5 unmissable Broome markets to visit

hero media
Consider this your ultimate guide to the best markets in Broome.

From breakfast bao buns to boab tree necklaces, you’re sure to find something delicious, something unique to the Kimberley, or perhaps even some rare vinyl records at these Broome markets.

1. Courthouse Markets

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday in the dry season (May to October) from 8am to 1pm.

Get up early if you want to catch the cool weather and brekkie at the Courthouse Markets. Held every Saturday and Sunday, this welcoming market serves up a huge range of global foods, artisans and beautiful products.

Start your day with a mango smoothie, a hot brew from the Kimberley Coffee Company, fresh doughnuts or plenty of Asian treats, before perusing the local honey, fresh papaya and local gubinge powder (a native fruit with a huge hit of vitamin C).

Centrally located near the heart of town, the stalls are spread around the attractive old Courthouse, an elevated building with wide verandahs and grassy lawns that once served as Broome’s courthouse and police station.

Throw down the picnic rug and listen to the live music, or potter around the stalls with handmade crafts, boutique fashion, and necklaces incorporating pearls, sandalwood and Staircase to the Moon designs.

a stall of handmade crafts in Courthouse Markets in Broome, Kimberley

Find a collection of unique handmade arts and crafts. (Image: Greg Snell)

Address: Broome Courthouse, 8 Hamersley St.

2. Town Beach Night Markets

Open: Every Thursday night (June to September) from 4pm to 8pm.

Keep your Thursday night free for dinner at the buzzing, much-beloved night markets at Town Beach. As the sun begins to set, the market comes alive with the smells of street food from around the world, twinkling lights and a breezy vibe, thanks to the great selection of local live music.

If you can tear yourself away from the food stalls, there’s Aboriginal artwork, handmade jewellery and beachy home decor to take home.

people lining up outside a food stall at Town Beach Night Markets, Broome

Get in line for some tasty treats at the Town Beach Night Markets.

Location: Town Beach Reserve on Robinson Street.

3. Staircase to the Moon Night Markets

Open: Check the official calendar for exact dates. From 4pm to 8pm.

When the full moon rises over Roebuck Bay its reflection ripples across the tidal flats creating a stunning ‘staircase’ illusion. When it does, between April and October, night markets magically pop up at Town Beach over one of the nights of the Staircase to the Moon.

Bring your beach towel and camera and head down early to fill your tummy with all the food stall eats while you’re waiting for that big old moon to rise.

full moon at Staircase to the Moon Night Markets

Build your own picnic dinner from the market and settle in to witness the Staircase to the Moon. (Image: Tourism WA)

Location: Town Beach Reserve on Robinson Street.

4. November Christmas Market

Open: Usually the last Sunday in November from 4pm to 7pm.

Christmas in the tropics comes with benefits: sun, sea and a cocktail in hand.

At the Broome Christmas night market expect fashion, art, photography, homewares and of course, plenty of amazing global food and even a visit from the old man himself.

Town Beach Reserve has loads of grassy picnic areas and is a lovely spot for a stroll as the sun sets and the ocean breeze rolls in, with live music humming in the background.

a couple buying gifts at November Christmas Market, Broome

Kick off your holiday shopping at the November Christmas Market. (Image: QED Photography)

Location: Town Beach Reserve on Robinson Street.

5. Derby CWA Market 

Open: Every Saturday from 7am to 12pm.

Just over a two-hour drive from Broome, Derby is the western gateway to the legendary Gibb River Road. But before you strike out on your 4WD adventure, pop by the Country Woman’s Association Markets on a Saturday (during the dry season) and pick up an iced coffee, some mangos for the road and Bushy’s Boab Seed Coffee.

Go old school and take a break from Instagram by picking up some homemade postcards.   

Location: CWA Cottage on Clarendon Street.

Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
See all articles

15 top Broome hotels and resorts

    By Leah McLennan
    hero media
    It’s no secret that Broome is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Think ancient Indigenous culture, azure waters and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by rugged Kimberley landscapes. Bliss. Broome hotels and resorts are no different.

    Being one of Western Australia’s prettiest towns, hotels here are blessed with good views, tropical vibes and a hearty dose of history. From the timeless wonder of Pinctada McAlpine House to the Mangrove Hotel’s bayside escape, we’ve picked the best hotels and resorts.

    1. The Billi Resort

    Address: 97 Oryx Road (Lullfitz Drive)
    Price: $$

    king tent at The Billie in broome

    Stay in a luxe safari tent or chic villa. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

    Glamping is a wonderful way to experience Broome’s natural beauty and salty ocean air. The Billi Resort has a handful of luxe safari tents with timber floors, private bathrooms and a kitchenette.

    Situated within walking distance of Cable Beach, this retreat also boasts chic villas, ranging from one bedroom to three. Relax at the central pool area or hire an electric bike and explore the shoreline.

    2. The Pearle of Cable Beach

    Address: 14 Millington Road
    Price: $$ – $$$

    The Pearle of Cable Beach hotel

    Swim right up to The Pearle of Cable Beach. (Image: Taryn Yeates Photography)

    If you adore swimming, this resort is for you. Stroll from Cable Beach to your one-, two- or three-bedroom villa at The Pearle of Cable Beach and cool off in your very own private pool. Whip up a cocktail in the designer kitchen then sip it on the deck while dipping your toes into the plunge pool.

    This Southeast Asian-inspired resort has a cafe serving a continental breakfast buffet overlooking the communal pool, which is heated for comfort during the cooler dry season.

    Just be aware, the villas have some semi-detached bedrooms (under the same roof line). This might not suit families with young children.

    3. Beaches of Broome

    Address: 4 Sanctuary Road
    Price: $ – $$

    guest room in beaches of broome hotel and backpackers

    Relax in a private room between swims. (Image: Facebook/Beaches of Broome)

    This hostel is the perfect base for exploring the abundance of adventures on offer at Cable Beach. Located just metres from the ocean, Beaches of Broome offers both dormitory accommodation and private rooms.

    The piece de resistance, however, is the sparkling pool – the ideal locale for a cool drink with new or old friends.

    4. Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

    Address: Cable Beach Road
    Price: $$$$

    Cable Beach Club Resort Broome

    Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is the epitome.

    If you know anything about Broome, chances are you’ve heard of the grand dame of hospitality, the Cable Beach Resort & Spa. You can really live it up at this iconic resort where the vibe is unmistakably zen.

    Find four restaurants, two large pools (one adults-only), a spa and salon, a gym to get stuck into and a cocktail menu that’s as long as your arm. The eight-hectare property also offers a refresher room so you can use the resort facilities if you arrive or depart outside of check-in and out times.

    When you’re not pool-hopping or playing tennis, you can take a boat tour, scenic flight, fishing charter or camel ride on Cable Beach.

    5. Pinctada McAlpine House

    Address: 55 Herbert St (Corner Louis St)
    Price: $$$

    deck at Pinctada McAlpine House

    Enjoy the heritage style of Pinctada McAlpine House. (Image: Facebook/Pinctada McAlpine House)

    For fans of places with a past, Pinctada McAlpine House was constructed during the heyday of Broome’s pearl shelling industry. Located within walking distance of the town centre, the property now delivers the same historic charm in a more elegant setting.

    Guests can choose from a variety of suite styles, from the Garden Suite, with its peaceful atmosphere, to the exclusive McAlpine Suite with its four-poster bed and claw foot bath.

    6. Eco Beach Resort Broome

    Address: Lot 323 Great Northern Highway
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    woman swims in the infinity pool at Eco Beach Resort Broome

    Swim the day away. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    Gaze the afternoon away with unrivalled views across the Indian Ocean at the secluded Eco Beach Resort in your solar-panel-charged eco villa, glamping tent, or two-bedroom house.

    When you can peel yourself away from your lodging, there is an onsite spa, complimentary daily yoga sessions, paddle boards and kayaks, shaded hammocks on the beach, an alluring infinity pool with comfy sun lounges and an incredible restaurant dishing out local produce.

    To totally unwind don’t miss Eco Beach’s signature activity ‘Mud & Bubbles’ where you paint yourself with mangrove mud and sip bubbles while waiting for the mud to dry, before rinsing off in the Indian Ocean.

    Eco Beach Resort is a 130km self-drive or shuttle bus south from Broome, or opt for a 25-minute helicopter transfer over some of the most spectacular coastline in the world.

    7. Bali Hai Resort & Spa

    Address: 6 Murray Road
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    pool at Bali Hai Resort & Spa

    Step foot into Bali without leaving Broome. (Image: Facebook/ Bali Hai Resort & Spa)

    Like being in the Bali of a bygone era, the relaxed Bali Hai Resort & Spa has a centre-piece swimming pool, lush grounds and spa treatments using traditional Balinese recipes. It’s impossible not to unwind here.

    Set a couple of blocks back from Cable Beach Resort and adjacent to Kimberley Sands Resort, you have four self-contained villas to choose from, all with private courtyards and outdoor bathrooms. The restaurant (dinner only) has a great selection of dishes featuring Western Australian produce, such as prawns, beef eye fillet and pork belly. Dine inside or opt for a table on the deck that has been built around a shiny boab tree.

    8. Mangrove Hotel

    Address: 47 Carnarvon Street
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    an outdoor pool with palm trees and sun loungers at Mangrove Hotel, Broome

    Plunge straight into the pool at Mangrove Hotel.

    Home to arguably Broome’s best view, Mangrove Hotel is polished down to the last detail. Along with two pools, the breezy hotel has a lively bar and restaurant that seamlessly flows from an indoor setting to an outdoor oasis.

    Rooms are white and contemporary, with pops of turquoise fabrics that match the dreamy waters of Roebuck Bay.

    9. Oaks Broome Hotel

    Address: 99 Robinson Street
    Price: $$$

    the pool at Oaks Broome Hotel

    Stay in central Broome at Oaks Broome Hotel.

    Broome is home to two Oaks properties – one close to Cable Beach and the other a short walk from Chinatown. An advantage of staying in a chain hotel is that you mostly know what to expect before you even check-in.

    Near Broome’s retail centre, Oaks Broome Hotel has around 100 hotel rooms, studios, and one- or two-bedroom self-contained apartments. Guests get access to the umbrella-lined pool and a restaurant that offers alfresco and air-conditioned dining.

    10. Oaks Cable Beach Resort

    Address: 11 Oryx Road
    Price: $$ – $$$

    interior suite at Oaks Cable Beach Resort

    Opt for Oaks Cable Beach Resort for an amazing pool and beach access.

    If you love swimming, sunbathing and a bit of luxury, you must plan your vacation around an amazing pool. Oaks Cable Beach Resort boasts five swimming pools including an impressive lagoon-style pool and a children’s wading pool where parents can take up position on a sun lounger. Here you have a choice of modern studio rooms and apartments ranging from one bedroom to three.

    11. Moonlight Bay Suites

    Address: 51 Carnarvon Street
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    pool at Moonlight Bay Suites

    Soak in views of Roebuck Bay. (Image: Facebook/Moonlight Bay Suites)

    You won’t be far from Matso’s famous Brewery if you check into the Moonlight Bay Suites or the Bayside Holiday Apartments, both owned by the Kimberley Accommodation Group.

    Overlooking Roebuck Bay, Moonlight Bay Suites has a huge swimming pool, manicured gardens and 50 one- and two-bedroom suites, 18 of which boast bay views.

    On the corner of Hamersley Street, over the road from Matso’s, Bayside Holiday Apartments offers basic apartments and a pool.

    12. Roebuck Bay Hotel

    Address: 33 Carnarvon Street
    Price: $$ – $$$$

    pool at Roebuck Bay Hotel in broome

    Party on at The Roey. (Image: Facebook/Roebuck Bay Hotel)

    In the heart of Chinatown, The Roey (as it’s affectionately known) is Broome’s longest-standing hospitality establishment, dating back to 1890. If drag bingo, wet t-shirt competitions and nightclubbing until 3am is your type of holiday, then make a beeline for the Roey Backpackers and Party Bar.

    Take a dip in the pool, prep a snack in the communal kitchen and make yourself comfy in one of the many, many bunk beds. If you’re after a room of your own, Roebuck Bay Hotel, as the name suggests, also has standard hotel rooms.

    13. Mantra Frangipani Broome

    Address: 15 Millington Road
    Price: $$$ – $$$$

    a pond where water lilies grow, Mantra Frangipani Broome

    There’s a pond where water lilies grow at Mantra Frangipani Broome. (Image: Roderick Eime)

    Mantra Frangipani Broome has apartments ranging from one bedroom to three, which feature a beachside vibe with tiled floors and bright artwork. Cool off in your private outdoor shower or grab a sun lounge next to one of the two pools.

    It’s an easy walk from this Accor-owned hotel to the Cable Beach restaurants, or you can catch a bus to town directly outside the resort.

    14. Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

    Address: Dampier Peninsula
    Price: $$ – $$$

    an aerial view of the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

    A tropical getaway awaits at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

    Overlooking the white sand of Pender Bay on the Dampier Peninsula about 190 kilometres north of Broome, sits the idyllic Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat glamping spot. Cue endless stargazing by night and whale watching by day.

    You can choose from two eco-tents, a cabin with a real bathroom or our favourite – Open Deck, where you’ll sleep in a double bed under a mosquito net on the verandah.

    a beachfront dining setup at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

    Dine by the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

    15. Jetwave Pearl

    Address: Horizontal Falls
    Price: $$$$$

    the living room interior of Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

    The Jet Wave Pearl can fit up to 20 guests. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

    If you love the Horizontal Falls and want to stay longer than just a day, there’s an overnight experience on offer aboard Jetwave Pearl.

    Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures 24-hour tour includes seaplane transfers from Broome, powerboat rides, a sunset cruise, swimming in a marine enclosure and an overnight stay on the two-level, 10-room Jetwave Pearl. It is one of our top picks for Broome tours for a reason.

    a bed facing windows with waterfront views in Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

    Wake up to uninterrupted waterfront views. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

    Find more insider travel tips in our Broome travel guide.