Sunset Camel Rides, Stunning Coral Reef and Waterfalls Aplenty: Ten Activities for Guaranteed Good Times in Broome and the Kimberley
Whether you want to take in some of Western Australia's most stunning vistas, check in to luxury in the desert or learn of the rich First Nations heritage, the Broome and Kimberley regions are for you.
Sunset Camel Rides, Stunning Coral Reef and Waterfalls Aplenty: Ten Activities for Guaranteed Good Times in Broome and the Kimberley
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Whether you want to take in some of Western Australia's most stunning vistas, check in to luxury in the desert or learn of the rich First Nations heritage, the Broome and Kimberley regions are for you.
When it comes to exploring Broome (Rubibi) and the Kimberley, we recommend packing your sense of adventure. This vast, varied stretch of country holds some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences in the world.
There's ocean wilderness and colourful coral wonderlands, Aboriginal cultural sites and places of ancient, enduring story and significance. You'll see otherworldly rock forms, lush greenery and sprawling lakes, optical lunar illusions and sideways — yes, sideways — waterfalls. There's nowhere like it, and there are so many ways you can explore.
Whatever way you want to adventure, we've got a standout spread of activities here to choose from — and a few ready-to-go trips if you're already packed and ready. It's time to choose your own quest out west.
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Also known as Garaanngaddim (to the local saltwater Dambimangari people), the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay is a curious natural phenomenon. Essentially, it’s a waterfall turned on its side. During the day, the water changes direction, squeezing through two gorges of McLarty Range that get as narrow as 12 metres.
It’s part of Aboriginal reserve land with native title possession, so you can’t just hop in a car or hike there. Year-round, you can fly by helicopter from Broome or Derby to see Garaanngaddim from above, or you can take a speedboat through the churning white water of the falls themselves from March till November. Boat tours can range from half-day to overnight trips, and sometimes even include a little ride in a seaplane, giving you the best of both worlds.
Image: Tourism Western Australia.
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In this part of Western Australia, you can head out into an ocean wilderness. The Rowley Shoals sit within a marine sanctuary and are roughly 260 kilometres from Broome. Gorgeous clear waters offer unparalleled views of marine life and coral forms. This remote, beautiful and unspoiled place is reachable only by cruise or charter, which can take anywhere between several days to a full week — and a few even have on-board parties.
There are three coral atolls that make up the shoals: Clerke Reef, Imperieuse Reef and Mermaid Reef. You’ll have ample opportunity to dive and swim several times a day, including some drift-diving in open waters. Prepare to encounter underwater wonderlands of coral, tropical fish, reef sharks and maybe even humpback whales. Our rec? Take a deep dive at the northern wall of Mermaid Reef, one of the world’s top dive sites. Discover secret fishing spots far from shore and haul in a marlin or trout. Or, simply relax on board in the calm of the great wide sea and your isolated tropical paradise.
Image: Tourism Western Australia & @saltywings.
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Some of the most sought-after pearls come from this region, and their secrets were once carefully guarded. But, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is changing that. It’s been a working pearl farm since 1946, and open to the public since 2009. It’s a sustainability and marine research success story, which you can see for yourself. It runs a one-hour on-land pearl farm tour, which includes a pearl harvest demonstration and a guide to ‘pearl appreciation’. You’ll be given a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most renowned pearls in the world — including the famous Australian South Sea Pearl.
Want to take it further? Add on a pearl-grading course to really expand your skills, a cultural Riji carving demonstration — a sacred tradition of the Bardi Jawi people — or Borrgoron cultural tour of coastal pearling, hunting and history of this country. Take a boat out to the ‘secret beach’ of Cygnet Bay, either as a little day trip or a sunset journey to drink in the falling light’s beauty on this tucked-away beach.
Image: Tourism Western Australia.
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Wade through shallow mangrove waters and across the mudflats of Roebuck Bay (Yawuru Nadulagun), discovering the rich history and habitats along with an expert local guide with Narlijia Experiences, the biz started by Bart Pigram — a Yawuru man — in 2015. On this particular 2.8-kilometre walk, Pigram tells visitors stories and multicultural histories of Broome and the surrounds. He shares knowledge of the rich ecosystems of the mangroves: fish, turtles, mud crabs and crocs, and a multitude of insect and mollusc life burrowing and flitting through the trees. Learn about Dreaming stories and significant shell middens, hunting and foraging traditions, then maybe sample bushtucker from the mangroves themselves.
Image: Tourism Western Australia.
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Catch a sunset from a different perspective: riding high on a camel’s back. Cable Beach (Walmanyjun) is 22 kilometres of white-gold sand — and a renowned spot for magnificent sunsets. There are three camel tour operators along the beach, including the OG ‘camel lady’ of Broome. There’s a camel with a distinct personality for every kind of rider, from cheeky and playful to calm and docile. Never ridden a camel before? Don’t worry. These desert wanderers are well-trained and sure-footed.
An experienced team of cameleers will guide you on a leisurely pace, from red outback dirt to the sandy beachfront where you’ll follow the shoreline, taking in views to Gantheaume Point (Minyirr). Watch a glorious sunset in the broad expanse of sky — on cloudy days, they’re awash with ever-changing colours. On clear days, there’s a graceful fade from blue to gold and into the slow night. It’s a little evening adventure, with a spectacular view.
Image: Lauren Bath, Tourism Western Australia.
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This lunar event only happens two to three days a month between March and October. The Staircase to the Moon takes place when the full moon rises over the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, making a ‘staircase’ of light stepping up out of the rippling exposed mudflats. It’s a magical natural phenomenon. Watch as the blue waters turn dark, the sun sets and the huge moon hangs low to create a unique optical illusion. Remember to bring your best camera to capture the sight in all its glory.
There are numerous local venues and vantage points from which to view the Staircase to the Moon, so you’re sorted if you want to kick back and take it in over dinner and a cocktail, maybe enjoying some live entertainment. Town Beach is still one of the best spots to catch this remarkable phenomenon, and also a bit of local culture with the Staircase to the Moon Night Markets. Try local produce, grab some street food from vendors, pick up local handicraft souvenirs and listen to the buskers.
Image: Tourism Western Australia.
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Located in the Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell Falls (Punamii-unpuu) is a scenic Kimberley landmark and site of cultural significance to the Wunambal people. Tufts of bush and a scattering of native trees cling to the stone around the waters where the river has cut through the sandstone to form cascading waterfall steps. Hop in a helicopter and fly over to see the four-tiered sandstone falls from above, or take the 8.6-kilometre trek from the campgrounds to get right up to the tumbling waters in all their glory.
While you can’t swim in the emerald pools below the falls, there’s a number of swimming spots along the Punamii-unpuu Walking Trail. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls this unspoiled habitat home within the 1150-square-kilometre park space. To get there the quick way, fly between Broome and Kununurra to reach the campground, or take a 4WD road trip along the Gibb River Road. Whichever way you adventure, this is an unforgettable sight.
Image: Tourism Western Australia.
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The Bungle Bungle Range lies within the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, a dramatic landscape of cliffs, palm trees and seasonal waterways. Take a day hike through this magical place with the sustainably operated Kingfisher Tours. That means treading lightly in the environment, supporting the community and honouring the Traditional Owners of Gija and Jaru Country, who lead these experiences as expert guides with deep ties to the land.
There are walks ranging from 5–11 hours, where you can take in Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and the Beehive Dome Botanicals walk. You’ll be guided by Aboriginal custodians, sharing their knowledge of country, history and storytelling. A lunch of bushtucker or local produce is included. If you’d rather see the country from above, a two-hour flight lets you behold it all by air, viewing the network of beehive-shaped natural stone towers in all their maze-like complexity, tracing the orange and grey banded patterns across the formations. It took 30 million years for the scenery to get this breathtaking, so you simply must take an afternoon to enjoy it.
Image: Tourism Western Australia.
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Lake Argyle Cruises has been taking explorers out over the immense lake for more than 26 years. No one knows the ins and outs of this vast 120-kilometre-long body of water as well as the team here do. If you want to see it all, take the Best of Lake Argyle tour. On this six-hour cruise, you’ll travel from north to south, traversing wetlands filled with birdlife (binoculars provided), taking a Zebra Rock fossicking stop and a lesson on the pastoral history of the eastern Kimberley. Also on the bill: a dip with a sunset view at Monsmont Island.
Short on time? Early risers can choose a morning cruise while fans of a dramatic sunset can opt for the evening trip instead. Both tours explore the rugged northern end of the lake, its 90 islands and inlets, and offer a fascinating lesson in natural history and aquaculture — plus give you the chance to get close to the local bird and marine life.
Image: Tourism Australia.
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Got a hunger for adventure and a taste for the finer things in life? El Questro Homestead is one of the most luxurious bases for exploring the natural wonders of the Kimberley. Sitting amidst almost 700,000 acres of splendour, all there for exploring, this ultra-exclusive stay offers ten suites of bliss overlooking the Chamberlain River. When the rains have been through, expect a landscape of vibrant colour, with lush greenery and tall palms clinging to the ancient red stone formations. Spend your days relaxing or exploring the wilderness at your leisure.
Complimentary tours are part of the package, and you can arrange a personalised itinerary with your hosts. Fancy a little cruise? A hike? Some thermal springs to relax in or an off-road 4WD adventure? You’ve got it. You can even fork out a bit extra for a helicopter ride across the stunning wild country. You might be way out in the bush, but there’s no roughing it with camp food: you’ll finish each day with a three-course meal with matching wine.
Image: Tourism Western Australia.
Whichever part of Western Australia beckons you over, Concrete Playground Trips is the ideal place to start planning. Ready to go? Head to the website.
Top images: Tourism Western Australia (Mitchell Falls; Rowley Shoals; Lake Argyle; El Questro Wilderness Park; Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm).
