Plan a CruiseBroome Cruise Port Guide
Broome is located in northwest Western Australia, on the Indian Ocean. Originally a pearling town, it boasts a unique history and natural attractions. Due to a significant tidal range of up to 10 meters (33 ft), the area features extensive mudflats and mangrove swamps. Upon arrival, cruise passengers will be met by a free local bus service at the pier, which provides transfers to the Visitor Center in town. This bus operates throughout the day for convenient transport back and forth. The pier itself is approximately 5 km from the town center. Broome is known for its beautiful beaches, the seasonal "Staircase to the Moon" optical illusion, and ancient dinosaur footprints visible at low tide.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon docking, a complimentary local bus will pick up passengers directly from the pier and transfer them to the Visitor Center in Broome town center, which is 5 km away. This free shuttle service runs continuously throughout the day, facilitating easy access between the ship and town. For exploring Broome beyond the Visitor Center, the Pearl Town Bus Service offers a Day Pass for $10, providing unlimited travel on the day of issue. This pass is particularly useful as it includes services to view the 'Staircase to the Moon'.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Broome, consider these independent activities:
- Explore Broome Town: Wander through the historic town, visit local shops, and soak in the atmosphere.
- Cable Beach: Head to one of Broome's most famous beaches. You can relax, swim, or opt for a memorable camel ride along the shoreline, especially popular around sunset.
- Staircase to the Moon: If your visit coincides with this seasonal phenomenon (caused by moonlight reflecting off exposed mudflats at low tide), it's a unique spectacle. The Pearl Town Bus Service Day Pass ($10) includes transport for this event.
- Dinosaur Footprints at Gantheaume Point: At low tide, you can see ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in the reef rock at Gantheaume Point, located west of town.
- Pearling: Given Broome's history, look for opportunities to learn about and purchase local cultured pearls. It's advisable to compare independent tour options from providers like GetYourGuide and Viator with those offered by your cruise line.
Dining & Shopping
Broome is renowned for its pearls, making them the primary local souvenir and a significant shopping focus. You'll find numerous establishments specializing in cultured pearls. General shop opening hours in Broome are typically Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday mornings until lunchtime. In larger towns and cities across Australia, some shops offer late-night trading on Thursday or Friday evenings, usually until 9 pm, and shopping malls are often open on Sundays. For quick and reliable internet access, McDonald's in town offers free WiFi.
Safety
No specific safety concerns beyond standard travel precautions are noted for Broome.
Currency and Language
Australian Dollar (AUD)