Broome

Broome is a coastal settlement on the western edge of Australia in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It sits on a narrow peninsula between the Indian Ocean and Roebuck Bay, with long sandy shores on the western side and calm waters with broad tidal flats on the eastern side.

The settlement began in 1883 as a pearling center and drew workers from across Asia. By the mid-20th century the place had grown into the largest producer of mother-of-pearl in Australia.

The name honors Sir Frederick Broome, governor of Western Australia in the late 19th century. Visitors can walk through the Japanese cemetery where hundreds of pearl divers rest, their graves pointing to the multicultural origins of the early workers.

The airport terminal sits about one kilometer from the town center and allows direct access. The dry season from May to October brings pleasant weather for beach visits and outdoor exploration.

At low tide in Roebuck Bay flat rocks and mud banks appear where thousands of wading birds from the northern hemisphere sometimes rest during their annual migration. Another rare event occurs when the full moon casts light over the tidal flats creating an optical effect resembling a glowing staircase.

Location: Western Australia

Location: Shire of Broome

Inception: 1883

Elevation above the sea: 19 m

Website: http://broome.com.au

GPS coordinates: -17.96194,122.23611

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:05