Broome, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is a destination known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and dramatic landscapes. While many travellers flock to Broome during the dry season, the wet season—typically from November to April—offers a different but equally captivating experience. With lush landscapes, dramatic storms, and fewer crowds, Broome’s wet season is a time of renewal and beauty. Here’s what you can expect and how to make the most of your visit during this unique time of year.
Embrace the Dramatic Weather
The wet season in Broome is characterised by high humidity, heavy rainfall, and spectacular thunderstorms. These storms, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening, light up the sky with brilliant flashes of lightning, creating a breathtaking natural display. While the weather can be unpredictable, the dramatic skies and vibrant colours of the landscape offer incredible photo opportunities.
To fully enjoy the wet season, it’s important to be prepared for the weather. Light, breathable clothing is essential to stay comfortable in the heat and humidity. Carrying a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella will help you stay dry during sudden downpours. Embrace the rain and the cooler temperatures it brings, and you’ll find that the wet season has a charm all its own.
Experience the Staircase to the Moon
One of Broome’s most magical phenomena, the Staircase to the Moon, is best experienced during the wet season. This natural event occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of a staircase leading up to the moon. The effect is mesmerising and draws visitors from around the world to witness it.
The Staircase to the Moon typically occurs for three nights each month between March and October, but the best views are often during the wet season when the conditions are just right. For the best experience, head to Town Beach, where markets and live music often accompany the event, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Explore the Lush Landscapes
The wet season transforms Broome’s landscapes, bringing a burst of green to the usually dry, red earth. The surrounding bushland and national parks come alive with blooming wildflowers, flowing rivers, and thriving wildlife. This is the perfect time to explore areas like Minyirr Park or take a scenic drive to Willie Creek or Gantheaume Point, where you can witness the vibrant colours of the Kimberley landscape in full bloom.
With fewer tourists during the wet season, you’ll often have these beautiful spots all to yourself, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. Whether you’re hiking through the lush bushland or simply enjoying the view, the wet season offers a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
Enjoy the Local Culture
Broome’s wet season is also a great time to immerse yourself in the local culture. With fewer visitors in town, there’s a more relaxed and laid-back vibe, making it easier to connect with the local community. Visit the Broome Historical Museum to learn about the town’s rich history, or explore the local art galleries that showcase Indigenous art and culture.
The wet season is also the perfect time to enjoy Broome’s culinary delights. With fresh, local produce in abundance, many restaurants offer seasonal menus that highlight the best of the region’s flavours. Whether you’re dining at a fine restaurant or enjoying a casual meal at a local café, you’ll find that Broome’s food scene is as vibrant as its landscapes.
Take Advantage of Lower Prices
One of the benefits of visiting Broome during the wet season is the lower prices on accommodation and tours. With fewer tourists in town, many hotels, resorts, and tour operators offer discounts, making it an affordable time to experience Broome’s luxury accommodations and unique experiences.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a more luxurious stay at a resort like Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa or take a once-in-a-lifetime tour, such as a scenic flight over the Horizontal Falls or a pearl farm tour at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, at a fraction of the usual cost.
Marvel at the Birdlife
Broome is a haven for birdwatchers, and the wet season is one of the best times to see a wide variety of bird species. The arrival of the rains brings an influx of migratory birds to Roebuck Bay and the surrounding wetlands, making it a prime time for birdwatching. The Broome Bird Observatory is the perfect place to start, offering guided tours and birdwatching opportunities that cater to both novice and experienced birders.
Keep an eye out for species like the Great Knot, Red-necked Stint, and Eastern Curlew, as well as the colourful Rainbow Bee-eaters that are commonly seen during this time. The wetlands and mudflats come alive with activity, providing a unique and peaceful wildlife experience.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Relax and Unwind
The wet season’s slower pace and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal time to relax and unwind. Take advantage of the quiet beaches, where you can enjoy long walks along the shore with hardly another soul in sight. The cooling afternoon rains offer the perfect excuse to retreat to a spa or enjoy a leisurely afternoon reading a book while listening to the soothing sounds of the rain.
Whether you’re soaking in the views from your resort’s infinity pool or enjoying a sunset cocktail at the Mangrove Hotel, the wet season in Broome provides plenty of opportunities to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of life.
Don’t Miss the Wet Season’s Unique Tours
Despite the rain, many tours and activities continue to operate during the wet season, offering unique experiences that aren’t available at other times of the year. Take a boat tour through the mangroves to see the tidal changes up close, or explore the hidden waterfalls and swimming holes that come to life with the arrival of the rains.
One must-try experience is a scenic flight over Broome’s dramatic coastline and the surrounding Kimberley region, where the contrast between the lush greenery and the red earth is truly spectacular. The wet season also offers the chance to see Broome’s iconic camel rides in a different light, with the dramatic skies providing a stunning backdrop.