Broome, with its sun-drenched beaches and rich pearling history, is a popular destination for both relaxation junkies and adventure seekers alike. But beyond its famous Cable Beach sunsets and iconic camels lies a wealth of unusual activities that offer a deeper insight into the town’s history and character. If you're keen to uncover a different side of Broome, these experiences will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of its culture, history, and natural beauty.
1. Sun Pictures cinema: A night at the world’s oldest outdoor cinema
In the heart of Broome’s Chinatown, you’ll find Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema. With its old-fashioned wooden deckchairs, retro-style ticket booth, and vintage marquee, a night here is a step 100 years back in time.
Watching a film under the open sky with the occasional plane flying overhead is something you won’t experience anywhere else. The cinema’s quirky history, which dates back to 1916, adds to the charm. Originally a Japanese playhouse, Sun Pictures survived Broome’s floods, World War II bombings, and decades of pearling industry booms and busts. Today, you can catch the latest blockbuster or a classic film while feeling the cooling evening breeze.
Top tip: Arrive early to grab the best seat and enjoy the balmy twilight warmth.
2. Mangrove Hotel: Cocktails with a view (and a show)
For an evening that combines great views with a touch of Broome’s natural wonders, head to the Mangrove Hotel. Perched overlooking Roebuck Bay, the Mangrove Hotel is one of the best spots to unwind with a drink in hand, and take in an unusual night-time phenomenon. While the cocktail list is worth the trip alone, it’s the natural spectacle of the "Staircase to the Moon" that steals the show. During certain times of the year, when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay, a stair-like reflection is cast across the water, creating a mesmerising visual effect that solidifies its spot as one of the best things to do in Broome. Even if you’re not there during these rare nights, the sweeping views and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect spot for an evening in Broome.
Insider tip: To time your trip to catch the Staircase to the Moon, check the lunar calendar before booking. Generally, the best time to visit Broome to see this natural phenomenon is between April and October.
3. Matso's Brewery: Local flavours with a twist
Broome’s warm climate calls for a cold drink, and there’s no better place to quench your thirst than Matso’s Brewery. Housed in an historic building, this independent brewery blends traditional brewing techniques with uniquely Kimberley-inspired flavours.
Matso’s brews a range of award-winning beers, with some unexpected flavours you won’t find anywhere else. Their famous Ginger Beer is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, while the Mango Beer offers a refreshing taste of tropical Broome. For those looking to try something different, Matso’s Chili Beer packs a punch, perfect for the more adventurous palate. Pair your drink with something from the brewery’s kitchen, and you’ve got a laid-back afternoon sorted.
Must try: The tasting paddle is a great way to sample a variety of Matso’s signature brews in one go.
Book a Matso’s Broome Brewery, Broome Museum & Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park adventure
4. Dinosaur footprints: Step back in time
Broome’s history as a thriving pearling town is well known. But even further back in time? Dinosaurs roamed its ancient coastline, leaving behind their footprints in the sandstone along Gantheaume Point. These fossilised tracks, some over 130 million years old, are one of the area’s most fascinating natural attractions.
Seeing the preserved dinosaur footprints at low tide is a more immediate prehistoric experience than any natural history museum can offer. Some of the tracks measure up to 1.7 meters long, making them among the largest dinosaur footprints in the world. If the tide isn’t right, don’t worry—there’s a plaster cast of the tracks embedded into the rocks further up the cliffs. The red cliffs of Gantheaume Point provide a striking contrast to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, adding to the sense of mystery and beauty.
Top tip: Check the tide times before visiting, as the footprints are only visible during very low tides.
5. Coconut Wells: A hidden oasis north of Broome
Coconut Wells, just a short drive 24km north of Broome, offers a secluded spot where the Indian Ocean meets freshwater springs in a unique, natural lagoon. It’s a peaceful escape that seems to escape most top ten lists but it’s an absolute must to add to your Broome itinerary.
At high tide, the lagoon fills with ocean water, creating a shallow, crystal-clear swimming spot. As the tide recedes, the freshwater springs take over, offering a different kind of swim experience. This ever-changing landscape feels like a private retreat, with its white sand, shady pandanus palms, and cool waters. Whether you’re there to swim, relax, or just enjoy the isolation, Coconut Wells is a beautiful place to spend a quiet afternoon away from the crowds.
Worth noting: The road to Coconut Wells can be rough, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
6. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park: Up close with Australia’s largest predators
If you've ever wondered what it’s like to come face-to-face with Australia’s largest reptiles, the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park offers just that. Founded by the famous wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Malcolm Douglas, this park is home to some of the country’s biggest and most formidable crocs.
The Malcolm Douglas crocodile park gives visitors a close look at these powerful animals in a safe and well-managed environment. You'll see giant saltwater crocodiles, some over five meters long, as well as smaller species like freshwater crocs. As well as learning about the crocs and the park’s history, you’ll get to see the true might of these beasts on full display. Daily feeding shows are the highlight, where you can watch the crocodiles leap out of the water to snatch their meals in a dramatic display of their strength and agility.
Top tip: Be ready with your camera for the feeding frenzy; these crocs move quickly and your window to capture the action is smaller than you think.
Book a Broome crocodile feeding tour with Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park entry and transfers
7. Pearl Farm tour: Behind the scenes of Broome’s pearling legacy
Pearls and Broome are inextricably linked, and a visit to one of the local pearl farms offers a rare chance to see firsthand how these natural gems are cultivated. Whether you're curious about the science behind pearling or simply admire their beauty, a tour is a fascinating experience.
On a pearl farm tour, you’ll learn the intricacies of how the South Sea pearls—considered the finest in the world—are grown and harvested. You'll get a glimpse into the meticulous process of pearl farming, from the careful care of the oysters to the grading and valuation of the pearls themselves. Most tours also include a visit to the farm's showroom, where you can see (and buy) some of the finest pearls produced in Broome.
Top tip: Try and book a tour that features a scenic boat ride, so you can enjoy the water views on the way there.
Book a Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Island Explorer Sea Safari
8. Minyirr Park: Walk among the dunes and bushland
Just a short distance from Cable Beach lies Minyirr Park, a hidden natural gem where the bush meets the sea. This Indigenous-managed park is a tranquil place for a bush walk, with trails that wind through dunes, native bushland, and along the coastline.
Minyirr Park offers a peaceful alternative to Broome’s busier spots, with well-marked walking trails that allow you to explore its unique landscape. As you walk through the park, interpretive signs tell the stories of the Yawuru people, the traditional custodians of the land, giving you a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural significance. The trails also offer sweeping views of Cable Beach and the Indian Ocean—an added bonus for those who appreciate quiet moments in nature.
Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer, and the heat is less intense.
9. Broome Historical Museum: A peek into Broome’s past
If you're a history buff—or just curious about the unique past of this coastal town—a visit to the Broome Historical Museum is well worth your time. Located in a heritage-listed building, the museum provides a detailed and often surprising look at Broome’s evolution.
The museum covers Broome’s rich history, from its Indigenous roots and pearling industry to its role in World War II. Exhibits include fascinating artifacts from the early days of pearling, rare photographs, and stories of Broome’s multicultural population. The museum does a great job of connecting Broome’s past to its present, offering a greater appreciation of the town’s heritage and its role in shaping Australia’s northwest.
Worth seeing: The section on the Japanese air raids on Broome during World War II, a forgotten chapter of Australia’s history in the conflict.
10. Broome Bird Observatory: A birder’s paradise on Roebuck Bay
Broome’s Roebuck Bay is an internationally recognised destination for migratory birds, and the Broome Bird Observatory is the best place to learn more about these feathered visitors. Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious, this peaceful spot offers an opportunity to connect with nature.
The observatory is located on the shores of Roebuck Bay, home to one of the largest concentrations of migratory shorebirds in the world. You can join a guided birdwatching tour, where knowledgeable guides will help you spot species like sandpipers, plovers, and curlews. The observatory also offers walking trails and hides where you can watch the birds in their natural habitat. It’s a serene, off-guidebook destination that’s truly Australian in its wealth of wildlife riches.
Broome is a wonderful place to visit, and even if you stick to the expected sights and experiences, you’ll find yourself awestruck by the area’s beauty and tranquillity. But just a few more days on your visit could unlock a whole other facet to this jewel of Western Australia; different wildlife, more history, and a sense that you’ve really gotten to know as well as see Broome. So when you plan your trip and book your activities, definitely mix in some of these more unusual attractions. And we promise, you’ll come away feeling like you really got everything out of your time in this coastal paradise.
Flights to Broome
Broome is calling, it’s time to book your flights! Virgin Australia offers regular flights to Broome via Perth, and it takes less than three hours to get there. Search for fares from your home city below: