Sun Pictures in Broome WA is the world's oldest operating outdoor cinema — a Guinness World Records icon that has been screening films beneath the stars since 1916 and remains one of Australia's most cherished and historically significant cultural landmarks.
Australia: Broome, Western Australia
🌊 Broome — Where the Kimberley Meets the Sea
Sitting at the edge of the ancient Kimberley in Western Australia’s far north, Broome is one of Australia’s most extraordinary destinations. Surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and framed by vivid ochre-red pindan cliffs, the town possesses a landscape that feels genuinely otherworldly. Its crown jewel is Cable Beach — a sweeping 22-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand where the sunsets are so spectacular they have become legendary the world over. Watching the sky ignite in shades of gold amber and deep rose as camel trains plod silently along the shoreline is an experience that stays with visitors long after they have returned home.
Broome’s character is shaped as much by its history as its scenery. The town owes its existence to the pearling industry that boomed in the late 1800s, drawing Japanese divers, Chinese merchants, Malay sailors and Aboriginal communities to this remote coastline. That multicultural legacy lives on in Broome’s architecture, cuisine and cultural life — in the Buddhist temple that sits quietly near Chinatown, the Japanese cemetery that honours hundreds of divers lost to cyclones and sharks and the pearl jewellery boutiques that remain some of the finest in the world. Broome is a place where history feels lived-in rather than preserved under glass.
What makes Broome truly special is the way it combines extraordinary natural phenomena with a relaxed sun-bleached pace of life. The Staircase to the Moon — an optical illusion created when a rising full moon reflects across tidal mudflats — draws awed crowds to the foreshore each season. Beyond town the Dampier Peninsula stretches northward, offering remote beach camps and deep Aboriginal cultural experiences. Humpback whales pass through offshore waters during winter while the annual mango season and the famous outdoor Sun Pictures cinema remind visitors that Broome moves to a rhythm entirely its own. It is remote but never dull and beautiful in ways that are impossible to overstate.
Things to Do in Broome
1. Camel Riding at Cable Beach
No visit to Broome is complete without joining one of the famous camel rides along Cable Beach at sunset. Operated by experienced local guides, the tours depart from the beach in the late afternoon timing the ride perfectly to coincide with the golden hour when the sky over the Indian Ocean transforms into one of nature’s finest spectacles. Riders of all ages and experience levels are welcome as the camels are exceptionally well-tempered and the pace is gentle and unhurried. Seated high above the sand with the warm breeze off the ocean and the vast expanse of turquoise water stretching out before you the experience feels almost cinematic. The sight of a camel train moving in silhouette against a blazing sunset is the single most iconic image associated with Broome and living it firsthand is every bit as magical as it appears in photographs. Book in advance particularly during peak season as places fill quickly.
2. Experience The Staircase to the Moon
The Staircase to the Moon is one of Western Australia’s most enchanting natural phenomena and Broome is the most celebrated place to witness it. The spectacle occurs when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal mudflats of Roebuck Bay at low tide creating a dazzling optical illusion in which the moon’s reflection appears to form a shimmering golden staircase rising from the sea floor to the sky. It happens on several consecutive nights each month between March and October and draws visitors and locals alike to the foreshore at Town Beach where the viewing conditions are ideal. Markets are set up along the esplanade on these evenings creating a festive atmosphere with local food stalls arts and crafts and live music. The phenomenon lasts only a short time around the moment of moonrise making it feel all the more precious. Check the Broome visitor guide for exact dates before travelling.
3. Exploring Broome’s Pearl Jewellery Heritage
Broome built its identity on pearls and today the town remains one of the world’s most important centres for South Sea pearl cultivation and jewellery. A visit to one of Broome’s heritage pearl houses is far more than a shopping trip — it is a window into a fascinating industry that shaped the town’s entire history and cultural character. Houses such as Paspaley and Linneys offer guided tours and showroom experiences where you can learn about the extraordinary process of cultivating a pearl from spat to gem-quality lustre. The South Sea pearl grown in the pristine waters of the Kimberley Coast is prized globally for its exceptional size lustre and creamy white colouring. Whether you are considering a purchase or simply curious about the craft these boutiques offer an intimate and genuinely educational experience. The pearling industry remains deeply embedded in Broome’s soul and engaging with it adds real depth to any visit.
4. Discovering Dinosaur Footprints at Gantheaume Point
At the southern end of Cable Beach the dramatic red rock headland of Gantheaume Point juts into the Indian Ocean offering some of the most striking coastal scenery in the Kimberley. At low tide the rock platforms here reveal an astonishing secret — fossilised dinosaur footprints estimated to be around 130 million years old pressed into the ancient sandstone by sauropods and theropods that once roamed this coastline during the Cretaceous period. The original prints are only accessible at very low tides but a set of plaster casts positioned higher on the rocks allows visitors to appreciate the remarkable scale of these prehistoric creatures at any time of day. Beyond the fossil site Gantheaume Point rewards exploration with vivid ochre cliffs crashing turquoise surf and sweeping views back along Cable Beach. It is also an excellent sunrise spot and one of the most photogenic locations in all of Broome. Wear sturdy shoes and always check tide times before venturing onto the rock platform.
5. A Night at Sun Pictures Cinema
Sun Pictures in Broome’s Chinatown holds the remarkable distinction of being the world’s oldest operating outdoor picture garden — a title it has held since opening in 1916. Watching a film here is a genuinely unique experience that captures something of old Australia in the most charming way. Audiences sit on deckchairs and traditional canvas seats beneath an open sky with ceiling fans overhead and the warm Broome night air around them. The cinema screens a mix of current releases and classic films and the experience of watching a blockbuster while fruit bats swoop overhead and stars emerge above the screen is something you simply cannot replicate anywhere else on earth. The heritage-listed complex has been beautifully preserved and includes an on-site museum chronicling its extraordinary history through photographs, memorabilia and archival footage. A cold drink from the kiosk, a warm evening and a great film under the Broome sky — it is one of the simplest and most joyful things you can do in town.
Planning Your Visit to Broome
📍 Where Is Broome?
Broome sits on the north-western tip of Western Australia, on a peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean at the edge of the vast Kimberley region. It lies roughly 2,200 kilometres north of Perth and around 1,900 kilometres south-west of Darwin, placing it firmly in the tropical north of the continent. The town occupies a narrow strip of land between the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to the west and the dusky tidal flats of Roebuck Bay to the east, giving it a geography that is as dramatic as it is distinctive. Red pindan earth meets brilliant white sand, and the outback effectively ends at the ocean’s edge. Broome serves not only as a destination in its own right but as the western gateway to the broader Kimberley wilderness.
✈️ Getting There
By Air
Broome Airport is the most practical way to arrive for most visitors. Direct flights operate from Perth twice daily throughout the year, with the journey taking around two and a half hours. There are also regular direct services from Darwin several times a week, and seasonal direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne operate during the peak dry season. Travellers from other parts of Australia will generally connect through Perth. The airport sits close to town, making transfers straightforward.
By Road
Driving to Broome is a serious undertaking and should be planned carefully. From Perth, the journey covers more than 2,200 kilometres along the Great Northern Highway — a long, remote drive through some of Australia’s most isolated landscapes. From Darwin, it is nearly 1,900 kilometres via the Victoria and Great Northern Highways. Both routes are sealed all the way and are manageable in a standard vehicle, but the distances are vast, fuel stops are infrequent in places, and outback driving demands preparation. Carrying extra fuel, water, food, and emergency supplies is essential. Campervans and 4WDs are popular choices for those making the road trip, as they allow more flexibility along the way.
By Coach
Long-distance coach services such as Greyhound and Integrity Coachlines connect Broome with Perth and other points along the Western Australian coast, though journey times are very long and this option suits those who wish to experience the landscape at a slower pace.
🚗 Getting Around
Broome itself is a relatively compact town, though its main areas — the town centre (which includes Chinatown and Town Beach), and Cable Beach — are a few kilometres apart. A hire car gives the most flexibility and is the recommended option for most visitors. Roads within town are wide and relaxed, and there are no traffic lights in Broome, which gives it a pleasantly unhurried feel. Campervans and 4WDs can be hired locally for those wishing to explore further afield.
Cycling is a genuine and enjoyable option in town. The flat landscape, wide roads, and kilometres of shared paths make getting around on a bicycle straightforward and pleasant. Several hire operators are available in town.
The local town bus service runs regularly between the town centre, Cable Beach, and other key areas and is a convenient and affordable choice for those without a vehicle. The Broome Explorer Bus operates a hop-on, hop-off service with multi-day passes that cover the main attractions.
Taxis and ride services operate locally for shorter journeys. Scooters can also be hired for exploring around town. For anyone venturing north of Broome towards the Dampier Peninsula, a 4WD becomes necessary, as the roads quickly become unsealed and conditions can be challenging — particularly in relation to tidal creek crossings.
Best Time to Visit the Northern Coasts of Western Australia
The northern coasts of Western Australia span an extraordinary stretch of coastline running from Kalbarri and Shark Bay in the south through the Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef, and Exmouth, all the way north to the Pilbara and the Kimberley. This is a region of enormous geographical variety — from the Mediterranean-tinged climate of Kalbarri’s red-gorge coast to the full tropical drama of Broome and the Kimberley — and no single set of rules applies uniformly across the whole stretch. What they share, however, is a broad seasonal logic: the further north you travel, the more sharply the Wet and Dry seasons dominate; the further south, the more the climate modulates into something warmer and drier, but more manageable year-round. Understanding how each season plays across these different areas is the key to planning a well-timed journey.
🌧️ Wet Season — Summer (November to April)
Summer brings the full force of the tropics to the upper northern coasts. Across Broome, the Kimberley, and the Pilbara, temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and can climb well into the low 40s, accompanied by high humidity, monsoonal downpours, and the genuine threat of cyclones from December through to March. Many unsealed roads, including those accessing remote gorges and coastal areas, become impassable. Some resorts and tour operators in the remote Kimberley close entirely.
Further south, Kalbarri and Shark Bay feel the summer heat differently. Kalbarri sits in a warm Mediterranean climate and experiences its hottest, driest months from November through February, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C and occasionally touching 40°C, particularly inland and within the gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Hiking the Loop, Z-Bend Gorge, or visiting the Kalbarri Skywalk in full summer is inadvisable — gorge temperatures can be brutal and dangerous. The beach and snorkelling at Blue Holes Marine Sanctuary remain accessible, and the town maintains a lively summer holiday atmosphere during school breaks. Shark Bay is similarly hot and dry in summer, with Monkey Mia’s famous wild dolphin encounters continuing year-round regardless of season. The heat can make daytime exploration of the peninsula’s more exposed areas uncomfortable, and the Francois Peron National Park’s unsealed tracks require a high-clearance 4WD at all times.
Across the full northern coastal stretch, stinger (jellyfish) season is active from October through May, significantly restricting safe ocean swimming in many locations. Turtle nesting at Ningaloo peaks between November and February, and whale shark activity at Ningaloo can begin as early as mid-March.
What to pack: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm, DEET insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof sandals or quick-dry footwear, a dry bag for electronics, rehydration sachets, a stinger suit if swimming, and a cyclone-tracking app for travel north of Exmouth.
🍂 Dry Season — Autumn (March to May)
April and May are among the most rewarding months to visit the northern coasts, striking the ideal balance between warmth, accessibility, and wildlife spectacle. The rains ease from March onwards, humidity drops markedly, and the landscape remains lush from the wet season — particularly in the Kimberley, where waterfalls are still flowing strongly and the red-rock country is at its most vivid.
Kalbarri is at its absolute best in autumn. Locals and experienced visitors consistently cite April as the sweet spot: temperatures of 26–30°C with little wind, calm waters on the Murchison River ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the gorge trails of Kalbarri National Park comfortably walkable again. Wildflowers begin their season in the surrounding countryside from around late June, but even in April the Kalbarri area offers exceptional birdlife and a noticeably relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. Accommodation is easier to book than in peak winter, and prices are more competitive.
Shark Bay in autumn is similarly excellent. April and May bring warm, manageable days with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C, perfect for kayaking the turquoise shallows of Denham, visiting the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool, and watching the bottlenose dolphins wade ashore at Monkey Mia. The seagrass beds that sustain Shark Bay’s enormous dugong population — thought to number around 10,000 individuals, the largest concentration in the world — are best explored by boat or kayak in the calm autumn conditions. Humpback whale migration passes through Shark Bay from around May as whales begin tracking northward.
Further up the coast, whale shark season at Ningaloo hits full stride from mid-March through to late July, with guided snorkel tours from Exmouth and Coral Bay filling rapidly. Booking well in advance is essential.
What to pack: Light cotton or linen clothing for warm days, a warmer layer for cool evenings, sunscreen, a hat, polarised sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen for Ningaloo snorkelling, a rash vest or stinger suit, sturdy hiking shoes for gorge walks, a portable water supply for remote areas, and a camera with underwater housing.
❄️ Dry Season — Winter (June to August)
Winter is the undisputed peak season across the full length of the northern coast, and with good reason. From Kalbarri in the south to Broome in the north, conditions during these months are warm, reliably sunny, and almost entirely rain-free — the very definition of ideal travelling weather.
Kalbarri in winter settles into days of around 20–24°C with cool evenings and nights that can dip towards 10°C — considerably cooler than the tropical north, but perfectly comfortable for gorge walking, coastal exploration, and camping. The wildflower season, which runs from late June through October, adds extraordinary colour to the surrounding landscape. Humpback whales migrate along the coast from June through November, and spotters on Kalbarri’s clifftops regularly sight them from June onwards. The Kalbarri Skywalk — a cantilevered viewing platform extending 100 metres over the gorge — is best experienced in the comfortable winter temperatures.
Shark Bay in winter can be notably cooler than the tropical north, with daytime temperatures of around 20–25°C and nights that occasionally fall below 15°C — warmer clothing is worth packing. The Monkey Mia dolphin encounters continue daily. The World Heritage-listed area’s birdlife reaches its peak diversity in these months, with over a third of Australia’s total bird species represented in the region. Dugong boat tours from Monkey Mia and Denham operate reliably. The main concern in winter is the wind: Shark Bay can experience strong southerly winds in June and July, which makes some water activities uncomfortable and choppy.
Further north, the entire Kimberley coast, Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, and the Pilbara are all open, accessible, and operating at full capacity. Whale sharks continue at Ningaloo into late July. Karijini National Park — one of Australia’s most dramatic gorge systems — offers cool swimming holes and comfortable hiking. Broome’s famous Cable Beach and the Kimberley’s gorge country draw large crowds in July, which is Western Australia’s main school holiday month.
What to pack: Light daytime clothing (shorts, T-shirts, light shirts), a fleece or lightweight down jacket for cool evenings and Shark Bay nights, long trousers for cooler nights and gorge walks, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes, sandals, sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, swimwear, a dry bag, binoculars for whale watching, a headtorch for gorge exploration, and any prescription medication (pharmacies are limited in remote areas).
🌸 Shoulder Season — Spring (September to November)
Spring is a tale of two halves across the northern coast. September and early October offer some of the most enjoyable travelling conditions of the year: warm but not brutal temperatures, open roads, continued wildflower displays, active wildlife, and noticeably thinning crowds following the July–August peak.
In Kalbarri, spring is the second-best period for a visit. Wildflowers are at their most spectacular throughout September and into October, with the surrounding Kalbarri National Park and the roadsides of the Midwest blanketed in everlarts, banksias, and dozens of endemic species. Whale watching from the cliffs continues until November. Temperatures climb through October, and by late October the heat begins to reassert itself; the flies also return in force. The gorge trails become increasingly uncomfortable as the month progresses, and most experienced hikers finish major walks by morning to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat.
Shark Bay in spring is lively and scenic. September through October sees warm, pleasant conditions for water activities, and the area’s turtles — green turtles and loggerhead turtles both nest in the region — begin their season from around November. Monkey Mia’s dolphins are reliably active, and dugong boat tours continue throughout. October can still be excellent, but November marks the beginning of the heat build-up that makes summer here less comfortable.
Further north, the tropical build-up arrives earlier and more aggressively. By November, humidity is rising sharply across Broome and the Kimberley, and the pre-wet-season atmosphere — known locally as “the Build-up” — can be wearing. Cyclone risk increases from November. September is the last truly ideal month for the northern Kimberley, while October is still manageable in the Pilbara and Coral Coast areas with the right preparation and heat tolerance.
What to pack: Light breathable clothing, heavy-duty SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, polarised sunglasses, light rain protection from October onwards, insect repellent (flies are persistent in spring), swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a cooling towel, electrolyte supplements, a stinger suit from November, and flexible travel insurance covering weather disruption.
🌟 Overall Best Time to Visit
For travellers covering the full sweep of the northern coast — from Kalbarri and Shark Bay through the Coral Coast and Ningaloo to the Kimberley — the window from late April through to August represents the strongest overall recommendation, with June and July standing out as the definitive sweet spot. During these months, every destination along this extraordinary coastline is open and performing at its peak: Kalbarri’s gorges are walkable and wildflower-fringed, Shark Bay’s waters are calm and its wildlife abundant, Ningaloo’s whale sharks and humpbacks are both in residence, and the remote northern reaches of the Kimberley and Karijini are fully accessible under brilliant, rain-free skies. Those who can avoid the July school holiday peak — travelling in May, June, or the first half of August — will encounter the same remarkable conditions with fewer fellow visitors, lower accommodation prices, and a little more of the vast, unhurried solitude that makes this coastline one of the finest in the world.
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