It’s where red dirt meets the turquoise blue ocean, Aboriginal and Chinese cultures converge, and staircases lead directly to the moon. With unique natural attractions, historical sites and great places to eat and drink, Broome is a holiday hotspot perfect for those seeking a tropical break. The best bit? It’s an easy destination to explore – or chill out – with your favourite four-legged friend.
More and more locations across Western Australia are becoming increasingly pet-friendly, Broome being one of them. With pet-friendly caravan and camping sites at RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park and plenty of activities to do, it’s no wonder Broome’s the next best holiday destination for you and your pooch.
Here are our top 10 picks of pet-friendly things to do in Broome.
1. Catch the Staircase to the Moon
This is one natural phenomenon you and Bruce won’t want to miss. When the full moon rises over Broome’s mudflats during low tide, a shimmering path appears below it, like (you guessed it) a staircase to the moon. The staircase, which can be seen every 2-3 days a month between March and October, is best viewed with your pup at Town Beach.
- Town Beach, Robinson Street, Broome
- 10 min drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
2. Visit the Staircase Market
While you’re at Town Beach, head over to Town Beach Reserve to check out the Staircase Markets. Held every night the Staircase to the Moon appears, the markets make for a great evening spent under the moon and stars. Lead pooch past stalls full of jewellery, clothing and homewares, before devouring your choice of street foods – think anything from burgers and pizzas, to laksas, satay and kebabs. Markets are also held every Thursday night from June through to September.
- Town Beach Reserve, Robinson Street, Broome
- 12 min drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
3. Go for a walk along the iconic Cable Beach
When in Broome, visit Cable Beach. You may already be familiar with this beautiful part of the coast, a prime spot for a camel ride, but this 22-kilometre-long white sandy beach is also the perfect place to stretch two and four legs. Come sunset, expect a feast for the eyes, as the rays of a setting sun light up the entire sky. Head north of the rocks to the beach’s off-leash exercise area and let your pup roam free. (Do keep an eye out for four-wheel drives cruising up and down the coast.)
- Cable Beach, Broome
- 2 min drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
4. Picnic at Gantheaume Point
Want to do as the locals do? Head to Gantheaume Point for a lazy beachside picnic. Just a 10-minute drive from town, this dog-friendly beach features deep pindan-red cliffs that offer a stark contrast to the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean below. Park the car at the Broome Turf Club carpark and stroll down to the beach, where you can find the best ‘white sand-meets-red cliffs’ spots along the point.
- Gantheaume Point Road, Broome
- 10 minute drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
5. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat at The Good Cartel
Home to what is arguably Broome’s best coffee, The Good Cartel is the go-to for tasty tipples, burgers and beats, plus it’s pet-friendly. Broome locals say the town has some of the yummiest food in the world, and The Good Cartel certainly supports the claim with its Cartel Bagel, featuring a lightly toasted bagel bun, layers of crispy maple bacon, tomato, melted cheese, pickles and lip-smacking burger sauce.
- 3 Weld Street, Djugun
- 7 minute drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
6. Discover public art in Chinatown
An attraction in itself, Chinatown is home to a number of public art murals and sculptures that present a vibrant insight into the town’s rich history. From a giant working abacus to a life-sized hard hat diver, artworks tell tales of Broome’s Aboriginal, Asian and pearling heritage. Wander around the town centre with your pooch and discover these artworks, which form a delightful art trail. Need help finding them? This map will do the trick.
- Carnarvon Street, Johnny Chi Lane and Dampier Terrace, Broome
- 8 minute drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
7. Snap a selfie at Streeter’s Jetty
This highly instagrammable location is just a hop, skip and jump away from Chinatown. Streeter’s Jetty was once used by pearl dealers and merchants in the late 19th century, a channel cut through the mangroves enabling luggers and other small vessels to access the pearling town. The jetty is one of the best places to witness Broome’s extreme tidal changes: the pier is regularly underwater during high tide (which makes for some beautiful photo opps), while lush green mangroves are revealed when the tide lowers.
- Corner of Short Street and Dampier Terrace, Broome
- 8 minute drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
8. Enjoy live music at the Broome Courthouse Markets
If you want to get a taste of the local music scene, head to the Broome Courthouse Markets on a Saturday morning (and Sundays from April through to October). Held in the beautiful heritage-listed gardens of the Broome Courthouse, the markets feature up to 115 stalls and live music by local and visiting artists. You’ll catch musicians playing reggae, blues, folk, rock, jazz and more from under the balcony of the site’s historical Cable House. Find a seat for you and your pooch on the lawn in front of the house, then spend the morning enjoying good company and great tunes.
- 8 Hamersley Street, Broome
- 8 minute drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
9. Take in sweeping views of Roebuck Bay and Dampier Creek at the Roebuck Bay Lookout
Early riser? Grab your four-legged best friend and walk to the Roebuck Bay Lookout, located at the intersection of Dampier Terrace and Frederick Street. This scenic platform, designed by Yawuru Traditional Owners (in conjunction with Broome Senior High School), offers a spectacular view of Roebuck Bay and Dampier Creek. Stay a while and watch the sun shine through the roof of the structure, illuminating the platform floor with beautiful shapes and patterns.
- 45C Dampier Terrace, Broome
- 8 minute drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
10. Check Bella into Broome’s Pet Motel
“Leave no pooch behind” is a great motto, but when it comes to exploring some of the North West’s pristine national parks or heading on a tour, sometimes it’s easier to leave your furry friend at home. When on holiday in Broome, the next best thing is to check them into the Broome Pet Motel (call in advance on (08) 9193 5384 to secure Bella’s room). They’ll be well looked after at this go-to pet motel, so much so they might not even want to leave. Another alternative is the Broome Veterinary Hospital, which offers large kennels and all the expertise of a veterinary trained staff.
- 29 McDaniel Road, Minyirr
- 8 minute drive from RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park
