Free Attractions Guide - Broome, Western Australia

1. Anastasia's Pool

In Broome, see Anastasia's Pool, a natural rock pool which is part of the history of the town and tells a touching story.

The pool was modified by a former lighthouse keeper, to make it easy for his wife, Anastasia, to access. Anastasia suffered badly from arthritis and found relief in the warm water of the Indian Ocean which filled the pool at high tide. Anastasia's Pool is on the north side of Gantheaume Point which is well worth a visit for its dinosaur footprints. Thought to be 130 million years old, the footprints can be seen at very low tides. You can find out the times of the tides by contacting the Broome Visitor Centre. Anastasia's Pool and Gantheaume Point are a short drive from Broome's town centre in a campervan hire.

Gantheaume Point Rd, Broome

2. Bedford Memorial Park

Located along Hamersley Street, this small historical park is an interesting and peaceful spot. The park has wide expanses of green lawn, views of the waters of Roebuck Bay and many historical monuments and plaques.

The Anzac Memorial commemorating the bravery of Broome soldiers during World War One dominates the centre of the park grounds. The remains of the engine that was used to drive the pearling industry's life saving decompression chamber and a replica of the explorer William Dampier's fabled trunk are the other most visible features. Historical plaques dot the park and there are benches for those wishing to relax.

Hamersley Street, Broome

3. Broome Bird Observatory

Broome Bird Observatory is located 25 kilometres east of the town of Broome (the road is partially unsealed). The Broome region is regarded as the most significant site in Australia for shorebirds as well as being of high significance among other locations for shorebirds across the world.

Roebuck Bay has the greatest diversity of shorebird species of any site on the planet and around 150,000 of these birds visit annually. The magnificent coastal scenery of Roebuck Bay provides a fitting backdrop for the birds and is a stunning attraction in its own right. There is no entrance fee, but a donation is appreciated.

+61 8 9193 5600 Crab Creek Road, Broome

4. Buccaneer Rock

Broome legend has it that Buccaneer explorer, William Dampier, came to the present town anchorage and landed a treasure chest of pirated pieces that he buried at Buccaneer Rock. His ghost is said to be seen there on a misty night with a lantern looking for his lost treasure.

The rock is located in Roebuck Bay opposite the Mangrove Hotel. A navigation beacon has been built on the rock.

Carnarvon St, Roebuck Bay, Broome

5. Cable Beach

With 22 kilometres of sun-kissed white sand and turquoise water, Broome's Cable Beach is justifiably world famous and the ideal place to go swimming and watch the sunset into the Indian Ocean on a balmy, tropical night. Even though it's one of the world's best beaches, it's still possible to find your own secluded slice of sand to enjoy. You can laze in the sunshine, hire a jet ski, take a boat cruise or enjoy the quintessential Broome experience - a camel ride at sunset on Cable Beach.

The beach is very much a part of Broome's fascinating history - its name is taken from the telegraph cable that was laid between Broome and Java in 1889. It's a short drive to Cable Beach from Broome - you can drive yourself or catch a local bus.

Cable Beach Road West, Cable Beach, Broome

6. Chinatown

Take a stroll through Chinatown, the original bustling centre of Broome, where pearl showrooms, galleries and cafes abound. Splash out on a pearl or two - it's the ultimate memento of your trip to Broome.

Chinatown has been a flourishing part of Broome since the discovery of the world's biggest pearl shell in the late 1800s sparked a massive migration comparable to a gold rush. Today, it's still a central hub where tourists and locals mix in the many restaurants, cafes and shops. The original corrugated iron huts from the early days remain and are now home to some of the world's finest pearl showrooms. Spend a few hours and soak up some Chinatown charm.

Carnarvon Street, Broome

7. Deep Sea Moonlight Pearls

Susan Pender's "Deep Sea Moonlight Pearls" boutique in Broome features a collection of shell based and freshwater pearls along with pretty, witty and original jewellery designs with appeal to women of all ages. Susan's affordable price range allows you to update your jewellery often to compliment the latest fashions.

Cnr Dampier Terrace & Johnny Chi Lane, Broome

8. Deep Water Wharf & Jetty

The Broome Deep Water Jetty is a must see. The water is a magnificent blue, that is in contrast to the red rock formations and red sand in the walls that line the white sands of the beach. A short walk out along the jetty you can see turtles and fish at play.

By the time you get back on land there is a great Seafood Cafe which serves great food and drinks at a very reasonable price. For those who don't mind wetting a line, Barramundi are often caught from the Jetty.

401 Port Drive, Broome

9. Djugun Tribal Creations

Djugun Tribal Creations is a not for profit organisation providing support and training to Broome's emerging Artists. Tucked away in the light Industrial area of Clementson Street, we feature work from 21 artists including award winning artists Sue Poelina and Miguel Castillion.

Consisting of three onsite studios and a well presented Gallery, Djugun offers the experience of free daily tours. Visitors have the opportunity to meet artists and enjoy a cultural exchange while viewing the artists in action producing not only canvas painting, ceramics, sculptures and carved feature tiles as well. In 2006 Djugun Tribal Artists in residence received high acclaim, NAIDOC Kimberley Artist of the Year, NAIDOC Kimberley Artist (most commended), and finalists in the MEMENTO Awards (National).

These high profile emerging Artists are now finding their work in high demand. Unique one off designs depicting traditional and contemporary Aboriginal Art and local non-indigenous artworks are finding homes all over the state and worldwide.

+61 8 9192 1021 4/30 Clementson St, Broome

10. Flying Boat Wrecks

The wreck of three Royal Dutch Air Force Flying Boats lay half buried in the mud at Roebuck Bay. The boats were destroyed by a Japanese Air Raid in 1942 while moored near the jetty. Only seen at minus tides, these wrecks remain as evidence of the flying boat wrecks sunk by Japanese Aircraft in World War II. It is approximately a one kilometre walk out to the wrecks. Check tide times. Alternatively, the Kimberley hovercraft offers special tours subject to tidal conditions.

Roebuck Bay, Broome

11. Ganada

Ganada is a retail outlet of Indigenous art and craft, gifts and souvenirs. Located in the Paspaley Plaza Shopping Centre in the heart of Broome, it's a great location for the average shopper. If you're looking for an authentic Aboriginal souvenir or gift, Ganada has a variety of products to suit.

+61 8 9192 7272 Paspaley Plaza Shopping Centre, 15-17 Carnarvon Street, Broome

12. Gantheaume Point

At Gantheaume Point near Broome see ancient dinosaur footprints that are more than 120 million years old. You can see the footprints in the rocky reef area when the tide it low.

A plaster cast of the tracks has been embedded at the top of the cliff for anyone who visits at high tide, or if you don't want to walk on the reef. As well as harbouring these unique dinosaur footprints, Gantheaume Point offers stunning coastal scenery. Here, the fiery red cliffs meet the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean in dramatic fashion.

On the northern side of Gantheaume Point is Anastasia's Pool. This rock pool was built by a former lighthouse keeper for his wife who was crippled with arthritis. Gantheaume Point is a five minute drive from the centre of Broome.

Gantheaume Point Road, Broome