A Guide to Broome
Know Before You Go
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Beware of the jellyfish. Broome’s waters are home to the poisonous Box Jellyfish and the Irukandji. Both are found off the coast during the wet season from around November to May.
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Watch the Staircase to the Moon. During the dry season, a natural phenomenon occurs when the moon rises out of the water and creates an effect that resembles a staircase.
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Bring mosquito repellent. While the mosquitos don’t carry malaria, they are most active from November to April. Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk to avoid being bitten and use mosquito repellent on any exposed skin.
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Look out for warning signs about saltwater crocodiles. If there is nothing signposted, ask a local authority if it’s safe to swim in the water before getting in.
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Get free WiFi. The internet in Australia is expensive and slow. If you’re on a tight budget and need to get online, go to the nearest Maccas (Mcdonalds) and use their free WiFi.
Getting Around Broome
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Take the bus. A local bus service runs 7-days a week. It runs every hour during offseason and every 30 minutes in peak season.
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Walk to cycle around Broome. Due to its flat terrain, it’s easy to get to most places on foot or with a bike. Cycling is one of the most popular ways to explore the city, and there are a few places around town where you can rent a bike for the day.
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Rent a car. If you want to go on one of the many day trips, you’ll need to hire a car. There are rental services at the airport or in the CBD.
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If you don’t want to rely on public transportation to get around, you can take a taxi. The cabs can be hailed down from the street, or you can call ahead to request your ride. The only downside is that it is expensive with most trips costing around AUD 20.
When is The Best Time to Visit Broome?
The best time to visit is from April to October during the dry season. The days are warm, rainfall is minimal, and conditions are perfect for outdoor activities. The tropical climate is a magnet for local and international drivers, driving up prices during this period.
If you want to save money, book your flights and accommodation well in advance to lock in lower prices. Activities like day trips to the Great Barrier Reef also tend to fill up, and it’s unlikely to find an open spot on the day.
The wet season starts from November and ends in March. Broome experiences occasional torrential downpours, possible cyclones and lots of rain. It’s also the hottest time to visit the city and humidity is high. If you can handle the lack of perfect weather, you’ll find great deals. Flights, hotels and activity prices are cheaper during this season, and you’ll have the city to yourself.
Airports in Broome
Broome Airport
Broome Airport is the gateway to the Kimberley regions. It’s the 20th busiest airport in Australia, and it serves six different airlines who mainly operate domestic flights.
Getting To and From Broome Airport
There is no scheduled public transport available from the airport into the city. However, most of the hotels and resorts provide guests with complimentary transfers. After booking your accommodation, arrange your pick-up with the hotel before you arrive.
If you want to take a taxi, you’ll find the cabs waiting outside the Paspaley Plaza. If there are none when you arrive, you can call one of the companies in town to request a ride.
Car hire desks are located inside the arrivals terminal. There are a number of well-known brands to choose from that can help you with your travelling needs.
