complement to the rock art you'll see later on your cruise.
Dine well on local cuisine, slowly
Broome's food scene punches well above its weight. Expect just-caught barramundi, tropical fruit, and fresh seafood, often eaten outdoors as the light fades.
Popular spots include a waterfront meal at Cable Beach, a craft beer at a historic brewery in Chinatown, and a long, lingering dinner at one of the town's relaxed restaurants. Book ahead in the dry season, when Broome is at its busiest.
Tips for your stay in Broome
- Arrive early or stay late. Most Kimberley cruises operate from around April to September, the dry season, when Broome is warm and sunny with low humidity. Give yourself at least two nights before departure so a delayed flight doesn't put your voyage at risk.
- Book the essentials early. Camel rides, cultural tours, scenic flights and top-tier accommodation fill quickly in peak season.
- Pack for the outdoors. Sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, light long sleeves and comfortable walking shoes will serve you well both in Broome and on board.
- Confirm details. Operating hours, seasonal availability and tour providers can change, so check before you go.
