What to see in Broome & The Kimberley

Broome

The remote North West corner of Australia holds some of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness, a landscape of rugged ranges, stunning gorges and white beaches. It’s easy to be captivated by the laidback seaside town of Broome, well known for its spectacular Cable Beach boasting pristine white sand lapped by the aqua waters of the warm Indian Ocean. 

Jetty in Broome

A trip to Broome isn’t complete until you have taken in a camel ride along the beach at sunset. 

Camels on Cable Beach

Time your visit right and you will have the chance to see the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ – a natural phenomenon occurring for the three days after the full moon March to October each year; where the reflection of the full moon rising off the exposed mudflats creates ‘steps’ to the moon.

Staircase to the Moon

Broome has a extensive history as a multicultural pearling town visible at the Japanese Cemetery and the thriving Chinatown, which has transformed into a streetscape of pearl showrooms. Visit Sun Pictures and enjoy a film under the stars in the world’s oldest operating open air cinema.

Sun Pictures

The accommodation in Broome ranges from caravan parks to luxurious 4.5 star boutique retreats and large resorts. The accommodation is divided across Broome town centre (set by Dampier Creek and Mangrove Point) and Cable Beach – a short drive from the town centre.

Broome

High season is from July to August, so for a more affordable stay why not planning your holiday early or late in the year, when the mangroves and gorges are teeming with birdlife and the waterfalls are at full strength. 

Windjana Gorge

Experience two of the Kimberley’s incredible gorges via a day tour from Broome. The day includes travel along the famed Gibb River Road, through traditional cattle country to the outback oasis of Windjana Gorge. Here you can search for freshwater crocodiles, birdlife and admire the 90 metre gorge walls. The afternoon takes in Tunnel Creek, at cave system of over 750 metres that offers subterranean wildlife. Finish the afternoon with a swim in a waterhole, a chance to relax before the journey home.

Willie Creek Pearls

For travellers wanting to learn about the town’s pearling history, take in a half day tour of Willie Creek Pearl Farm. This historic pearl producing company produces the rare and beautiful Australian South Sea Pearl. The tour allows visitors to gain unique insight to the pearling process from the seeding of an oyster shell to the final stunning product visible in showrooms. The tour includes a cruise around the oyster panels in Willie Creek’s azure waters and morning or afternoon tea.

Kununurra

Kununurra is a traditional outback Australian town with rich red earth, rugged vistas and endless blue sky days. It is gateway to some of The Kimberley’s best known attractions including the Bungle Bungles at Purnululu National Park and Lake Argyle – the world’s largest man made lake.

Cultural experiences in Kununurra

To explore these wonders you can take a scenic flight from Kununurra Airport across the Bungle Bungles and/or Lake Argyle in a small plane or helicopter. Some trips also take in Argyle Diamond Mine – the world’s largest open cut diamond mine. 

For a tour that allows you to explore the land, there is the option to enjoy a scenic flight in the morning then travel by 4WD to Echidna Chasm, a premier walking destination. Walk along the dry bed of Piccaninny Creek through to the Bungle Bungle domes before returning to Kununurra via scenic flight.

Kimberley Stations

Experience true outback hospitality with an overnight stay at one of The Kimberley’s working cattle stations. Accommodation options range from safari tents to guest rooms in the homestead at El Questro Wilderness Park and Home Valley Station. 

Home Valley Station

Each offers rugged adventure with a twist of luxury in a true last frontier setting. Spend your days horse riding, fishing or with a local range searching for local birdlife and wildlife. 

El Questro Station

Wilderness Camps

4WD travellers doing ‘the big loop’ of Australia shouldn’t miss Gibb River Road, accessible in the dry season and providing access to the region’s best natural attractions and wilderness camps. The camps offer a warm welcome to weary travellers with comfortable safari tent accommodation and delicious home style meals. You’ll find Mornington Wilderness Camp and Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge located between Broome and Kununurra off Gibb River Road.

Mitchell Falls

If venturing north to the ocean, drop in to Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge near Mitchell Plateau or Drysdale River station off Kalumburu Road, a region rich with Aboriginal Culture and Faraway Bay, The Bush Camp, nestled on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Timor Sea.

Cruising

The unique environment and dramatic landscape of the Kimberley makes it perfect for cruising. A cruise allows access to remote locations best seen and sometimes only accessible by water. Cruise past breathtaking waterfalls and dramatic cliff faces or take a scenic helicopter flight from your vessel over gorges and winding rivers. 

King Cascade

Day stops allow you to alight and explore the abundance of birdlife and trek to some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art found in natural caves. The attractions visited may include Montgomery Reef – where white water rapids reveal a vast eco-system; King Cascade’s tiered waterfalls; Prince Regent River or the thrilling Horizontal Falls.

Rowley Shores

There is also an opportunity to explore the underwater wonder of Rowley Shores Marine Park, 300 kilometres west of Broome. Here there is an array of coral atolls, clear lagoons and incredible marine life. Mermaid Reef and Clerke Reef offer the perfect spot for diving amongst colourful coral gardens and various fish species. Take the opportunity to spot sea turtles, manta ray and dolphins. Sunlover Holidays offer a huge range of Kimberley cruises from 4 to 13 nights, both along The Kimberley coastline and to Rowley Shoals. To book a cruise contact Sunlover Holidays on 13 88 33 or visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au