Beach | Family | Adventure 19 September 2016

6 Things To Do In Broome On A Budget

Perched along a stretch of gloriously wild West Australian coastline and with balmy weather on tap all year long, Broome is an ideal family-friendly holiday destination. If you’re looking for the perfect place to switch off at any time of year, put blissful Broome on your radar where you can find a myriad of low-cost activities that will keep the whole family entertained. We’ve picked our top experiences for families looking to add Broome to their bucket list.

1. Catch a flick at the world's oldest operating outdoor picture gardens

As the world’s oldest operating outdoor movie theatre, Sun Pictures Broome is a welcome step back in time, with a fascinating heritage that dates back over 100 years. The space officially opened in 1916 with a silent movie, the English racing drama ‘Kissing Cup’. Until a levee was built, the cinema would flood at high tide – leading to jokes that it was the only place you could catch a fish and see a flick at once. Learn about the colourful and long running history of the theatre, which has been artfully restored to its former glory, with a history tour. Then return late and sit back to catch a film under the stars with a blanket and popcorn. 

Sun Pictures Broome's world’s oldest operating outdoor movie theatre

2. Kick back along the spectacular Cable Beach

Arguably one of Western Australia’s most beautiful beaches, travelling families will relish the soft, white sand, red ochre cliffs and stunning turquoise waters of picture-perfect Cable Beach. And a day at the beach? Totally free! With patrolled swimming areas for added safety and parents’ peace of mind, kids will love trailing along the sandscape as they explore the hidden treasure troves and rock pools along the way. Cable Beach is also well equipped with toilet and changing facilities and a children’s playground. Those with some budget to splurge can hire beach umbrellas and sun loungers from the local Surf Life Saving Club.

White sand, stunning turquoise waters, and picture-perfect Cable Beach in Broome Australia

3. Pick up goodies at the Broome Courthouse Markets

If market shopping is more your style, spend your morning trawling the vibrant array of stalls at the Broome Courthouse Markets. Find everything from handmade jewellery and homewares, to candles and leather goods on offer. When hunger strikes seek out the finest local and international flavours from various food vendors, or pick up local foods from farmers and producers. Markets run every Saturday all year long, and on Sundays between April and October. This is where Broome comes together in support of small business and community.

4. Chase dinosaur tracks at Gantheaume Point

Just 10 minutes from Broome’s town centre, dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages will discover a cast of prehistoric dinosaur footprints preserved in reef rock at Gantheaume Point when the tide is running low. Kids will love comparing their own footprints to that of the dinosaurs left some 130 million years ago. Follow the track to see how many unique footprints you can find!

Dinosaur footprints preserved in reef rock at Gantheaume Point, Broome Australia

5. Take a pre-sunset camel tour

Quite possibly Broome’s most iconic tourism experience, enjoy a memorable camel ride across the magnificent Cable Beach with the ocean lapping at your feet. Singles, couples and families on a budget can opt for a pre-sunset, rather than the sunset tour, at a significantly cheaper rate. All three camel tour companies – Broome Camel Safaris, Red Sun Camels and Sundowner Camel Tours – offer cheaper, shorter pre-sunset tours that get you up on a camel and wandering the famous, picturesque beach.

Pre-sunset camel tour across the magnificent Cable Beach with the ocean lapping at your feet

6. Get up close and personal with crocodiles 

Say g’day to giant salty crocodiles and more at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. Catch the daily feeding of these amazing saltwater creatures at 3pm, including some of the biggest crocs on display in Australia. Wander the wildlife park and learn about the conservation work that the Douglas family continues in memory of Malcolm. There’s also a brilliant museum that displays some of his famous adventure films, shot over a 40-year-long career. This is one of Broome's most loved attractions, located close to the town centre, and family tickets are very affordable.

 Life-sized crocodile statue and more at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park in Western Australia

Need somewhere to stay? Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary is a stunning resort close to Cable Beach, while Oaks Broome is located right in the heart of town.