12 Things To Do with Kids in Broome

With balmy weather year-round, a glorious stretch of golden sand and a surprisingly rich story, Broome is the ideal family-friendly holiday hot spot. 

Keep the kids entertained with camels, crocodiles and cultural tours; go stargazing with real-life Space Gandalf; immerse yourself in nature and First Nations stories; and chase dinosaurs along the beach in Broome. 

On your next trip to Western Australia, keep the kids happy with these 12 things to do in beautiful Broome.

1. Ride a camel into the sunset at Cable Beach

Set off for a magical camel ride along Broome’s spectacular Cable Beach, with the ocean lapping at your camel’s feet as the sun sets over the water. 

Broome’s most iconic tourism experience is a must-do while up north, and something the kids will remember forever. While the sunset tour is obviously the most magnificent way to explore the 22km long beach, those on a budget might prefer the cheaper pre-sunset tour that gets you atop a camel along the famous beach. All three camel tour companies – Broome Camel Safaris, Red Sun Camels and Sundowner Camel Tours – offer both sunset and pre-sunset tours.

2. Hunt for dinosaur tracks at Gantheaume Point

Do you have a dino-mad kid in tow? Seek out a cast of prehistoric dinosaur footprints preserved in reef rock at Gantheaume Point. If you visit at low tide you’ll be able to see the ancient mega footprints, just a 10-minute drive from Broome’s town centre. 

Little dinosaur enthusiasts and big kids at heart will love stepping in the tracks left some 130 million years ago. How many footprints can you count?

3. Watch a movie at the world's oldest operating outdoor movie theatre

Step back in time when you enter Sun Pictures Broome. The world’s oldest operating outdoor movie theatre officially opened in 1916 with a silent movie, and still brings blockbuster hits to Broome. 

Tour the space by day, seeing the beautifully restored building and hearing about its curious history – it used to flood at high tide until a levee was built! Return after dark for a relaxing evening in the picture gardens with a blanket and bucket of popcorn.

4. Smile at a crocodile

Take the kids to meet the locals… but be careful, they bite! Flash a smile at the giant salty crocs at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. Here you’ll find some of the biggest crocodiles on display in Australia, which you can see in action at the 3pm daily feeding. Outside of showtime the family can wander the wildlife park, learning about the conservation efforts of the Douglas family and meeting other scaly and scary native critters. 

5. Immerse the family in Aboriginal culture

Explore Broome while learning about the First Nations people with special experiences. Join Mabu Buru on a crocodile feeding tour in Broome or learn from an Indigenous guide how the local Yawuru people look after country with both traditional and scientific knowledge. Or pull on gumboots and wade through the mangroves with Narlijia Experiences, learning about local plants, animals and bush tucker.

6. Go swimming at Cable Beach

If a camel ride isn’t in the budget, swimming at the magnificent Cable Beach certainly is. What’s better than a free day at the beach!? Bring your cozzie and towel for a few hours enjoying the soft white sand, turquoise blue ocean and red ochre cliffs that define one of Western Australia’s most beautiful beaches. 

Parents can relax with patrolled swimming areas, and kids will love exploring hidden treasure troves and rock pools along the shore. Close to the sands of Cable Beach there is also a children’s playground and facilities.

7. Ride a historic tram

All aboard the nostalgia tram for a guided tour that immerses you in Broome’s pearling history. Back in 1894, work on Broome’s tramway started to carry Mother of Pearl shell from point to point. Two red tram carriages have been restored and reinvented into off-track vehicles for an immersive or quick sightseeing trip around Broome. Hear the town’s untold stories with Broome Tramway Co.

8. Go stargazing with Space Gandalf

Educational and entertaining astronomer Greg Quicke loves sharing knowledge about the movements of the stars and planets with kids. Fondly nicknamed Space Gandalf, thanks to his long white beard, his 2.5-hour-long Astro Tours give you a chance to gaze up in wonder at the night sky above Broome. 

It’s here where the Miky Way arches right across from horizon to horizon, and you can see it best here thanks to Broome’s clear night skies.

9. Stroll through the Broome Courthouse Markets

Want the kids to learn more about where their food comes from? Spend a relaxed morning exploring the Broome Courthouse Markets, browsing a colourful and delicious array of stalls. Here you can meet the farmers, chat to producers and taste local and international snacks from food vendors. 

Beyond tasty treats, expect a vibrant showcase of handmade jewellery, homewares, leathergoods and more. Markets run every Saturday all year long, and on Sundays between April and October. 

10. Splash about at Town Beach water park and playground

Let the kids splash and play at Town Beach (Guwarri). Here you’ll find a special water playground that includes active and inclusive play features such as the misty twisty, whale tail sprayer, sneaky soakers and a froggy-o sprayer. Perfect for hot days and adventurous kids, let them run wild while you sit back with a coffee from the nearby cafe.

11. Get active at the local pool and courts

If you’ve had enough beach time, you can kick back by the resort-style pools at both Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary and Oaks Broome, of course. But if the kids are still restless, take them to the Broome Recreation & Aquatic Centre. Beyond the 25m pool and children’s lagoon, there are tennis, basketball, netball and squash courts where you can let off steam.

12. Tee off with mini golf

For simple old-fashioned fun, challenge the kids to a round of 18-hole mini golf. You’ll find the course at the Cable Beach General Store & Cafe, opposite the Diver’s Tavern. Go for breakfast or lunch, say g’day to the resident Kelpie Jinx and grab a putting club. The reward? Plenty of laughs and maybe a milkshake.

Need somewhere to stay? Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary is a stunning resort close to Cable Beach, while Oaks Broome is located right in the heart of town.