Broome, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port Guide

Where is The Port Located?

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The Port of Broome sits 7 kilometres from Broome’s town centre in Western Australia, at the end of Port Drive. You’ll spot it right on Roebuck Bay‘s bright blue waters.

You can reach Broome’s main district in just 10 minutes by car from the port. While you can’t walk to the town’s attractions, you’ve got several transport choices:

• Cruise line shuttles
• Local taxis
• Regular bus services

These options connect you directly to popular spots like Cable Beach and the historic Chinatown area.

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Broome’s Cruise Port:

By Air:

You can fly directly to Broome International Airport from Perth, Darwin and other Australian cities. The port is a 10-minute taxi or shuttle ride from the airport.

By Road:

You can drive to Broome via the Great Northern Highway from Perth (2,200km). Coach services also run from Perth and Darwin.

Local Transport:

You’ll find these options to reach the port:

• Taxis
• Local buses
• Shuttle services

Train Service:

No passenger trains serve Broome.

Tips:

• Book your airport transfers in advance during peak season
• Allow extra travel time during wet season (November-April)
• Local buses run regular schedules to the port area
• You can hire a car at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself

The port is well-signposted from all main routes into Broome, making it easy to find regardless of your transport choice.

Port Parking Options

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Parking Options at Broome Port

You have three easy ways to park when cruising from Broome:

The Port Car Park:

• Located next to the terminal
• Costs £15 per day
• Secure but limited spaces
• You need to book ahead

Cable Beach Public Car Park:

• 5-minute walk to the port
• Costs £7 per day
• More spaces available
• No booking needed

Hotel Parking Packages:

• You get free parking with your hotel stay
• Works well if you’re staying overnight
• Many local hotels offer this service
• You save money on separate parking fees

Remember to book your parking spot early during busy cruise seasons.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around Broome is easy with several transport options to reach the cruise terminal and explore the area.

You’ll find shuttle buses running every 30 minutes between the port, Cable Beach and Chinatown. You can catch a taxi anytime, but you should book ahead during busy periods.

The local bus service covers all major attractions at budget-friendly rates. If you’re staying at a hotel, check if they offer free transfers to the cruise terminal.

You can rent a car to visit remote beaches and wilderness spots whenever you like. For shorter trips around town, you might prefer hiring a bike – it’s ideal for morning sightseeing when temperatures are cooler.

Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility

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The Broome cruise terminal offers essential facilities for your Kimberley adventure. You can access clean toilets, visit information counters, and browse local souvenirs in the retail area.

You’ll find wheelchair-friendly access throughout, with clear ramps and marked pathways. The terminal provides free Wi-Fi, though connections may slow during busy periods. The air-conditioned space helps you escape the tropical heat.

You can spot helpful staff wearing blue uniforms across the terminal. These local team members can guide you through the facilities and share their knowledge about the Kimberley region.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

5 Must-Do Activities Before Your Broome Cruise

You can pack these memorable experiences into your pre-cruise day in Broome:

Take a morning camel ride on Cable Beach at sunrise. You’ll see the sky turn orange while riding along the turquoise shoreline.

Visit Broome’s Chinatown district. You can enjoy a local breakfast and explore the pearl shops that showcase the town’s rich trading history.

Walk around Gantheaume Point. You’ll spot real dinosaur footprints and see striking red cliffs that drop into the Indian Ocean.

Meet Australian saltwater crocodiles at Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. You can watch feeding demonstrations and learn about these fascinating creatures.

Discover Broome’s heritage at the Japanese Cemetery. You’ll learn about the brave pearl divers who shaped the town’s identity.

Tip: Book your camel ride in advance, as morning sessions often sell out quickly.

Walks near the port

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The port area of Broome offers you several easy walking trails to explore:

You can reach the Roebuck Bay Lookout Trail in a five-minute walk from the dock. The trail gives you clear views of the bay, where you’ll spot dolphins swimming in turquoise waters.

The Pearling History Walk takes you through Chinatown’s streets. You’ll find signs along the way that explain Broome’s diverse cultural background and pearling industry.

You can walk the 2km Mangrove Boardwalk to see local wildlife and plants up close. At Town Beach, you can watch the “Staircase to the Moon” – a natural light show that happens when the full moon rises over the mudflats at low tide.

Remember to:

• Take plenty of water with you
• Wear a hat and sunscreen
• Choose comfortable walking shoes

Dining and Shopping

The port area offers plenty of dining and shopping choices after your walks. You’ll find fresh seafood restaurants in Chinatown, serving local specialties like pearl meat and barramundi.

You can enjoy local craft beers at Matso’s Brewery, where their signature mango beer has become a town favourite. At the Courthouse Markets, you can browse Indigenous art, handmade jewellery and authentic souvenirs.

Pearl Luggers shop showcases Broome’s famous South Sea pearls, where you can buy genuine pearl jewellery and learn about the town’s pearling heritage.

Accommodation near the port

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Looking for a place to stay near Broome’s port? You’ll find plenty of options whether you’re staying before or after your cruise.

Close to the port:

• Cable Beach Resort offers luxury rooms and beach views
• Mangrove Hotel provides comfortable mid-range rooms with waterfront dining
• Broome Beach House B&B delivers local hospitality with personal touches

Each option sits within easy reach of the port, making your transfer simple. You can choose based on your budget and preferred style – from five-star comfort to homely B&Bs. The nearby accommodation means you won’t need to rush to catch your cruise or worry about transport after docking.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Fremantle (Perth), Western Australia for a different Western Australia Cruise destination.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting Ready for Your First Cruise from Broome

You need to arrive one day before your cruise departs. This gives you time to settle and see the town.

Pack these essential items:

• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Light, breathable clothes
• Mobile phone with cruise app

Your onboard experience will be smoother if you:

• Download your cruise line’s app now
• Book shore trips early
• Choose your dining times
• Plan your daily activities

Popular Broome activities:

• Watch the Staircase to the Moon during full moon low tides
• Ride camels on Cable Beach
• Visit local pearl farms

Travel tips:

• Check the weather forecast
• Keep important documents handy
• Set up your cruise account online
• Pack any medicines you need

You’ll find Broome’s tropical climate warm year-round, so dress accordingly.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

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Customs & Immigration at The Port

You need to clear customs and immigration before boarding your cruise ship in Broome. The process takes 30-60 minutes. The port uses a quick check-in system that moves travellers efficiently through each checkpoint.

Essential items to have ready:

• Your passport
• Your cruise documents
• Your completed arrival card
• Your medication prescriptions (if needed)

To make your check-in smoother:

1. Keep all documents in your carry-on bag
2. Check your designated check-in time
3. Arrive at your assigned time to avoid queues

Quick tips:

• Officials may ask to see prescriptions for your medicines
• Follow staff directions at each checkpoint
• Keep a positive attitude as you move through the process

The check-in works best when you come prepared and stay patient during the procedure.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Currency and Payments in Broome

You’ll use Australian dollars (AUD) for all purchases in Broome. You can withdraw cash from ATMs located throughout the town centre.

Payment options include:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard widely accepted)
• Contactless payments
• Digital wallets

You should know:

• American Express and Diners Club cards work mainly at larger stores
• Small shops and markets often prefer cash
• ATMs offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices
• Tipping isn’t required, but you can tip for exceptional service

Money tips:

• Keep some cash for small purchases and markets
• Use ATMs linked to your bank to reduce fees
• Check your card’s international transaction fees before travel
• Tell your bank you’re travelling to Australia to avoid card blocks

Emergency Contacts

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Emergency Contacts for Your Broome Visit

You need to know these key emergency numbers while in Broome:

Main Emergency Number:

– Dial 000 for police, ambulance, or fire services

Important Local Contacts:

• Broome Hospital: 08 9194 2222
• Broome Police (non-emergency): 08 9194 0200
• Broome Visitor Centre: 08 9195 2200

Quick Tips:

• Save these numbers in your phone now
• Check your cruise ship’s daily program for onboard emergency contacts
• Keep these numbers handy throughout your visit

The Visitor Centre can help you with any tourism-related issues, while the Police non-emergency line handles less urgent matters.

History of The Port

The Port of Broome started as a pearling centre in the 1880s. You’ll find the port’s history began when Japanese, Chinese and Malay divers arrived, creating the diverse community you see today.

The port reached its peak in 1900. You would have seen 400 pearling boats in the harbour, whilst the town supplied 80% of global mother-of-pearl. World War II transformed the port into an important military site.

You can now explore the modernised waterfront. Each step takes you through historic areas where pearl traders built their businesses and migrant families established their new lives in northwest Australia.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

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Best Times for Your Broome Cruise

You’ll find perfect cruising weather from April to October, with sunny days and temperatures of 25-30°C. These months give you clear skies and calm seas while avoiding the wet season’s storms.

Key highlights by month:

May-June:

• You can watch the Staircase to the Moon natural phenomenon
• You’ll experience mild temperatures and low humidity

July-August:

• You’ll spot humpback whales on their migration route
• You can enjoy the clearest water conditions

September-October:

• You’ll see wildflowers covering the coastline
• You can cruise in comfortable, stable weather

The dry season gives you:

• Turquoise waters for swimming and snorkelling
• Low chance of rain or storms
• Ideal sailing conditions

Avoid November to March, when you might face:

• Cyclone risks
• High humidity
• Heavy rainfall

Frequently Asked Questions

What Indigenous Cultural Experiences Are Available in Broome?

You can discover authentic Indigenous experiences in Broome through:

• Local Yawuru guides sharing Dreamtime stories
• Cultural heritage tours focused on pearl diving history
• Guided bushwalks revealing native plants and customs
• Indigenous art galleries showcasing local artwork

Each activity lets you connect directly with the Yawuru people’s living culture and traditions. You’ll learn firsthand about their connection to the land, ancient customs and modern practices.

Can Crocodiles Be Spotted Near Broome’s Beaches?

Saltwater crocodiles visit Broome’s beaches, particularly during the wet season. You need to watch for warning signs at beach entrances and follow local safety guidance. You can spot these creatures safely by joining guided tours with local operators. Remember to keep your distance from the water’s edge and swim only in designated safe zones.

How Does the “Staircase to the Moon” Phenomenon Work?

You can see the “staircase to the moon” when moonlight bounces off wet mudflats during low tide. This natural phenomenon creates a series of bright, horizontal lines across the water, making the light look like steps leading up to the moon. You’ll spot this optical illusion best during a full moon when the tide is low and the mudflats are exposed. The ripples in the shallow water break up the moon’s reflection, forming the distinctive stair-like pattern.

Are Pearl Farm Tours Worth the Price?

Pearl farm tours offer genuine value for your money. You’ll learn directly from pearl farmers about their cultivation methods and see the entire process up close. You get to handle real pearls and understand how they’re graded. The farms often sit in beautiful coastal locations, letting you combine education with scenic views. The experience connects you with a centuries-old craft and gives you practical knowledge about pearl quality and selection.

What Wildlife Might I Encounter on a Broome Cruise?

During Broome cruises, you can spot several marine species. Humpback whales swim through these waters, showing their fins and tails. Dolphins often play near the boats, whilst sea turtles glide beneath the surface. Near the shoreline, you can watch coastal birds feeding and nesting. Saltwater crocodiles sometimes appear in the shallower waters and mangroves.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Geraldton, Western Australia Cruise Ship Port.