Port information & tips for Broome
Broome is the fascinating gateway to the wild Kimberley region in northwestern Australia and enchants visitors with a unique blend of red earth, the turquoise blue Indian Ocean, and a moving history of pearl fishing. The town's relaxed atmosphere combines the vast outback feeling with Asian influences and offers unforgettable natural experiences thanks to the world-famous, miles-long Cable Beach. Highlights in the surrounding area also include the historic district of Chinatown as well as the spectacular Gantheaume Point with its striking red rock formations. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Broome (Deep Water Jetty), from where the city center, located about six kilometers away, and the iconic beaches are easily and quickly accessible in just a few minutes by shuttle bus.
Broome is the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley region and welcomes cruise guests at the Deep Water Port, located at the end of Port Drive, approximately six kilometers south of the city center. Thanks to its proximity to the regional airport and its connection to the coastal road, arrival at the pier is straightforward and offers first glimpses of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Airplane
Broome International Airport (BME) is located very close to the center and is typically reached by travelers from the DACH region via the Australian hubs of Perth, Sydney, or Darwin. From the airport, you can reach the terminal at the Deep Water Port in about 15 minutes by taxi or an organized shuttle.
Car
Arrival by rental car or camper is via the Great Northern Highway (National Highway 1), which connects Broome directly with the rest of Australia. Parking options for long-term parkers can be found at the airport as well as through specialized park-and-ride providers in the city, who often integrate a practical transfer to the port into their service package.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the climatic adjustment, a stay of one to two days before embarkation in a resort at Cable Beach or in the Chinatown district is recommended. This ensures a relaxed start to the cruise and provides the opportunity to experience the famous sunsets and the local pearling history in peace.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Broome is the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley region and welcomes cruise guests at the Deep Water Port, located at the end of Port Drive, approximately six kilometers south of the city center. Thanks to its proximity to the regional airport and its connection to the coastal road, arrival at the pier is straightforward and offers first glimpses of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Airplane
Broome International Airport (BME) is located very close to the center and is typically reached by travelers from the DACH region via the Australian hubs of Perth, Sydney, or Darwin. From the airport, you can reach the terminal at the Deep Water Port in about 15 minutes by taxi or an organized shuttle.
Car
Arrival by rental car or camper is via the Great Northern Highway (National Highway 1), which connects Broome directly with the rest of Australia. Parking options for long-term parkers can be found at the airport as well as through specialized park-and-ride providers in the city, who often integrate a practical transfer to the port into their service package.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and the climatic adjustment, a stay of one to two days before embarkation in a resort at Cable Beach or in the Chinatown district is recommended. This ensures a relaxed start to the cruise and provides the opportunity to experience the famous sunsets and the local pearling history in peace.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Broome at the Deepwater Jetty is the starting point for your discoveries and offers a convenient connection to the city center and surrounding attractions thanks to well-organized transfers.
Shuttle Service
Most cruise lines provide shuttles that take you directly from the pier to the historic center of Chinatown, about six kilometers away. The ride takes around 10 to 15 minutes and allows for a relaxed start to the day.
Broome Explorer Bus
This distinctive local bus is the city's most important means of transport and regularly connects the port area with Chinatown and the famous Cable Beach. The stops are easily accessible and offer a flexible way to explore the highlights of the region independently.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the port terminal upon the arrival of ships and will bring you quickly to your destination. Additionally, the use of ride-sharing apps is possible, guaranteeing a direct and comfortable ride to the pearl shops or the coastal sections.
To experience the unique charm of Broome at its best, we recommend exploring the historic town center combined with the impressive natural wonders of the immediate surroundings.
Chinatown & Pearl Luggers Museum
The picturesque center impresses with its architectural diversity and first-class pearl boutiques; additionally, the Pearl Luggers Museum provides a gripping insight into the adventurous era of pearl divers and the multicultural history of the region.
Cable Beach
This world-famous beach, with its vast fine sand and crystal-clear water, is perfect for a relaxing break by the Indian Ocean, while also being the ideal place for characteristic camel rides on the warm Australian sand.
Gantheaume Point
The striking red rock formations offer a breathtaking backdrop for photography enthusiasts and are easily accessible thanks to their location on the edge of the town; furthermore, at low tide, visitors can discover genuine fossilized dinosaur footprints in the cliffs.
Cable Beach
The world-famous Cable Beach is easily accessible from the port in about fifteen minutes by shuttle or taxi and impresses with its twenty-two kilometer long, snow-white sandy beach and the crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water of the Indian Ocean. Thanks to the first-class infrastructure with excellent dining options such as Zanders or the Sunset Bar & Grill, you can enjoy a luxurious ambiance directly on the coast. Ideally, plan your visit for the morning to admire the impressive colors of the sea in peace, and schedule your return trip at least ninety minutes before departure to conclude your stay in a completely relaxed manner.
The return journey to Broome's Deep Water Wharf can be organized easily and relaxedly thanks to well-organized transfers and local means of transport. Due to the distance between the city center and the port, plan for a short travel time of about ten to fifteen minutes.
Shuttle Service and Explorer Bus
Most cruise lines offer a convenient shuttle service directly from the Broome Visitor Centre in Chinatown. In addition, the well-known Broome Explorer Bus regularly connects key points such as Cable Beach and the city center with the stop near the port grounds, bringing you safely back to the ship.
Taxi
In Chinatown, you will find central taxi stands in Carnarvon Street as well as at Dampier Terrace. Additionally, you can easily have a taxi called at the receptions of the large resorts at Cable Beach to reach the terminal directly and on time.
On Foot and Orientation
Due to the distance of around six kilometers and the warm temperatures, traveling by vehicle is the most pleasant choice, while orientation is easy thanks to the clear signage along Port Drive. Access to the pier is secured, and the port staff at the gate will friendly show you the way back to your ship's berth.
