More about Broome
Why go to Broome?
Fascinating cultural history, great food and shopping
Can be expensive with limited flight options
A rich multicultural history at the edge of nowhere
Broome Cruise Port Facilities?
The Broome port is primarily a working port that also serves tenders for the offshore oil and gas industry, so it is not fancy at all.
Cruise line-supplied coaches and buses will deliver passengers directly to and from the wharf itself.
Right on the wharf, in the office building, is the well-regarded Wharf Restaurant where you can get full a la carte meals and refreshments. The local fish, barramundi, is worth trying. Diners are able to use the washrooms in the building, or another facility that is remote from the building and adjacent to the car park area.
There is free public Wi-Fi in town, but you might find it is slow if everyone wants to get connected at the same time. Other options include Telstra Air and the usual fast-food restaurants.
Good to Know?
Since dredging work was carried out in 2019, ships of all sizes can now dock at the port facility's wharf, which is about 10 minutes (7 km) by road south from the town centre. It's not really walkable and it's most likely your cruise company will provide transfers.
Getting Around?
On Foot: It's easy to walk around the township, although some of the big stores are spread out around the town precinct, so you can get quite a bit of walking in if you want. But mostly, everything you would need is within a handy radius of the main centre, which is nominally the traffic roundabout at the corner of Short and Carnarvon streets.
By Taxi: While there are enough taxis operating in Broome to be useful, they may be hard to find on a particularly busy day. The town has its own rideshare app, BrooBa. Try it out and tell us what you think.
Hire vehicles: You can hire pretty much any type of vehicle in Broome, from a moped to a Winnebago. The little mopeds can be fun, cheap and handy to whizz around to some of the outer attractions, but be reminded that Australia has strict helmet and drink driving laws.
By Bus: Broome has its own municipal bus service, The Broome Explorer Bus. It's one of the easiest and cheapest ways to see Broome and runs seven days per week, all year round.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The local currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). ATMs are all around town, plus the major banks all have branches along, or just off, the main street. You can get cash from a bank, an ATM or with your debit card at the big Coles supermarket in the modern shopping mall along with any essentials you may need. The post office and visitor information centre are right there, too.
Language?
Australian English with a thick 'Aussie' accent, which can be challenging for overseas visitors. "Air ya garn, mate?" is a common greeting for "How are you going, mate?" and "Youse right there?" may be used by staff in stores in place of "can I help you?". Don't be afraid to smile and ask, 'Pardon me?' if you are unsure of what is being said.
