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Broome is remote, which shapes almost every practical question about visiting it. The town sits about 2,240km north of Perth and is closer to Bali than to Sydney, and everything from flights to groceries reflects that distance. The essentials below cover getting in, getting around, money, and safety, and assume you’ve already read the best time to visit Broome advice on when to come. See the Broome neighborhoods guide to pick your base.
Broome Travel Tips: Getting There and Getting Around
Broome International Airport (BME) sits about 1km from the town centre and 2.5km from Cable Beach. Qantas and Virgin Australia fly daily from Perth, a two-and-a-half-hour flight, and Airnorth connects to Darwin and Kununurra, with some airlines adding direct seasonal flights from Melbourne and Sydney. A taxi from the airport to Cable Beach costs about AU$20 to AU$30, and to the town centre about AU$15 to AU$20. There’s no Uber in Broome, so use the local taxis, hotel shuttles, or pre-booked transfers. The Broome Explorer town bus links Cable Beach, Chinatown, and Town Beach for about AU$5 a single trip or AU$10 for a day pass, but many visitors simply rent a car at the airport, which is the practical choice for reaching Gantheaume Point, the crocodile park, and Willie Creek. See the Broome weather by month guide for the full climate table. See the where to stay in Broome guide for hotels in each area.
Broome Travel Tips: Safety, Money, and Practicalities
Broome uses the Australian dollar, and card payments are near-universal, though a few market stalls at the night markets are cash only. Tipping is not expected anywhere in Australia, including Broome, so leave nothing extra unless the service is exceptional. Tap water is safe to drink. The two real hazards are the sun and the water: UV levels hit 11 and above for much of the year, so wear SPF50, and saltwater crocodiles and irukandji jellyfish mean you should only swim at patrolled beaches or within stinger nets, especially from November to April. The risk of crocs in the ocean off Cable Beach is low but not zero, and the rule is simple: don’t swim in creeks, rivers, or at remote beaches. Check the Broome events and festivals calendar before you book. See our full Broome travel guide for the overview.
Broome Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Broome? Most overseas visitors need an eVisitor (free) or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, about AU$20), depending on nationality, and both are applied for online before you fly. What’s the time zone? Broome runs on Australian Western Standard Time (UTC+8) with no daylight saving, so it’s the same as Perth and two hours behind Sydney in summer. Is Broome expensive? Yes by Australian standards: a main course in a restaurant runs AU$30 to AU$45, a beer AU$9 to AU$12, and dry-season hotels AU$200 to AU$600 a night, so budget accordingly. Can I drink the tap water? Yes, it’s treated and safe. Are there crocodiles at the beach? Saltwater crocodiles are present in the region, and while Cable Beach is patrolled, you should never swim at remote beaches or in creeks. For the full attraction list to plan your days, see the things to do in Broome guide.
Suggested Hotels in Broome
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
Beachfront luxury on Cable Beach with an adults-only ocean pool, day spa, mini golf, and three restaurants. Best for couples and honeymooners who want a resort you never need to leave. Check rates and availability
Mangrove Hotel
Low-rise hotel on Roebuck Bay with a pool, Bay Club restaurant, and front-row seats for the Staircase to the Moon. Best for first-time visitors who want a central Town Beach base. Check rates and availability
Broome Vacation Village
Self-contained chalets near the golf club with a saltwater pool, BBQ area, and free DVD hire. Best for budget families and self-drivers who want a kitchen and parking. Check rates and availability
