Broome and the Kimberley

Broome is a laid-back town on the edge of the Kimberley, with a famous beach, a pearling history and spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Beyond it lies the Kimberley, a remote region larger than many countries, with gorges, waterfalls, ancient rock art, huge tidal rivers and the beehive-shaped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. It's one of the great travel experiences in Australia, but it needs careful planning.

This guide covers Broome, the main Kimberley regions, the Gibb River Road, Purnululu, the wet and dry seasons, and crocodile and remote-travel safety.

Getting there

Broome is roughly 2,200 to 2,400 km from Perth by road, depending on route, and most visitors fly. Driving from Perth is a long road trip, usually combined with the Coral Coast, Ningaloo, Karijini and the Pilbara. Kununurra, in the East Kimberley, also has flights and connects to the Northern Territory by road.

Broome

Cable Beach. Broome's best-known beach stretches for more than 20 km. Sunset camel rides along the sand are a classic Broome experience. In the dry season, swimming is popular; in stinger season, be aware of box jellyfish.

Pearling history. Broome grew as a pearling centre in the late nineteenth century, drawing divers and workers from Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The Japanese Cemetery, Chinatown and local museums tell this multicultural history.

Gantheaume Point. Red cliffs meet the sea at Gantheaume Point. At very low tides, dinosaur footprints can be seen in the rocks nearby.

Staircase to the Moon. On some nights around the full moon between about March and October, the rising moon reflects off the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of a staircase to the moon. Check local information for dates.

The Dampier Peninsula

North of Broome, the Dampier Peninsula has red cliffs, white beaches and Aboriginal communities welcoming visitors to cultural tours, fishing and camping. Roads have been improved, but some tracks need a four-wheel drive. Some communities require permits or bookings, and some areas are closed to visitors. Check before you go.

The Gibb River Road

The Gibb River Road runs about 660 km through the heart of the Kimberley between Derby and the Kununurra area. It was originally built to move cattle and is mostly unsealed. Side tracks lead to gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes, including Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Bell Gorge and Manning Gorge.

The road requires a well-prepared high-clearance four-wheel drive, good tyres, spares, recovery gear, extra fuel and water, and a satellite communication device. River crossings can be deep early in the season. The road is generally only open in the dry season and can close after rain. Check Main Roads WA for current conditions.

Purnululu National Park

Purnululu National Park, in the East Kimberley, protects the Bungle Bungle Range, a maze of striped, beehive-shaped sandstone domes. The park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003. Walks lead into Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and Piccaninny Creek. The park is open in the dry season only and is reached by a rough four-wheel-drive access track. Scenic flights are a popular way to see the range from above.

Kununurra and the East Kimberley

Kununurra is the main town in the East Kimberley, near Lake Argyle, one of Australia's largest artificial lakes, created by the Ord River Dam. The Ord River and Lake Argyle offer boat cruises, and Mirima National Park, close to town, has formations similar to the Bungle Bungles.

The coast

The Kimberley coast is rugged, remote and mostly reached by boat or plane. Expedition cruises explore its gorges, waterfalls and rock art. The Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay, where huge tides surge through narrow gaps, are seen on scenic flights and boat tours.

Wet and dry seasons

The Kimberley has two main seasons.

• Dry season (roughly May to October). Warm, sunny days, cooler nights, and most roads, parks and tours open. This is peak season.
• Wet season (roughly November to April). Heat, humidity, storms, heavy rain and cyclones. Many roads close, rivers flood and some parks and businesses close. Waterfalls are spectacular from the air.

Crocodile safety

Saltwater crocodiles live in rivers, estuaries, billabongs, beaches and coastal waters across the Kimberley. They're dangerous and can attack without warning.

• Never swim where crocodiles may be present. Follow signs, but don't assume it's safe if there's no sign.
• Stay well back from the water's edge, and don't clean fish or prepare food near the water.
• Camp at least 50 m from the water's edge.
• Never dangle arms or legs over the side of boats.

Common mistakes

• Attempting the Gibb River Road without a properly prepared four-wheel drive.
• Swimming in crocodile country.
• Visiting in the wet season without understanding closures.
• Underestimating distances, fuel needs and the time required.

Accommodation and booking

Broome and the Kimberley's main towns have hotels, resorts, caravan parks and holiday rentals, while remote areas have station stays, wilderness camps and national park campgrounds. The dry season is peak season, so book well ahead. Some remote accommodation closes during the wet season.

Tours and flights

Scenic flights, boat tours and guided four-wheel-drive tours are popular ways to see remote parts of the Kimberley without the challenges of driving yourself.

Respecting culture

Broome and the Kimberley have strong Aboriginal cultures. Aboriginal-led tours offer insights into country, history and bush foods. Respect signs at culturally significant places.

Key points

Broome and the Kimberley are best visited in the dry season, from about May to October. Allow plenty of time, prepare thoroughly for remote travel, never swim in crocodile country, check permits and road conditions, and consider flights or tours for remote areas.