Our Guide to Town Beach Broome

Some places seem to linger in your memory long after the footprints have faded from the sand. Town Beach in Broome, Western Australia, is one of those places. A beloved spot by locals and a hidden delight for travellers, it’s where the sunrise paints the sky in gentle hues, families gather for market nights, and the rhythm of tides dictates the day’s adventures.

Discover what makes Town Beach so special to us. 

 

Where is Town Beach?

Nestled on the southeast side of Broome, Town Beach is just minutes from Chinatown and a short drive from the more famous Cable Beach. It lies at the base of Robinson Street and is framed by tropical palms, red pindan cliffs, and the endless blue of Roebuck Bay. It’s the perfect alternative when you want something a little quieter, more laid-back, and rich with local culture.

Discover our favourite beaches in Broome

 

What to do at Town Beach

Catch a stunning sunrise

Town Beach faces southeast, making it one of the best spots in Broome to watch the sun rise over the Indian Ocean. There’s something incredibly peaceful about starting the day here, coffee in hand, as the sky shifts from lavender to gold.

 

View the Staircase to the Moon 

One of Broome’s most magical natural phenomena, the Staircase to the Moon, is best viewed right here at Town Beach. When the full moon rises over the low-tide mudflats of Roebuck Bay, the light reflects in a way that looks like a golden staircase reaching up to the sky. This event happens two to three nights a month between March and October and draws crowds from all over the world. It’s not to be missed!

 

Wander the morning mudflats

When the tides are low, the beach becomes a canvas of rippled mudflats stretching far into the bay. It’s the perfect time to walk barefoot, spot crabs scuttling, or simply enjoy the sensation of the cool mud under your feet.

 

Visit the Town Beach Evening Markets

Held on Thursday evenings from June to September – and additionally running on nights where the Staircase To The Moon is showing -the Town Beach Markets are a local highlight. From handmade crafts to live music and food trucks offering everything from mango smoothies to satay skewers, it’s a celebration of Broome’s multicultural roots.

 

Walk the Jetty-to-Jetty Trail

This scenic walking path follows the coastline from Town Beach to the site of the old Streeter’s Jetty in Chinatown. Interpretive signs along the way share Broome’s pearling and multicultural history, offering both exercise and education.

 

Can You Swim at Town Beach?

While it might look inviting, swimming at Town Beach isn’t generally advised. Roebuck Bay is subject to large tidal changes, and during the warmer months, there’s a risk of stingers like box jellyfish. Another frequently asked question is about crocodiles: though possible, they are rarely seen here as they prefer mangroves and murky creeks, not open beaches like this.

However, if you’d like to get up-close-and-personal with some of Australia’s most famous (and fearsome) residents, we highly recommend a visit to the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park.

 

Attractions Close to Town Beach

 

Make a day of it by visiting these nearby spots:

Sun Pictures 

Catch a movie under the stars at the world’s oldest operating open-air cinema –  Sun Pictures is an integral and historic feature in Broome. Built in the 1900s (1903), this open-air cinema originally served as an Asian grocer owned by the Yamasaki family, who had a love for theatre. The building started with a small theatre space but was later purchased by a famed pearler, Ted Hunter, who turned it into a theatre with architect Claude Hawkes.

 

Broome Courthouse Markets

Broome has no shortage of wonderful markets, and the Courthouse Markets are no exception. Located in Broome Courthouse Gardens and open on weekends, the event is a feast of local art, food, and culture.

Wildlife Watching

Town Beach is located in a Ramsar-listed site, which means there is a unique opportunity to see some spectacular marine life and rare migratory birds. Broome Bird Observatory has recorded over 300 species of birds over Roebuck Bay, some travelling from as far as Siberia. We also recommend boat trips for dolphin spotting and seasonal whale watching – keep your eyes peeled for local turtles, tropical fish species, and even sharks from the Town Beach Jetty too! 

 

Broome Historical Museum

Learn more about the town’s unique past, from pearling to World War II, for only $5 entry. Broome’s Historical Museum has incredible insight into the town’s heritage, and although only small, located in a 1890s general store, it’s well worth the visit. The museum is only open from 10am-1pm from November to May and 10am-4pm from June to October.

 

How to Get to Town Beach

By Car

Town Beach is a short 5-minute drive from The Continental Hotel; simply head southeast on Weld Street, continue onto Robinson Street, and follow the signs to Town Beach.

By Bicycle or Walking

For those staying at The Conti, it’s an easy 15-minute cycle or a 30-minute walk. Take in the tropical scenery and enjoy a leisurely pace as you make your way to the beach.

Guided Tours

Several local tour operators include Town Beach in their itineraries. Joining a tour is a great way to gain deeper insights into the area’s cultural and natural history. At The Conti, we offer the Broome and Around Iconic Tour package; this includes a 2-night stay with a later checkout time and daily breakfast included, plus a spot on Broome’s Iconic Panoramic Town Bus Tour, with hotel pick up and drop off, and plus more perks!

Learn more about our Iconic Tour Package

 

Make Town Beach Part of Your Broome Escape

 

Whether you’re soaking in a golden sunrise, wandering the mudflats, or catching live music at the markets, Town Beach offers the kind of moments that stick with you long after your holiday ends.

Book your stay at The Continental Hotel and enjoy easy access to Broome’s most memorable spots — including the serene beauty of Town Beach.