Living in Broome for two years was an eye-opener, and while there’s a lot to love, there are also some aspects that can be downright frustrating. Just like any place, Broome has its mix of charms and challenges.
There isn’t a whole lot online about living in Broome – I guess because not many people live there! However, after two years in town, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about life here, and so, I thought I’d give you an honest, no-frills look at what it’s really like.
From the joys of a traffic-light-free life to the trials of living in one of the most remote towns in the world, and everything in between, here’s my take on the everyday realities of life in Broome.
Pros of Living in Broome
Let’s kick things off with the advantages of living in Broome. Here are the reasons I fell head over heels for Broome:
Relaxed Lifestyle
Living here, you quickly get used to the bliss of “Broome time”. People joke about it, but it actually is a thing! There are no traffic lights, which means no traffic jams, and the town is so small you won’t need to commute to work every day. That means more extra free time for you to enjoy, and far less stress. What’s not to love?
Whether you’re strolling through the markets on a sunny afternoon or enjoying a leisurely coffee by the beach, the laid-back vibe is contagious. You’ll find that a short trip to the shop can easily turn into a leisurely chat with a friend on the street, and before you know it, half an hour has passed. That’s just how we roll in Broome!
Outdoor Activities
You don’t need to escape the town to explore wildlife – in Broome, it’s all around you! One of the top things to do in town is fishing because the waters here are teeming with a massive variety of fish. It’s not my cup of tea, but most mornings you’ll see groups of friends dotted along the coast casting lines and hoping for a big catch.
If you want something slightly more adventurous, the endless trails and the stunning backdrops of Broome are perfect for hiking and biking, and the locals always know the best, tourist-free spots. It’s easy to lead an active lifestyle when you live here!
Community Spirit
One thing that really stands out in Broome is the incredible sense of community. People here aren’t just friendly, they’re genuinely welcoming and want to make you feel like part of the family.
There’s a jam-packed community roster of fun activities you’re always welcome to join in on, from community barbecues to local music nights at the town square, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.
Broome is an old-school place where neighbours look out for each other, which was a welcome surprise to me. It’s not uncommon to receive an invite for dinner with neighbours or a sunset watch on the beach with work colleagues. This tight-knit community is one of the main things I absolutely adored about living in Broome.
Access to Adventures
If you ever dreamt of living somewhere that feels like a constant adventure, Broome is your spot. Just a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking Kimberley region, the opportunities for exploration here feel never-ending. I’ve lost count of the weekends spent camping under the stars at places like James Price Point or exploring the Dampier Peninsula.
Living in Broome means having one of Australia’s best unspoilt wilderness areas as your backyard.
Cons of Living in Broome
Now let’s tackle the disadvantages of living in Broome. Not everything is sunshine and camels here, and there are a few things that can be a real headache. Here are a few of the things that sometimes drove me mental about life in Broome:
Remote Location
Living in Broome means embracing its isolation, but this can be a double-edged sword. The closest major cities are Perth and Darwin, and even then, describing them as “close” is quite the stretch. Perth is a 2.5 hour flight, or a 22 hour drive, away, and Darwin is a 3 hour flight, or a 20 hour drive, away. This can turn into a real headache if you want to travel internationally.
For example, if you fancy a quick getaway to Bali, a holiday many Western Australians go on frequently, you’ll have to fly to either Perth or Darwin before flying on to Bali. This is particularly annoying if you’re flying via Perth, because you’ll have to fly down there only to fly back over Broome on your way to Bali!
On a brighter note, there’s hope on the horizon: the local airport in Broome has recently undergone significant upgrades to handle international flights. They’re set to trial direct flights to and from Singapore soon, which could make international travel much more convenient in the near future. Fingers crossed!
Limited Shopping Options
If you love to shop till you drop, Broome might test your limits. The town offers a handful of charming boutiques, but it lacks the variety you’d find in larger cities.
When it comes to everyday essentials, particularly fresh produce, you might find that options are not only limited but also pricier due to Broome’s remote location. Items like fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can be significantly more expensive and less varied up here than what you’re used to in Perth.
When it comes to clothing and homeware, there are a few charming boutiques in town, but Broome lacks the variety you’d find in larger cities. For shopaholics, this means either settling for the basics or planning well ahead for online orders. Just remember, patience is key as deliveries take their sweet time to arrive!
Post and Service Issues
Adjusting to the postal services in Broome might take a while, especially if you’re used to direct home delivery. Here, there are no post boxes and so there’s no delivery to individual homes. Instead, all post is kept at the local post office.
This means you’ll need to make regular trips to pick up your letters and packages. The post office can get busy, often with long queues, adding a layer of inconvenience, but we’re on Broome time here, after all, so it’s not worth worrying about. It takes as long as it takes!
Safety Concerns
It’s a shame, but opportunistic thefts are more common than you might hope in Broome, so keep an eye on your car keys. The laid-back vibe doesn’t extend to leaving your belongings unattended, so staying vigilant and securing your vehicle is a must to avoid frustrating incidents.
Limited Job Market
Before moving to Broome, it’s a smart idea to have a super clear plan for what you’ll do for work once you arrive. Broome’s job market can feel as compact as the town itself, particularly outside the booming tourism and hospitality sectors.
If you’re looking for a career in more specialised fields, particularly white-collar office jobs, options can be pretty sparse, which might mean compromising or getting creative with your career path.
The Weather in Broome
Now let’s talk about one of the main topics of conversation in Broome: the weather.
It’s definitely a mixed bag and totally depends on what you’re into. On the bright side, if you’re a fan of the sun, Broome has plenty of it, especially during the dry season from May to October, when temperatures hover around 30°C and humidity drops to a comfortable 30-40%.
This is perfect for beach days or anyone who prefers warmth over cold. It’s also the time of year that the town sees most of its tourists escaping the cold of Perth.
But here’s the catch – Broome’s heat isn’t for the faint-hearted. It gets seriously hot, especially in the wet season from November to April when temperatures often climb above 35°C and humidity levels soar to 80% or higher.
The air feels thick, and you’ll start sweating the moment you step outside. On very humid days you’ll feel like you’re walking through a sauna! The occasional cyclone threat during the wet season also doesn’t help things…
Is Living in Broome Worth It?
As you can see, there are plenty of things about life in Broome that make it both a blessing and a curse, depending on your preferences. I absolutely loved my time in Broome and wouldn’t change it for the world, but I also know of plenty of people who moved to Broome and only lasted a few months.
The only way to find out whether or not Broome works for you is to give it a try!
