Picture this: the sun dipping into the Indian Ocean, the sky bleeding orange and pink, and the red pindan cliffs glowing like they’re lit from within. Broome has one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever witness with the naked eye—no filter needed. But how you experience it depends on who you are. Some come for the romance, slowing down as the sky turns pink. Others come for the adventure, chasing that same sunset at full speed. Either way, Broome delivers.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Broome once the sun starts to set, so consider this your guide to the best of both sides. Whether you’re planning something intimate or something wild, here’s exactly how to spend your time in Broome.
The Romantic Side of Broome Sunsets
There’s something about watching the sky turn gold with someone you love that makes a place feel like it was built for exactly that moment. If you’re after romantic things to do in Broome, this is where to start.
Camel rides along Cable Beach at golden hour
Cable Beach camel rides are one of the only sunset experiences of their kind in Australia, and it’s the image most people picture when they think of romance in Broome. Ride in a slow line along the shoreline as the sand turns gold, with plenty of chances to snap photos of each other against the changing sky. Rides typically depart in the late afternoon, running 30 minutes to an hour; no experience needed. Bookings fill up fast in peak season (June to September), so lock one in a few days ahead for a stress-free experience.
Broome sunset cruises
Picture leaning against the railing beside your partner as the boat cuts through the water, the Indian Ocean turning from blue to copper to burning red. Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary, or a honeymoon, Broome Sunset cruises give you a front-row seat to that view, glass in hand, the coastline fading into silhouette behind you. The pindan cliffs catch the last of the light before dusk settles in, and for a few minutes, it feels like the ocean’s putting on a show just for the two of you.
Staircase to the Moon
A few nights a year, on days around the full moon between March and October, the rising moon reflects off the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of a staircase climbing into the sky. It only happens when the tide and moon phase line up, so it’s worth checking the Broome tourism calendar before you book your trip if this is on your list. Locals often set up along the Roebuck Bay foreshore with a picnic to watch it, and the nearby markets that pop up with food stalls and live music, so it’s easy to make an evening of it before finding a quiet spot to watch the staircase together with your loved one.
The Adventurous Side of Broome Sunsets
Not everyone wants to watch the sunset. Some want to chase it. If you’d rather feel your pulse climb as the sky turns gold instead of sitting still for it, Broome has a whole other side waiting for you.
4WD tracks along the coast
Broome’s coastline outside Cable Beach opens up to stretches of 4WD-accessible tracks, giving you access to quieter beaches and lookout points that most visitors never see. Cape Leveque Road and the tracks around Roebuck Bay are popular starting points, though conditions can change fast with the tide, so it’s worth checking road conditions before heading out, especially in the wet season. If self-drive isn’t your thing, a few operators run Broome 4WD tours that take care of the navigation so you can just watch the sky.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Kayaking in Broome puts you right on the water as the sky changes colour, whether you’re paddling out onto Roebuck Bay or along the coastline near Cable Beach, with nothing between you and the horizon. Conditions are usually calmest in the late afternoon, which lines up well with sunset timing. A few local operators run guided paddleboard and kayak sessions timed specifically around sunset, which takes the guesswork out of tides and currents if you’re not familiar with the area.
Skydiving over Broome at sunset
For something that pushes the adventure angle further, Broome Skydiving gives you Cable Beach, the pindan cliffs, and the Indian Ocean laid out below as you fall. Jumps are weather-dependent and need to be booked in advance. They typically run as tandem jumps, so no experience is needed. It’s not a cheap add-on to a trip, but it’s one of the only places in Australia where you can skydive with a red-cliff, white-sand, blue-ocean backdrop all at once.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to Broome, the real trick is not picking a side too early. Try one of each. Chase the Staircase to the Moon one night, then get out on a 4WD track the next. By the time you leave, you’ll understand why people keep coming back for a sunset they’ve technically already seen.
