Broome & North West

Western Australia

Broome & North WestOften thought of as a 'final frontier', WA's North West is lauded for its rugged landscapes, dramatic gorges and largely isolated coastline. This untouched wilderness is an adventurers playground.

Broome and Western Australia's North West is a region of contrasts, with its rugged coastline, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural history making it one of the most fascinating and unique destinations in Australia. From the red rock landscapes of the Pilbara to the ancient gorges of the Kimberley and the remote Mitchell Plateau, the North West is a land of endless adventure and discovery. The Pilbara is a land of extremes, with its stark red rock landscapes and vast open spaces providing a true outback experience. Visitors can explore the region's national parks, including the Karijini National Park, with its ancient gorges, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. The Pilbara is also home to the world's largest open-pit iron ore mine, providing a unique insight into the region's mining industry. The Kimberley is another must-visit destination, with its stunning natural beauty and ancient cultural history. The region is home to some of Australia's most spectacular gorges, including Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, and Emma Gorge. Visitors can also explore the Mitchell Plateau, a remote and rugged wilderness area that is only accessible by helicopter or 4WD. The Mitchell Plateau is home to the stunning Mitchell Falls, which are best viewed from the air. Steeped in Indigenous history, with evidence of human habitation dating back tens of thousands of years, the region is home to several Aboriginal communities, each with their own unique cultural traditions and history. Visitors to the North West have the opportunity to learn about the Indigenous people's rich cultural heritage through tours and experiences that showcase the traditional art, music, and customs of the region. The ancient rock art found in the Kimberley and other areas of the North West offers a glimpse into the Indigenous people's spiritual and cultural practices, while the stories and legends passed down through generations provide a deep insight into the region's fascinating history. The coast of Western Australia's North West is also a major attraction, with its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. Visitors can swim with whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays, or take a fishing charter to catch the prized barramundi. The Dampier Archipelago, located just off the coast of Karratha, is a group of 42 islands that offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in the region. Broome is the gateway to the North West, with its rich cultural history and stunning natural beauty making it a popular destination for visitors. The town is famous for its pearl industry, with several pearl farms located in the surrounding waters. Visitors can take a pearl farm tour to learn about the history of the industry and see how pearls are harvested. The town's Cable Beach is another major attraction, with its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can take a camel ride along the beach at sunset, a truly magical experience. The Broome Historical Museum is also worth a visit, with its displays showcasing the town's fascinating cultural history. Accommodation options in Broome and Western Australia's North West are varied, with everything from luxury resorts and beachfront hotels to camping grounds and caravan parks. Visitors can also choose to stay in unique accommodation, such as safari tents or eco-lodges, to experience the region's natural beauty up close. If you're looking for adventure, you'll find it here in WA's North West.

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Things to do

Cape Leveque

Cape Leveque invites you on a spiritual journey to see some of the Kimberley's most stunning coastal wilderness through the eyes of the Indigenous people who welcome you to their country. Venture a little further north by air and be rewarded with a bird's eye view of the horizontal waterfalls in Talbot Bay. Located on the tip of the Dampier Peninsular, the road to Cape Leveque is all part of the adventure, following the four-wheel-drive track or joining a guided tour for the three and a half-hour drive north from Broome (sometimes closed during the green season - November to March). A quicker scenic route is available by air aboard a full or half-day tour departing from Broome or Derby. Against a striking backdrop of pindan cliffs, pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, immerse yourself in one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world, joining the locals for an authentic Indigenous bush tucker tour, tag-along four-wheel drive tour or even a mud crabbing experience. While relaxing in the region's remote wilderness camps you'll be tempted by many more opportunities to enrich the mind. Hop aboard a scenic flight to take in the exclusive spectacle of the Horizontal Waterfalls at Talbot Bay - created by some of the largest tidal forces on the planet - and the 1,000 plus island paradise of the remote Buccaneer Archipelago. Snorkel the reef, visit one of the world's largest populations of humpback whales (June to October), join a bushwalking tour, or let a local fishing charter give you a taste of world-class game fishing - putting you within casting distance of mackerel, tuna, cobia and sailfish. Your accommodation options range from camping to glamping, with basic campsites and beach shacks at the budget end, to fully-equipped safari tents overlooking the sea. If you're travelling by road, stop at Beagle Bay to visit the Nyul Nyul people who've lived in harmony with this pristine environment for thousands of years. Step inside their Sacred Heart Church and view the alter they made entirely of a mother of pearl shell.

Chamberlain Gorge

A cruise on the calm waters of Chamberlain Gorge is one of the best introductions to the El Questro Wilderness Park and its one million acres of spectacular outback landscapes. As you glide by the 200-foot escarpment of the ancient gorge, look out for rock wallabies, Johnston crocodiles and the incredibly cunning archerfish. El Questro Homestead overlooks Chamberlain Gorge and can be reached within two hours from Kununurra via the legendary Gibb River Road – one of Australia's most unique 4WD adventures. Air transfers are also available from Kununurra for those who wish to arrive with speed and style. Access to the park is only available in the dry season, between May and September. You can book a room with a view, perched high above the Chamberlain River, and take in the outback panorama from the comfort of your own private deck. There’s also the chance to experience one of the most dramatic fine dining evenings on Earth by taking a cliff-top table at the Homestead, overlooking Chamberlain Gorge as the sun sets and the stars blanket the Kimberley night sky.

Coastal Route South of Broome

The coastal route south of Broome leads you to some of the most pristine stretches of white sand, top fishing spots, stunning ocean sunsets, and amazing bird watching and stargazing opportunities. Camp under the desert night sky, or experience the height of glamping luxury. Follow Broome Road east from Broome town centre to reach the Great Northern Highway, and head south along the coast. In just over an hour you’ll reach Eco Beach, where you can indulge in glamping comforts and join an Indigenous tour to see this coastal wilderness through the eyes of the local Yardoogarra people. Another two hours down the highway brings you to the epic white sands of Barn Hill, Port Smith and Eighty Mile Beach - top spots for casting a line. Blissfully tranquil, Eighty Mile Beach is the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach in Western Australia. Nature lovers flock to see flatback turtles and some of the 500,000+ migratory shorebirds that feed and breed here. From here, follow the Warlu Way interpretive trail to discover WA’s richest marine habitat - the Dampier Archipelago - and explore two billion years of the Earth’s history in the gorges of Karijini National Park.

Boab Prison Tree

The massive ancient Boab Prison Tree is believed to be around 1,500 years old and sits on the outskirts of the remote northern town of Derby in Western Australia's rugged Kimberley region. The tree is an incredible 14 metres in circumference. With its hollow centre and a door cut into its side, the Boab Prison Tree was once used by early police patrols as a staging point for prisoners being walked into Derby. Today, the tree is a registered Aboriginal Site and is of cultural significance to local tribes. When visiting, you can find out more about the tree and its cultural history from the Boab Prison Tree Interpretive Pavilion which is located on-site. Be sure to respect cultural sensitivities and do not climb into the tree or approach too close to it. The Boab Prison Tree is seven kilometres from Derby making it an easy drive from town.

Eighty Mile Beach

For endless stretches of white sand lapping onto turquoise water and excellent fishing and bird watching, head to aptly named Eighty Mile Beach halfway between Broome and Port Hedland. Here you can see magnificent sunsets over the Indian Ocean and enjoy the glorious solitude of sharing your slice of beach with no one. Famous for fishing, it’s also an important feeding ground for migratory birds, making it an ideal place for bird watching. Each year an astonishing half a million migratory shorebirds descend on Eighty Mile Beach, flying in from their feeding and breeding grounds in the Arctic Circle. Pristine Eighty Mile Beach is a rich food source for around 20 species of waders. Eighty Mile Beach has a caravan park offering camping, caravan and cabin accommodation. You can reach Eighty Mile Beach by driving about two and a half hours north of Port Hedland, or three and a half hours south of Broome.

Fitzroy River

The mighty Fitzroy River is one of the Kimberley region’s most important and iconic waterways, carving out ancient gorges and flowing through rugged hills and plains for a distance of 750 kilometres. It flows through Geikie Gorge National Park and discharges into the sea at King Sound, south of Der-by. At many places along the banks of the Fitzroy River you go camping and fishing for barramundi. It has a catchment area of 90,000 square kilometres of which half is above the township of Fitzroy Crossing. In flood, the Fitzroy River becomes one of the world’s biggest rivers. It’s an awesome sight with 30,000 cubic metres of water per second gushing over the bridge at Fitzroy Crossing. During the dry season, much of the river stops flowing, leaving permanent waterholes along the river and surrounding floodplains. These pockets of water are critical for waterbirds, fish and other wildlife to survive – and also make for refreshing swimming holes. You can access the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing, Geikie Gorge National Park or at Derby where it meets the ocean.

Gibb River Road

The legendary Gibb River Road Top Trail is an icon of outback adventure through the heart of the Kimberley in Western Australia’s North West. The moderate 660-kilometre dirt track passes through remote station country with magnificent scenery and plenty of opportunities to get out of your vehicle to discover one of the many freshwater gorges. The Gibb, as it is affectionately known, was built for droving cattle from Wyndham to Derby. Today it caters for a steady stream of four-wheel-drive vehicles. Trail signage varies as the area remains privately owned by cattle stations and Aboriginal communities. Every station has a range of beautiful rivers and gorges including El Questro Station – Chamberlain and Emma Gorges, Mount Barnett Station – Manning Gorge Waterfall Walk, King Leopold Conservation Park – Bell Gorge, Gibb River Station – Barnett River Gorge and Mornington Wilderness Park – Diamond Gorge. Beware of the fresh and saltwater crocodiles. The estuarine crocs inhabit the rivers that meet the sea such as the Durack and Pentecost, whilst the freshwater variety in-habit the likes of the Manning and Barnett.

King George Falls

The 100-metre twin waterfalls of King George Falls is one of Western Australia’s most astounding spectacles and its highest twin falls. As it plunges over soaring red sandstone cliffs into tidal waters, you can take an invigorating freshwater shower at its base, or view this 2,000 million-year-old wilder-ness coast from the air. Due to its remote location, a cruise to the King George River gorge or a scenic flight over the north Kimberley coast is the only ways to access King George Falls. Flights depart from Broome and Kununurra, and cruises are available from Kununurra. April and May are the best times to visit when the falls are thundering after good rains. Along the way, you’ll also get to witness the untouched beauty of one of the last true wilderness coasts on Earth, including the 1,000 tiny islands and secluded beaches of the pristine Buccaneer Archipelago.

Lake Argyle

Cruise or fish the expansive, wildlife-rich waters of Lake Argyle, near Kununurra, the biggest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Created by the Ord River Dam, it's classified as an inland sea and at its peak, in the green season, Lake Argyle holds a staggering 32 million cubic metres of water. That's more than 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. You can take the leisurely 40-minute drive from Kununurra to Lake Argyle's shores, but the best way to appreciate its immensity is to hop on a scenic flight - you can even go by floatplane and land on the lake! A wildlife cruise of the lake's shoreline and islands will give you close encounters with an incredible variety of native fauna, from freshwater crocodiles, fish and wallabies (looks like a small kangaroo) to more than 240 species of birds - almost one-third of Australia's total known species. For a long, lazy lunch and a little wildlife spotting, head for the picnic area at the base of the dam wall. Or, if you're feeling more energetic, hit the network of bushwalking trails and enjoy the scenery and tranquillity of Lake Argyle at your own pace.

Mitchell River National Park

For outback scenery and Aboriginal culture, Mitchell River National Park in the rugged Kimberley region is among the best in Australia. Spectacular landscapes including the Mitchell Plateau and the thundering Mitchell Falls. A bushwalking track leads to the falls where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Take a plane or chopper ride over the falls to feel their majestic power. The Mitchell Plateau abounds in wildlife and plants. There’s rainforest, open woodlands of gum trees, and watercourses lined by pandanus palms and paperbark trees. The Mitchell River National Park is also home to another beautiful terrain including Merton Falls, Surveyors Pool, Mitchell and King Edward Rivers. The area is home to many ancient rock art sites, most of which have remained untouched for thousands of years. There are basic camping facilities throughout the park. Access is by four-wheel drive only from the Gibb River Road between Derby and Wyndham and may be limited during the wet season. Camping in Western Australia's natural areas is a special experience. Selected campgrounds from across the state are now bookable online for a trial period. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures be-fore commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Fitzroy Crossing

Fitzroy Crossing lies on the fertile floodplains of the Fitzroy River, downriver from the striking Geikie Gorge National Park and south of the ancient canyons and caves of Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge, where you can spot native wildlife in abundance. Hopping on a direct flight to Broome from Perth and Darwin (year-round) and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane (seasonal) will land you an easy four and a half-hour drive from Fitzroy Crossing. Then it's just an 18-kilometre drive to reach Geikie Gorge. The soaring cliffs of Geikie Gorge are part of a 350 million-year-old Devonian reef system, carved over thousands of years by the Fitzroy River. When in flood, it's believed to be one of the largest rivers in the world, in terms of volume, and a cruise on its waters or a bushwalk along its tree-lined banks will reveal a staggering variety of fish and birdlife. The region is just as rich in history and heritage. Fitzroy Crossing has many significant cultural sites, including ancient rock art of the Gooniyandi who inhabited the nearby Mimbi Caves. Indigenous tours will lead you through the labyrinth of caves and Geikie Gorge, sharing stories, bush tucker and traditional medicines of one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth. To the north, you're also within reach of the Kimberley's stunning Windjana Gorge. Here you can marvel at the sheer 100 metres walls carved over hundreds of millions of years. Continue to Tunnel Creek and take a torch-lit walk through Western Australia's oldest cave system, venturing 750 metres into a subterranean world of bats and freshwater crocodiles. While in town, it's worth the short drive to the original townsite and causeway crossing to visit the legendary Crossing Inn or hook a barramundi from the Fitzroy River. Motel-style and caravan park accommodation are available. Visit between May and October, and enjoy warm, dry days and cool evenings. From December to March, you're likely to see storms transform the surrounding landscape into a sea of green.

Tunnel Creek National Park

A visit to the Tunnel Creek National Park is a truly unique experience that you must include on your Kimberley itinerary. It is close to Windjana Gorge, allowing you to see both landmarks in one day. Tunnel Creek contains Western Australia’s oldest cave system. Walkthrough the 750-metre tunnel which takes you from one side of the Napier Range to the other. Look out for the many bats, fish and freshwater crocodiles that live in the cave. You will get to see little waterfalls coming over the ledges on the sides and huge stalactites dangling from the ceilings. It is not far off the beaten track, and you don’t need a four-wheel-drive to get there, but you do need a torch! The Tunnel Creek National Park is halfway between Derby and Fitzroy Crossing. Allow at least two hours to get there from either direction. Flights run between Perth and Broome, Derby or Kununurra. Drive yourself or join one of the many fantastic overland tour groups visiting the area. Entry is restricted during the wet season. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Broome

The pearling capital of Australia, Broome is the western gateway to the Kimberley wilderness - home to world-famous Cable Beach sunsets and the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Perth transports you to this tropical oasis of striking contrasts in col-our and culture, where the vibe is very relaxed but there's so much to engage the senses. Affectionately known as the 'pearl of the north', it's the home of South Sea pearls - among the largest and most coveted commercially harvested cultured pearls in the world. Their discovery in the 1800s fueled a mass migration almost as epic as the gold rush. Japanese, Filipino and Malay pearl divers arrived in droves seeking their fortune, creating a melting pot of cultures that makes Broome the multicultural town it is today. You can witness first-hand how Broome pearls are cultured on a cruise to a local pearl farm, then immerse yourself in the romantic tales of the original pearl luggers, or pick-up a memento of your trip in the dazzling pearl showrooms of Chinatown. This is also where you'll find another of Broome's gems - Sun Pictures, the oldest operating outdoor cinema in the world. Be sure to wander into the neighbouring galleries and admire the works of some of the Kimberley's most -celebrated contemporary and Aboriginal artists. Not to be upstaged, Mother Nature has blessed Broome with 22 kilometres of beautiful white sand and turquoise water at Cable Beach and striking rust-red cliffs and ancient dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point. What's more, on certain dates from March to October when the full moon coincides with low tide at Roebuck Bay, she performs the most awe-inspiring illusion known as the Staircase to the Moon. Accommodation-wise, there are plenty of indulgent eco-retreats, up-market hotels and chic resorts. There's just as much choice for the budget traveller too, with a good selection of hostels, caravan and camping grounds. Be sure to book ahead during peak season, from June to August.

Bell Gorge

Beautiful Bell Gorge, with its stunning waterfall, bushwalking and birdwatching, lies within the Kimberley's rugged King Leopold Range Conservation Park. During the wet season great volumes of water cascade down the waterfall, making it the perfect place for a refreshing swim. Make sure you bring your camera as Bell Gorge is one of the most picturesque and scenic gorges in the Kimberley. The folded rock formations were millions of years in the making. You can go camping not far from the gorge - this is pristine wilderness at its best. There's a one-kilometre path from the campground and carpark to the gorge. Bell Gorge is about an hour's drive off the Gibb River Road four-wheel drive track east of Derby. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.

Broome Whale Watching

Enjoy an unforgettable morning or sunset eco-experience with whales or dolphins. With a small group of guests, let their friendly crew spoil you on-board their 42-foot catamaran ‘Ballena’. Enjoy personalised customer service as whales and dolphins entertain you. Broome is a hotspot for sighting the unique snubfin dolphins. It’s the highway for humpback whales with over 35,000 expected every year. Sink into a bean bag or hang your legs over the edge and spot whales and dolphins. Discover why Sir David Attenborough visited Roebuck Bay on their Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruises. Find out why the bay is instrumental to the survival of our planet. Fall in love with the giants of the ocean, as the whales get up close to you. Watch a mother place complete trust in you as she showcases her calf. Guaranteed whale and dolphin sightings or travel again on them. They bring you a wonderful opportunity to encounter marine life while you enjoy homemade treats. Sip on a glass of bubbles or a warm cuppa as their knowledgeable crew share Mother Nature with you. You become part of their family and they become part of your holiday memory. Ecotourism of a totally different nature.

Broome Camel Safaris

Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience with Broome's most loved camels - the Camels in Blue! Meet Alison Bird - Broome's most respected and experienced camel operator, with over 30 years of experience working with these often misunderstood animals. Alison has caught camels, trained camels, brought up orphaned calves and been involved in camel export. Enjoy a Morning, Pre-Sunset or Sun-set Tour along the iconic Cable Beach. Alison and her team will ensure your experience is safe, educational and most of all, enjoyable! Take advantage of our fantastic and affordable professional photography service, plus bring your camera along and they will also take photos for free!

Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal Refuge

Enter another world through the jaws of a giant saltwater crocodile. Constructed over several months in 2005, the giant fibreglass head is already recognised as the best example of its kind in the world. The famous daily feeding tour showcases some of the largest crocodiles on display in Australia. The park is home to breathtakingly colourful birdlife, a cassowary, kangaroos, euros and wallabies, as well as emus, jabirus, snakes and lizards. The shop museum showcases an extraordinary display of Malcolm's forty years spent producing his famous adventure films. These classic films can be purchased in the shop, as well as their exclusive range of saltwater crocodile product including wallets, belts, hat-bands and crocodile teeth jewellery. Visitors can purchase drinks and ice creams, whilst relaxing in the outdoor seating area overlooking the natural 'Long Lake' system. Located only 15 minutes drive from Broome, they look forward to you joining them on a tour

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Celebrating 70 years of pearling in 2016, this small family-owned pearl farm 200 kilometres north of Broome has undergone a remarkable transformation from a hard-working community of pearlers to a unique accommodation, restaurant and touring option for visitors to the Kimberley. For a true insight into the iconic Australian pearling industry, the pearl farm tours allow guests to discover the secrets to creating the world's finest pearls. Cygnet Bay is one of just three remaining pearl producers in Western Australia, and during the pearl harvest guests have the unique opportunity to watch pearl technicians at work as they unveil the results of two years' hard work on the farm. The Kimberley Coast is home to the world's largest tropical tides, and Cygnet Bay's Giant Tides Sea Safaris take passengers on a thrilling boat ride to experience the standing waves and whirlpools, or to see a waterfall emerge from the sea.

Pilbara Dive and Tours

Pilbara Dive and Tours is located in Karratha, Western Australia and provides professional scuba diving experiences for all levels of certified divers and for those that would like to try diving for the first time. A range of PADI Dive Courses are also on offer from beginners to professional. For those that would like to experience more of what this unique area has to offer they also conduct combined dive and land-based tours. They sell and hire Scubapro equipment as well as other dive products. Air fills and dive cylinder hire are also available. There are many places to dive in the Pilbara including the Dampier Archipelago and the Mackerel Islands. The Dampier Archipelago lies just off the coast of Karratha and consists of 42 beautiful islands. Join one of their day trips to dive the pristine coral reefs and see a wide variety of amazing marine life that inhabit this area. With more than 20 years of experience, Pilbara Dive and Tours will help you explore both below and above the water.

El Questro Station

El Questro sprawls over 700,000 acres and is one of the world's most unique holiday destinations, providing a truly Australian holiday experience. El Questro Station sits in the heart of the El Questro property with stunning views of the rugged landscape and ancient boab trees. Go Barramundi fishing, set out on a horse trek or explore remote areas by a helicopter that only a lucky few have ever seen. A day spent with a local Ranger will introduce you to a variety of animals, birds and maybe even a salt-water crocodile! El Questro Station boasts a range of Riverview and Gardenview rooms which are conveniently located next to the Steakhouse Restaurant and the Swinging Arm Bar and are only a short stroll away from a peaceful swimming hole. The campground provides a combination of powered and non-powered sites – with several fully fitted-out tents for guests wishing to enjoy the fun of camping without needing to pitch a tent.

See the region from the air

Kimberley Air Tours offer spectacular air tours by seaplane and fixed-wing aircraft to the many iconic destinations in the Kimberley, such as the World Heritage Listed Bungle Bungle Range, magnificent Lake Argyle, the iconic Mitchell Falls, the Kimberley Coast and the famous Horizontal Waterfalls. Tours depart from Kununurra, Lake Argyle and Broome. Due to current health advice on social distancing, please contact the business for the most up to date information regarding opening times and services.

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