Why Honeymoon in Broome
Broome has a mood unlike anywhere else in Australia. Days are slow and hot, the beaches are wide and empty away from the main access points and evenings center on the sunset. Watching a string of camels walk the shoreline as the sky turns orange is a classic Broome moment.
There is also more depth than a typical beach town. Pearling history is visible in the old Chinatown streets, the Japanese Cemetery and working pearl farms. Sun Pictures, opened in 1916, claims to be the world's oldest operating open-air cinema.
It suits couples with mixed interests. One of you might want a scenic flight over the Kimberley or fishing in the creeks. The other might prefer spa time, browsing pearl showrooms or a long lunch with ocean views. Broome is relaxed, low-rise and feels far from the rest of the world.
When to Go
The dry season, May to October, is the time to go. Rain is rare, skies are clear and temperatures are warm but comfortable, often in the high 70s to mid 80s Fahrenheit. Nights can be cooler in June and July. This is peak season, so book flights and hotels early.
The Staircase to the Moon happens on a few nights each month from about March to October, when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of steps leading up to the moon. The Visitor Centre publishes dates in advance.
The wet season, roughly December to April, brings intense heat, humidity, storms and the chance of cyclones. Some tours stop running and roads into the Kimberley may close. October and November are the build-up, when humidity rises before the rains.
Where to Stay
Cable Beach is the main resort area. Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa sits close to the sand, with tropical gardens, villas and bungalows decorated with Asian and local art. It is the best-known resort in town and a popular honeymoon choice. Other resorts and apartment complexes nearby offer pools and easy access to the beach.
Town, near Roebuck Bay and Chinatown, is about 10 minutes away by car. It puts you close to Sun Pictures, pearl showrooms and restaurants. It also gives easy access to the Staircase to the Moon viewing spots. Boutique options like Pinctada McAlpine House offer a more intimate stay.
If you plan to explore further, consider a few nights at a wilderness lodge on the Dampier Peninsula or a Kimberley cruise. These trips need careful planning and can be expensive, so book well ahead.
Romantic Things to Do
- Ride camels along Cable Beach at sunset. Several operators run tours, with sunset rides the most popular.
- Watch the Staircase to the Moon from Town Beach or a viewing spot on Roebuck Bay, with night markets on some evenings.
- Catch a film at Sun Pictures, sitting in deck chairs under the stars.
- Visit a pearl farm, such as Willie Creek, to learn about pearling and see how pearls are grown.
- Take a seaplane flight to Horizontal Falls, where huge tides force water through narrow gaps in the cliffs.
- Explore Gantheaume Point at low tide to look for dinosaur footprints and enjoy the red cliffs.
- Book a scenic flight over the Kimberley coast or the Bungle Bungle Range.
- Watch migratory shorebirds at the Broome Bird Observatory in season.
Getting There and Around
Broome International Airport (BME) is about 10 minutes from town and Cable Beach. Qantas and Virgin Australia fly from Perth, which takes about two and a half hours. In the dry season there are often direct flights from some east coast cities, but schedules change, so check before you book. From the US, connect through Perth, Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
In Broome, a rental car gives you the most freedom. A local bus runs between Cable Beach and town. Taxis are available but can be busy at peak times.
For trips into the Kimberley, consider guided tours or scenic flights. Many roads are unsealed and remote. Some require a four-wheel drive and careful planning. Check road conditions and closures before setting out.
Food and Drink
Broome's food reflects its multicultural history. Expect Asian flavors alongside Australian seafood. Try barramundi, local prawns and dishes using native ingredients. Some restaurants serve pearl meat, a local delicacy.
Sunset drinks are a ritual. Head to a bar or restaurant on Cable Beach to watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean. Matso's Broome Brewery is a long-standing local brewery known for its ginger beer and relaxed garden.
The Courthouse Markets on weekends sell local produce, crafts and food. Book dinner at popular restaurants ahead in peak season, as Broome's population swells and tables fill quickly.
Honeymoon Tips
Do not swim in the sea during the wet season without checking for box jellyfish and other stingers. Box jellyfish are a serious risk in northern Australian waters, especially from about November to April. Saltwater crocodiles live in creeks and estuaries around Broome, so obey signs and never swim in mangrove areas.
Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be bad after rain. Mosquito-borne illnesses occur in northern Australia, so if you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
Do not leave valuables in cars and use normal care at night, as petty crime is an issue in some areas.
Combine Broome with Perth, Margaret River or the east coast for contrast. Four or five nights is a good minimum if you want to include a Kimberley excursion.
