I lived in Broome for two years and one of my favourite parts about living there was getting out of town for the day to explore Broome’s wonderful surroundings! The area around Broome is a treasure trove of landscapes, from rugged bushland to stunning coastal views, making it ideal for day trips.
Chances are, you’re only visiting Broome for a short time, meaning you don’t have two years to try out all of the possible day trips from Broome to narrow them down to the very best. Luckily, I’ve done that for you! Here are the very best places to visit near Broome you can visit in just one day.
1. Dampier Peninsula
Driving time from Broome: around 2.5 hours
The Dampier Peninsula is one of those non-negotiables when it comes to self-drive day trips from Broome. This remote and picturesque peninsula offers a quick taste of the Kimberley, Aboriginal culture, and gorgeous coastal scenery. What’s not to love?
As you head towards Cape Leveque, at the northern tip of the Peninsula, make a stop at Beagle Bay. This small Aboriginal community is famous for the Sacred Heart Church, built in 1918 by monks and local Aboriginal people. It’s most famous for its intricate altar adorned with mother-of-pearl shell, showing off the area’s pearling heritage, and it’s a very cool sight.
Once at Cape Leveque, it’s beach time! You can’t really go wrong here – each beach is a stunner, with soft white sand and crystal-clear water. Driving along the coast, pull over to admire the stunning contrast of red cliffs against the turquoise water. This trip is a fair drive from Broome, but it’s the best way to experience the Kimberley in a short time.
Don’t want to rent a car? No worries – this is one of the best day tours from Broome!
2. James Price Point
Driving time from Broome: around 1 hour
James Price Point, locally called Walmadany, is a top-tier day trip from Broome, known for its spectacular coastal scenery. This is the place to go to check out those iconic Kimberley views of deep red Pindan cliffs meeting the turquoise Indian Ocean, which, if it isn’t already on your Kimberley bucket list, should be!
This area is the perfect day out for some exploration or just chilling on the beach. Walk along the coastline to spot whales during the migration season (June-October) or try your hand at fishing from the rugged cliffs – James Price Point is a hotspot for sports fishing.
This area is far less crowded than Broome, so it’s ideal if you fancy some serious solitude.
3. Cygnet Bay
Driving time from Broome: around 2.5 hours
Cygnet Bay is a must for anyone heading out from Broome and looking to dive into the unique world of pearl farming. Located on the Dampier Peninsula, this family-operated pearl farm is a trailblazer in the pearl industry, known for producing some of the world’s most exquisite pearls.
Whilst here, you really should join one of their educational tours to get a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of pearl farming, from seeding to harvest. Also, don’t miss the sea safari – it’s a fantastic way to see the spectacular tidal phenomena along the Kimberley coast, including the dramatic whirlpools and powerful tidal flows that make this area so famous.
Obviously, Cygnet Bay is a fabulous place to shop for exquisite pearl jewellery, but it’s also a fun day out for families who want an interactive yet educational day trip.
4. Barn Hill Station
Driving distance from Broome: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
Head out to Barn Hill Station for another place where you can see the rugged outback meet serene beaches. This working cattle station, around 90 minutes’ drive from Broome, serves up a slice of authentic station life with gorgeous coastal views thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re casting a line from the beach on a day of fishing, hiking through the bush, or joining in on station activities, there’s plenty to fill your day here.
The beaches near Barn Hill Station are secluded and pristine, perfect for a quiet day of relaxation or beachcombing. That’s what makes this place a favourite with Broome locals for a quiet and relaxed beach trip, so you’ll likely have plenty of space to yourself. It’s most popular to camp or rent a cabin here for a night or two, but there’s no reason why you can’t just visit for the day!
5. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
Driving distance from Broome: about 15 minutes
Just a short drive from the centre of Broome, the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is our go-to for a thrilling day full of encounters with some of Australia’s most impressive reptiles. Established by the late wildlife conservationist Malcolm Douglas, the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is both a crocodile sanctuary and an educational centre that’ll teach you all about crocs and croc preservation.
The highlight of your visit will definitely be the daily feeding tour, where you can safely watch from a distance as crocodiles snap up their meals with mind-blowing speed and power.
Besides crocodiles, the park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and birds, all of which you can see up close. That’s what makes this our favourite family day out from Broome.
6. Coconut Well
Driving distance from Broome: about 20 minutes
Just a short drive away from Broome, Coconut Well is a dreamy hideaway known for its chilled-out lagoons and the unique phenomenon of the tidal pools here that form at low tide. This Instagram-worthy natural attraction is a quiet alternative to the more popular beaches of Broome. Plus, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here since, at low tide, you’ll get to explore the small and clear pools that temporarily capture a variety of marine life during low tide. It’s like a free aquarium!
Up until recently, Coconut Well was a closely guarded local secret. Now, the word is getting out, especially amongst younger travellers who want to capture those perfect Instagram shots, but it’s still peaceful and quiet for now. Some of the rockpools are even big enough to swim in, so pack your swimsuit for this day trip!
7. Willie Creek Pearl Farm
Driving distance from Broome: about 30 minutes
Make your way to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, just a short drive from Broome, for a hands-on look at pearl farming. It’s the closer alternative to Cygnet Bay since it’s just a 30 minute drive from town!
This place is not only a leader in the pearling industry but also a great spot for a day trip. Guided tours are the way to go here, covering everything from how oysters are bred to how pearls are carefully harvested. You’ll even get to hop on a boat to cruise the stunning Willie Creek lagoon, which adds a nice touch to your day of learning all about sustainable pearl farming.
Don’t forget to stop by the showroom before you head back. It’s where you can check out and buy some of the world’s finest pearls, right where they’re grown. I always leave with a smile—and a new pearl or two, lovely reminders of my visits!
8. Horizontal Falls
Driving distance from Broome: approximately 2.5 hours to the departure point for scenic flights
Day trips from Broome to Horizontal Falls are my favourite, but unfortunately, they’re also pretty expensive. The full-on natural spectacle of Horizontal Falls has earned high praise from David Attenborough, who described it as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”, so hopefully that will reassure you that this place is truly worth a visit.
You can’t drive there, so the adventure starts with a scenic flight or seaplane trip from Broome, giving you a killer aerial view of the red cliffs, dense greenery, and winding rivers below. That’s what makes this trip so expensive, but it is worth it!
Once you touch down, get ready for the main event: a boat ride through the Horizontal Falls. The powerful tidal currents of these waterfalls squeeze through tight gorges, making it look like the sea is tipping sideways. You’re in for a day trip you won’t forget anytime soon!
9. Broome Bird Observatory
Driving distance from Broome: about 25 minutes
Head over to the Broome Bird Observatory on the shores of Roebuck Bay for a day out with some of the world’s most fascinating migratory shorebirds.
Established in 1988, this place is all about giving you a closer look at the diverse bird species that make Roebuck Bay their pit stop. It’s actually one of the top spots in the world for bird watching, which is all thanks to its nutrient-rich mudflats that attract thousands of birds each year.
Whilst you’re here, be sure to join the guided walks – they’re a great way to learn about the birds’ migratory patterns and behaviours from the observatory’s knowledgeable staff. For a hands-on experience, you can also participate in bird banding, where you’ll get up close with the birds and contribute to conservation research. It’s such a cool day out!
Best Things to See & Do Near Broome
That wraps up my list of the best day trips from Broome! Each of these spots offers something unique, whether it’s the thrill of Horizontal Falls, the tranquillity of Coconut Well, or the fascinating world of pearl farming.
I’ll admit, some of these day trip options are quite the drive, but that’s just because you’re in such a remote area of Australia – almost nothing is nearby up here!
No matter which day trip you choose, I hope you have an incredible day out. Loving Broome so much that you don’t want to leave? Then don’t miss my full guide to living in Broome!
