Broome, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, is not just a paradise for adults—it’s also a fantastic destination for families. Whether your family is full of adventurers, nature lovers, or history buffs, Broome offers a variety of activities that are sure to create lasting memories. From camel rides on the beach to exploring ancient dinosaur footprints, here are the top family-friendly activities in Broome that everyone will enjoy.1. Sunset Camel Rides on Cable BeachNo trip to Broome is complete without experiencing a sunset camel ride on the iconic Cable Beach. This is a quintessential Broome experience that the whole family can enjoy. As the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, your family can relax atop a camel, taking in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The gentle sway of the camels and the peaceful atmosphere make this an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults alike.Several operators offer camel rides, with friendly guides who share fascinating stories about the camels and the history of Broome along the way. It’s not just a ride; it’s a journey into the heart of Broome’s natural beauty.Location: Cable Beach, Broome, WA 6726Image © Tourism Western Australia
Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only famous for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes but also for its rich history that dates back thousands of years. From Indigenous heritage to early European exploration, the historical sites scattered across Shark Bay offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Here’s a guide to some of the most significant historical landmarks in Shark Bay, providing visitors with a journey through time and a deeper understanding of this extraordinary region’s cultural and historical importance.1. Dirk Hartog Island: Australia’s First European LandingThe story of Shark Bay’s historical significance begins with Dirk Hartog Island, where in 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog became the first European to set foot on Australian soil. Hartog’s landing on the island is considered a major event in Australia’s maritime history, marking the earliest known European exploration of the Australian coast.To commemorate this moment, Hartog left behind an inscribed pewter plate, which he nailed to a post as a record of his voyage. While the original plate has since been removed and returned to the Netherlands, a replica now stands at the Dirk Hartog Island Landing Site, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine the historic moment when Australia was first documented by Europeans.Today, Dirk Hartog Island is not only a historical landmark but also a national park and conservation area, where visitors can explore its untouched landscapes, go wildlife spotting, and learn about its environmental restoration projects. The island remains a must-visit for those intrigued by the intersection of history and nature.Image © Tourism Western Australia
Carnarvon, a coastal town known for its rich agricultural lands and pristine beaches, holds a surprising connection to the stars. Tucked away in this unassuming location is the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, a hidden gem that brings to life the history of space exploration and celebrates the town’s significant role in NASA’s Apollo missions. For science enthusiasts, space lovers, or anyone curious about mankind’s journey beyond Earth, this museum is an absolute must-visit.A Historic Connection to Space ExplorationWhat makes Carnarvon’s Space Museum truly special is its historic role in the 1960s and 1970s as a critical communication hub during NASA’s space programs. Back in 1964, the OTC Satellite Earth Station was established in Carnarvon to track and communicate with the Apollo space missions, ensuring contact between the astronauts and Earth. The station played a crucial part in relaying messages and tracking spacecraft as they journeyed into space. This unassuming town was, at one point, one of the most important locations on the globe during humanity’s daring exploration of the moon.The museum offers an in-depth look into how Carnarvon supported these missions and what it meant for Australia’s contribution to space exploration. Walking through its exhibits, you’ll quickly learn how the town played a vital role in some of the most defining moments in space history, including the famous Apollo 11 mission that saw Neil Armstrong take humanity’s first steps on the moon.Interactive and Engaging ExhibitsCarnarvon’s Space and Technology Museum is not your typical museum filled with static displays; it’s a dynamic space filled with interactive exhibits designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages. One of the most exciting features is the Apollo Command Module simulator, which gives you a hands-on opportunity to experience what it was like for astronauts navigating space. For children and adults alike, it’s a chance to step into the shoes of an astronaut and explore the technical challenges they faced on their missions.The museum also houses original equipment from the OTC Satellite Earth Station and NASA’s Tracking Station, including satellite dishes and communication devices that were once used to track spacecraft and communicate with astronauts. The sheer size and scale of some of these pieces give you a sense of the monumental effort that went into space exploration during the Apollo era. There’s also a fascinating exhibit on the Skylab Program, which highlights Australia’s involvement in supporting the first United States space station.