Love Livin' in Broome WA 6725: Your Complete Suburb Guide

Where the red dirt of the outback meets the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Broome offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Australia. Famous for its pearling history, Cable Beach sunsets, and relaxed tropical vibe, this Kimberley town is a unique blend of remote adventure and coastal luxury.

For those seeking a sea change with a difference, Broome provides a vibrant community, a booming tourism economy, and a lifestyle dictated by the dramatic wet and dry seasons.

The Broome Lifestyle

Life in Broome revolves around the outdoors and the ocean. The town's defining feature is the 22-kilometre stretch of Cable Beach, where locals gather every evening to watch the sun dip below the horizon, often accompanied by the iconic silhouette of camel trains.

The town has a rich multicultural heritage, heavily influenced by the Japanese, Malay, and Koepanger pearl divers who settled here over a century ago. This history is visible in the architecture of Chinatown, the local cuisine, and the annual Shinju Matsuri (Festival of the Pearl).

Weekends are spent fishing in Roebuck Bay, exploring the rugged Dampier Peninsula, or browsing the famous Courthouse Markets for local art, fresh produce, and pearls. The pace of life here is famously relaxed — known locally as "Broome time."

Property Market Overview

Broome's property market is unique, driven by a mix of permanent residents, seasonal workers, and investors. The market often experiences cycles tied to the broader Western Australian economy and the tourism sector.

Housing styles range from traditional "Broome-style" elevated homes with wide verandas and corrugated iron roofs designed to catch the breeze, to modern air-conditioned estates in newer subdivisions like Broome North.

Properties close to Cable Beach or with ocean views command premium prices, while more affordable options can be found slightly further inland. The rental market is typically very tight, particularly during the dry season (May to October) when the town's population swells with tourists and seasonal workers, making it an attractive prospect for investors.

Schools and Education

Broome caters well to families, offering a range of educational options despite its remote location.

Primary schools include Broome Primary School, Cable Beach Primary School, and Roebuck Primary School. For secondary education, Broome Senior High School serves the public sector, while St Mary's College offers a Catholic education from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

For further education and vocational training, the North Regional TAFE has a campus in Broome, providing courses tailored to local industries such as tourism, hospitality, and trades.

Transport and Connectivity

Given its remote location in the Kimberley region, transport in and out of Broome relies heavily on aviation. Broome International Airport is located right in the centre of town, offering regular direct flights to Perth, as well as seasonal flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Darwin.

Within the town, driving is the primary mode of transport. The town is relatively spread out, making a car essential for daily life. There is a local bus service, the Broome Explorer Bus, which runs regularly between Chinatown, the town centre, and Cable Beach, catering to both locals and tourists.

For those driving to other major centres, be prepared for long distances — Port Hedland is over 1,000 kilometres away, and Perth is a 2,200-kilometre drive down the Great Northern Highway.

Things to Do in Broome

• ▸Cable Beach: Swim in the clear waters, relax on the white sand, or take a famous sunset camel ride.
• ▸Chinatown: Explore the historic heart of Broome, featuring pearl showrooms, boutiques, and cafes housed in corrugated iron buildings.
• ▸Gantheaume Point: Visit the red sandstone cliffs at the southern end of Cable Beach, where dinosaur footprints can be seen at low tide.
• ▸Sun Pictures: Catch a movie at the world's oldest operating open-air picture garden, a truly unique cinematic experience.
• ▸Staircase to the Moon: Witness this natural phenomenon where the reflection of the full moon on the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay creates the optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the sky.
• ▸Willie Creek Pearl Farm: Take a tour to learn about the modern pearling industry and how the famous South Sea pearls are cultivated.

Pros and Cons of Living in Broome

Pros:

• ▸Unparalleled natural beauty with stunning beaches and unique landscapes.
• ▸A relaxed, tropical lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
• ▸Rich cultural history and a vibrant arts scene.
• ▸Excellent winter climate (the "dry season") with warm days and cool nights.

Cons:

• ▸Extreme weather during the "wet season" (November to April), including high humidity, heavy rain, and the risk of cyclones.
• ▸High cost of living, particularly for groceries and freight, due to the remote location.
• ▸Isolation from major capital cities and specialist medical services.
• ▸A transient population, which can make the town feel very different between the peak tourist season and the quiet wet season.

Is Broome Right for You?

Broome is perfect for those who crave adventure, love the outdoors, and don't mind the isolation that comes with living in one of Australia's most spectacular remote regions. If you can handle the humidity of the wet season and embrace the laid-back "Broome time," the reward is a lifestyle surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth.