Broome’s Chinatown is the vibrant cultural, retail, and dining heart of the town, buzzing with activity along the Carnarvon Street café strip.
Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing mango smoothie or coffee at Dragonfly Café, a creative Southeast Asian-inspired meal at The Aarli (touted as one of the best brunches in Broome), or fresh Vietnamese rice paper rolls at Mr. Saigon, Chinatown has a wide variety of excellent dining options.
Take a stroll through Johnny Chi Lane and Little Johnny Chi Lane, two tucked away arcades marked by their distinctive red-painted wood entrances, where you’ll find boutique stores and unique souvenir shops. Cross over to Dampier Terrace, Broome’s pearling hub, where elegant pearl showrooms showcase their shimmering wares. For a deeper dive into the pearling industry, join a pearl harvesting tour with Willie Creek Pearl Luggers or visit the Cygnet Bay Showroom to learn about the craft.
Continue further up the street to Streeters Jetty, a historic site that once played a pivotal role in Broome’s pearling industry as a landing point for pearl luggers bringing their treasures ashore.
For art lovers, make a beeline to Short St Gallery. This intimate space highlights the works of talented Indigenous artists in a historic rustic building. Nearby, Magabala Books is a treasure trove of literature by Indigenous authors and a great spot to find handmade earrings and unique souvenirs.
On a more practical note, Chinatown is also home to one of Broome’s two main supermarkets, Coles, as well as the town’s only post office, making it a convenient stop for both shopping and essentials.
Find out more
Back to events & attractions
Staying at RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park puts you just a 10-minute walk from the world-famous Cable Beach, making it easy to soak up everything this stunning destination has to offer.
By day, find your perfect patch of sand along the 22-kilometre stretch of uninterrupted beach. For added comfort, umbrellas and sun loungers are available for hire from the beach kiosk. This section of Cable Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers from May to October.
As the day winds down, don’t miss the chance to witness Cable Beach’s legendary sunsets. Head north of the rocks on foot, or drive along the 4WD track, to see the iconic camel trains silhouetted against the setting sun as they stroll along the shoreline.
If you’d like to join a camel ride, be sure to book a few days in advance to secure your spot on this unforgettable experience. If you choose to drive your 4WD onto the beach, be mindful of Broome’s unique tidal changes which can quickly change conditions on the beach.
For a scenic dinner spot to enjoy the sunset, Cable Beach House and Sunset Bar & Grill both offer fantastic views. Alternatively, spread out a picnic rug under the shade of one of the many palm trees on the grassy foreshore for a prime spot to watch as the sky puts on a show.
During the wet season, typically from December to April, swimming at Cable Beach is not recommended due to the increased risk of Irukandji jellyfish stingers.
Back to events & attractions
Each weekend the Old Broome Courthouse gardens become a vibrant hub of community activity at the Broome Courthouse Markets.
Browse through a variety of stalls offering fresh produce, delicious food and coffee vans, live music, unique fashion, handcrafted jewellery, art, and other boutique and artisanal goods. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or a tasty breakfast, you’ll find it here each Saturday from 8 am. An additional Sunday market is held seasonally from April to October.
Make sure to try a famous Broome mango smoothie from the juice bar!
During the peak season from June to September, Town Beach comes alive with a Thursday Night Market held weekly from 4 pm – 8 pm. As part of the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon, an extra market is scheduled on one night of the full moon to make the most of this natural spectacle. Be sure to check the latest dates online to plan your visit.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
Learn more
Back to events & attractions
If you’re visiting Broome in August or September, you might have the chance to experience the iconic Shinju Matsuri Festival, or Festival of the Pearl, which has celebrated the rich heritage, diverse culture and history of Broome since 1970.
With a varied program of both free and ticketed events, the festival offers something for everyone. Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Festival highlights include the colourful and energetic float parade through the streets of Chinatown, the mesmerising Floating Lantern event at Gantheaume Beach, and the Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach, an unforgettable dining experience in one of Broome’s most iconic locations.
The festival hub is located at Town Beach, where you’ll find daily activities for all ages, such as live local performances, cultural displays, interactive art and craft workshops and special film screenings throughout the two-week celebration.
Dates vary slightly each year, but the festival generally kicks off around mid to end September.
Find out more
Back to events & attractions
