Broome Travel Tips

Festival of the Pearl is on in Broome from the 21st August to the 6th September 2026. 2027 dates are yet to be released.

A carnival for the senses, Shinju Matsuri – Japanese for ‘festival of the pearl’ – is a celebration of Broome’s / Rubibi’s unique multicultural and pearling history. Held annually over nine days in August and September, Shinju Matsuri unfolds across a series of events showcasing the fusion of flavours, sounds and colours that make this iconic outback town so captivating.

The annual Shinju Matsuri originated from three cultural festivals – Japanese Obon Matsuri, Malaysian Hari Merdeka, Independence Day from British rule in 1957, and the Chinese Hang Seng. Shinju Matsuri rekindles the excitement and romance of Broome’s early days of being a world-renowned producer of South Sea Pearls when the Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Koepangers, Filipino and Europeans flocked to Broome from the late 1800’s to be a part of this prosperity. This unique multicultural population of pearl industry workers joined with the local Aboriginal people and Europeans to work on up to 400 Pearling Luggers that sailed out of Broome.

Broome’s people and businesses sees the festival as an opportunity to re-educate and inform the community of the cultural heritage of Broome. Ensuring that education and information is passed on to young people and new arrivals will assure that Broome’s unique and diverse identity is acknowledged and remembered through the generations.

Shinju Matsuri will tempt your senses with an exciting whirlwind of colour, sound, taste and smell as the community shares this beautiful locale with the world and the people who call it home.

Race Day 1: Saturday 23rd May
Race Day 2: Saturday 6th June
Race Day 3: Sunday 13th June
Race Day 4: Sunday 28th June- (Family Day
Race Day 5: Saturday 11th July
Race Day 6: Friday 24th July – Tradies Day
Race Day 7: Saturday 1st August – Kimberley Cup
Race Day 8: Tuesday 11th August – Ladies Day
Race Day 9: Saturday 15th August – Broome Cup

At Broome Weddings and Events, the tides are a mesmerizing feature that adds a dynamic element to your special day. Broome boasts the 4th highest tidal range in the world, reaching up to 10.4 meters. Due to the gentle pitch of our beaches and tidal flats, this range means the distance between the high and low tide marks can vary dramatically, from 1.5 km to 15 km. This natural phenomenon, driven by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, creates a stunning backdrop for your event.
Every second week, during spring tides, you’ll witness the most significant changes in water movement, offering a breathtaking spectacle for your guests. Conversely, neap tide weeks bring minimal tidal changes, providing a more stable environment. Whether you choose the dramatic shifts of a spring tide or the gentle flow of a neap tide, the tides of Broome will undoubtedly enhance the beauty and uniqueness of your wedding experience.

At Broome Weddings and Events, we are proud to highlight a poignant piece of Broome’s history that guests can explore through our sister company, Broome Adventure Cruises. During World War II, 15 Catalina and Dornier Flying Boats were moored in Roebuck Bay, just 400 meters off the old Broome Jetty. These planes were part of an evacuation effort for women and children fleeing the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. Tragically, an hour before their scheduled departure, nine Japanese Zeros attacked, resulting in the loss of over 80 lives. The planes sank to the bottom of Roebuck Bay, resting over 10 meters underwater during high spring tides. However, 23 times a year, Broome’s extraordinary tidal range reveals these wrecks, allowing visitors to witness this historic site. This somber yet essential experience is a must-do for those visiting Broome, with many planning their trips around the dates these wrecks are visible.

2026 dates that these planes are visible are below and you can walk out to them from Town Beach.

September 12th, 13th, 14th,  15th, 29th and 30th

October 12th, 13th, 28th and 29th

Broome’s greatest natural phenomenon takes place along the Roebuck Bay foreshore. It’s an amazing visual reminder of the force of the moon’s gravitational effects on the giant Kimberley tides. Join thousands of people who gather to watch the full moon rise up over the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, leaving a giant golden staircase in it rising path.

You can see staircase to the moon from Broome Weddings and Events if you have booked your event on these dates. – Your own private viewing away from the crowds!

If you havne’t booked Broome Weddings and Events on Staircase to the Moon night, there are two great public places to watch the Staircase phenomenon. The Mangrove Hotel or the Town Beach foreshore.

Below are the dates and times that this phenomenon is visible:

March 2026

Wednesday 4th 6.44pm

Thursday 5th 7.19pm

Friday 6th 7.53pm

April 2026

Friday 3rd 6.27pm

Saturday 4th 7.04pm

Sunday 5th 7.45pm *

May 2026

Sunday 3rd 6.25pm

Monday 4th 7.12pm *

Tuesday 5th 8.02pm

June 2026

Monday 1st 5.57pm

Tuesday 2nd 6.49pm *

Wednesday 3rd 7.43pm

July 2026

Wednesday 1st 6.32pm

Thursday 2nd 7.25pm *

Friday 3rd 8.18pm

July/August 2026

Thursday 30th July 6.13pm *

Friday 31st July 7.05pm

Saturday 1st August 7.57pm

August 2026

Saturday 29th 6.43pm

Sunday 30th 7.36pm *

Monday 31st 8.31pm

September 2026

Sunday 27th 6.22pm

Monday 28th 7.20pm *

Tuesday 29th 8.21pm

October 2026

Tuesday 27th 7.10pm

Wednesday 28th 8.17pm

Thursday 29th 9.24pm

Broome is a treasure trove of prehistoric wonders, boasting 21 different types of fossilized dinosaur track ways—more than any other place on the planet. This extraordinary feature makes Broome a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. To fully experience these ancient marvels, join Broome Adventure Cruises, the experts in this area. With a customer satisfaction rating of 99.5% across all review channels, they are the highest-rated adventure cruise company in the Kimberley. Cruises operate every day, offering a unique glimpse into the world of dinosaurs and the rich history of Broome. For scheduled times and to book your adventure, please visit the Broome Adventure Cruises website. This unforgettable journey through time is an experience not to be missed.

The Yawuru people are the native title holders of the town of Broome, Rubibi in Yawuru.
The Yawuru calendar shows six seasons, outlined below.

Broome experiences a tropical climate, which is considered as hot/semi-arid. Average yearly temperatures have a high of 32.3 degrees and a low of 21.3. Month by month averages are in the following table.

Broome’s dry season (April – October) is made up of warm days, balmy nights and perfect holiday weather most of the time. Not a cloud in the sky.

Broome’s wet season (November to March) brings rain, hotter weather and humidity. Broome is absolutely beautiful at this time of year. It is humid, however no more humid than Indonesia and Singapore, and tourist travel there all year round. Broome in the wet season has the most incredible sunsets with golden linings and an abundance of turtles and wader birds. The months of January and February are associated with monsoonal weather and the risk of cyclones.