Camel Rides

Cable Beach Camel Ride

Camel rides and camel safaris are an excellent way to experience the sights and sounds of Cable Beach and Broome – natural style! Get up close and personal with these remarkable animals as you trek along the beach and take in the gorgeous sunsets and the surrounding dunes. Camel rides operate daily, in the morning and at sundown, and can be booked directly through Barefoot Bungalows. It is just a short walk from our Cable Beach hotel.

Pearl Lugger Cruise

Indulge in the beauty of the Cable Beach sunset and the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean aboard a traditional Pearl Lugger ship. You’ll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery and the lifestyle of the old, Broome pearlers. The Pearl Lugger Cruise is truly an experience not to be missed! Enquire at our Reception desk for bookings and details. They also have group bookings available as a brunch, lunch or sunset charter.

Trike Tours

Fancy a set of wheels? Trike tours are just another unique thing to do at Cable Beach. Lasting for two hours, this romantic tour will take you to some of the best viewing points around Broome, with the wind rushing through your hair! The tour ends at one of the most opportune spots over the Indian Ocean. Here, you can relax back with your loved one, sip champagne, feast on a delicious platter and gaze at the spectacular, Western Australian sunset before you’re returned to your Cable Beach hotel.

Kayaking at Turtle Bay

At the south end of Cable Beach, you’ll find the beautiful Turtle Bay, where kayaking is hugely popular. An easy-going “adventure” with relaxed paddling (beginners welcome!), the tour will have you weaving casually through Broome’s crystal clear waters, taking in the exquisite coastline and spotting turtles, dolphins, birds and fish from your kayak. You’ll also get a chance to explore some of Broome’s hidden bays and beaches, which are often overlooked by Cable Beach visitors. Interested? Simply chat to Brad at our Cable Beach hotel to book your kayak tour.

Tai Chi at Buddha’s Sanctuary

If you need a break from being out and about – or if your Cable Beach holiday is simply all about relaxation – why not try a Tai Chi or Yoga class at Buddha’s Sanctuary? One of the biggest, crystal statues of Buddha in the world, this sanctuary is just around the corner from your Cable Beach hotel and was built to promote health, healing and inner reflection. If the classes are not for you, Buddha’s Sanctuary is also a great place for a casual stroll on your way to Cable Beach.

Sunset Drinks

Top off your Cable Beach activities with a gorgeous sunset drink and a tasty meal! There are three wonderful spots on Cable Beach to unwind at the end of your day: the Surf Lifesaving Club at the top of the dune, Zander’s at Cable Beach and the Sunset Bar and Grill at the Cable Beach Club. Soak up the last of sun and enjoy a drink with your special one or with a group of friends. Of course, you can always relax back with a drink around the pool at Barefoot Bungalows, too.

The great thing about Broome is that no matter where you’re staying, it’s easy to get around here, either via private or public transport. Below, we cover some of the best options on how to get around in Broome.

Broome Trike Tours

Driving Around Broome

Driving is a fantastic way to discover the sights in Broome and having a car makes getting to and from your Broome accommodation very easy. There are several hire car companies in Broome offering both standard and 4WD vehicles, such as Europcar, Avis and Budget Car Rentals and local companies such as Broome Broome and Topless Rentals.

Staying at Barefoot Bungalows on Cable Beach and need a car for your Broome holiday? Simply chat to us and we will point you in the right direction!

Bicycles in Broome

It’s so flat you’ll love it! With minimal hills and dips, Broome is one of the easiest towns to discover on a bicycle.

If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry! If you’re staying at Barefoot Bungalows, we have bicycles that will suit both men and women – and best of all, they’re free to use.

Broome Trike Tour

Embark on a wonderful tour of Broome with a glorious Trike Tour on the back of a Harley! Trike tours are a great way to get around and take in the captivating history and amazing sights of Broome. Journey through Cable Beach, Sunset Park, the Japanese and Chinese Cemeteries, Bedford Park, the Broome Courthouse, Roebuck Bay, Town Beach and more, all alongside your very own, local tour guide (and yes – the things they tell you are true!).

The tour lasts anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on which “experience” you choose and you will be picked up at your Broome accommodation. This tour is a great way to kick-start your Broome holiday and indulge in the unique culture Broome has to offer. Want to learn more or book a tour? Just talk to Barefoot Bungalows!

Bus-ing Around Broome

The privately owned Pearl Town Bus service operates in Broome, travelling every hour and half hour in peak season (hourly only during the quiet season) from Cable Beach to Town Beach, Chinatown and the Boulevard in Central Broome.

The services runs from about 7am to 7pm daily and fares range from $3.50 one way for an adult ticket. However, if you’re going to be bus-ing about fairly often, we recommend buying a ‘multi-rider’ which will allow for up to 10 rides or a ‘day pass’ which also includes other discounts you can use in Broome.

Taxis in Broome

There are a couple of good taxi companies to help you get around in Broome, including standard, disabled and maxi taxis.

These can take you anywhere in Broome you like, from Cable Beach to Town Beach to China town and the centre of Broome or simply back to your Broome accommodation.

Taxis are also available for trips to various other destinations around Broome and in the Kimberley region. Broome taxis accept both cash and credit cards and also offer an Airport Shuttle service.

Great Northern Highway & Gibb River Road

However, if you have the means, driving to Broome can be a fantastic way to get up close and personal with Western Australia and experience the sights that you might otherwise miss. If you’ve already booked your Broome hotel and you’re thinking about driving to Broome, here are a few helpful hints to get help you on your way.

From Perth / Western Australia

Driving to Broome from Perth is easy. It’s approximately 2,415 km and will involve 1-2 days of solid driving (or longer, if you prefer to spread out the journey).

For the most direct route, simply jump onto the North West Coastal Highway (also called National Highway 95) and follow this until you reach the Great Northern Highway. This will take you inland and up towards Broome. The drive will take you through various National Parks before you reach South Hedland and then Broome on the north coast. If you’re driving in to WA from the South Australian border, your best bet is to head to Kalgoorlie and then follow the Goldfields Highway to intersect with the Great Northern Highway.

Alternatively, if you prefer to drive to Broome via the scenic route, you can follow Western Australia’s Coral Coast all the way around until you reach Broome. This is a considerably longer drive, but will mean you’re accompanied by spectacular coastal views (and activities) along the way. Popular stop-off towns on this drive include Geraldton, Carnarvon and Port Hedland.

From Darwin / Northern Territory

If you’re driving to Broome from the Northern Territory, the Savannah Way (or the Stuart Highway) offers travellers an amazing drive, where you’ll get to visit remarkable sights including gorges, waterfalls, thermal springs, stunning rivers and vast desert-scapes.

Those coming from Darwin or from further east will need to connect with the Savannah Way at Mataranka or Katherine and follow this scenic drive all the way to Broome, through Halls Creek and Fitzroy crossing.

Alternatively, you can also drive to Broome via the second Savannah route along Gibb River Road, which will take you closer to the coast, to Derby and then onto Broome.   Keep in mind, that Gibb is only during the dry season, it is flooded every wet.

Driving Safety – Our Tips

• Remember to always practice safe driving – take breaks, share the driving and if you’re tired, pull over.
• Don’t drive at night. It’s highly recommended that you complete your driving during daylight hours only when visibility is clear.
• Obey the rules at all times. If you’re from overseas, familiarise yourself with Australia’s road rules and ensure you and your passengers always wear a seatbelt.
• Check your tyres and make sure your vehicle is up to the journey. Keep an eye on road conditions too and remember that roads and rivers can become flooded when it rains.

Beware of animals on outback roads. Many kangaroos/wallabies, cattle and other wildlife are killed on Australian roads each year, so stay alert at all times.

A short video of a hermit crab up-sizing its Broome accommodation.  It is highly unusual to witness a hermit crab changing shells in the wild.  But we did.  Thankfully I had my trusty iPhone 4s…

Hermit Crab pic by LeonMeadPhotography.com

Stairway to the Moon by LeonMeadPhotography.com

What is Staircase to the Moon?

Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the full moon rises over Roebuck Bay in Broome and illuminates the mud flats exposed by the low tide. This creates the amazing illusion of a ‘staircase’ leading up to the moon. It’s a wonderful sight and an absolute must-see if you’re on holiday in Broome.

Why Roebuck Bay?

The incredible tides of Roebuck Bay are the result of huge, gravitational pulls between the Earth and the Sun. Two high tides and two low tides occur in the bay every 24 hours during the Spring Tides, each exposing and covering the vast, bio-diverse stretch of mud flats that contribute to the “creation” of Staircase to the Moon.

When Can I View Staircase to the Moon?

Staircase to the Moon occurs for around three days each month, from April to October each year. Are you organising a holiday in Broome? Why not plan your trip to coincide with Staircase to the Moon?!

Visit our Broome page to view the Staircase to the Moon dates for 2012.

What’s the Best Viewing Point for Staircase to the Moon? And how far away is it?

Staircase to the Moon is best viewed from Roebuck Bay in Broome, with prime positions situated around Town Beach. If you’ve chosen Barefoot Bungalows as your accommodation in Broome, Town Beach is just a short, 5 minute drive or a scenic fifteen minute cycle (our guests have free use of our push bikes) from our location.

What Should I Take to My Staircase to the Moon Viewing?

Anything to help you relax! Picnic rugs, blankets and camping chairs are common at Staircase to the Moon. You can also bring yourself a light snack or a couple of (non-alcoholic) drinks, especially if you’re hoping for a romantic moment with your loved one. Oh, and also remember to bring your camera!

Will There Be Anything Else On During Staircase to the Moon?

Yes! On certain Staircase to the Moon dates, the Staircase Night Markets are also held at Pioneer Park next to Town Beach. Here, you can indulge in various cuisines, browse through handmade arts and crafts, sample Broome’s local produce or simply sit back and take in the musical entertainment.

What Next?

Need help organising your Staircase to the Moon trip or perhaps you’re simply looking for great accommodation in Broome? Barefoot Bungalows is a beautifully secluded mini-resort close to Broome’s iconic Cable Beach – and only a short trip away from the best Staircase to the Moon viewing points in Broome!

Following the Japanese invasion of Java – an act that would eventually give rise to the Kokoda trail – many Dutch locals had been evacuated and sent to Broome on flying boats (or sea planes), where they would often stop to refuel before making their way south towards other Australian cities.

Photo by LeonMeadPhotography.com

Upon arrival, the Japanese found 16 Dutch Flying Boats sitting in the port of Broome, as well as several aircraft at the Royal Australian Air Force airfield base. Many of these flying boats had either just arrived in Broome or were planning to depart for other Australian destinations and were filled with many military personnel, along with their wives and children and other Dutch refugees.

Despite the RAAF airfield base at Broome, the port was largely defenceless, with many fighter planes sent to defend other key areas along the northern Australian coast.

The Japanese used strafing techniques to destroy everything they could, both on the water and at the airfield base. The raid lasted approximately twenty minutes, with all 16 flying boats destroyed, in addition to 24 aircraft. Although over 80 people were killed, the identity of many is unknown and many are still buried in unmarked graves today.

Now, as a reminder of this tragic moment, these boat and aircraft wrecks lay about 1km from the shore of Town Beach, preserved by the mud of Roebuck Bay and embedded as a strong part of Broome’s culture and history.

If you’re here on a Broome holiday, you can visit the boat wrecks during very low tides and gain a unique, tangible glimpse into the past and into Broome’s role during World War II.

While Broome may seem like a beautiful, beach-filled holiday spot now, it is also steeped in world war history – something that makes it both a stunning and significant destination in Australia.

Are you planning to see the Dutch Flying Boat Wrecks during your Broome holiday? Barefoot Bungalows can organise a hovercraft tour journey for you to the site of the boat wrecks, including pick-up and drop-off at our bungalows. If you’re looking for a place to stay, don’t forget to check out our fabulous Broome accommodation, too!

Cable Beach

One of Broome’s biggest attractions is its beaches and no matter what, you just can’t go past Cable Beach. This is Broome’s most renowned beach, boasting a 22km white-sand shore and sparkling, crystal-clear waters, set against the backdrop of the Kimberley’s pindan cliffs. Swimming, barbecuing and beach driving are all popular here and travellers will easily have a slice of Cable Beach all to themselves. There is also plenty of Broome accommodation to be found at Cable Beach and travellers here can expect to enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets in the world. Camel rides during the sunset are a must!

Gantheaume Point

At the south end of Cable Beach lies Gantheaume Point – a destination rich with history and a definite “must see” during your holiday in Broome. Here, travellers can explore remarkable, red rock formations alongside striking coastal scenery. Indulge in a swim or a kayak across the pristine waters or dip your feet in Anastasia’s Pool. One of the most gripping experiences at Gantheaume Point, however, is the opportunity to get up close and personal with some dinosaur footprints. These can be seen at low tide and are thought to be around 130 million years old.

Beautiful shot

Staircase to the Moon

Each year, hundreds of people nestle into Town Beach to get a glimpse of the ‘Staircase to the Moon.’ This wonderful sight occurs on specific dates from March to October each year when the full moon rises over the mudflats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of a glowing staircase reaching all the way up to the moon.  Click here for dates and times for the Staircase.

Dutch Flying Boat Wrecks

Interested in seeing a piece of Broome’s iconic history? The Dutch Flying Boat Wrecks are visible just 1km from the shore of Town Beach and are the remains of the Japanese Air Raid on Broome during WWII. At the lowest of tides, visitors can access the wrecks via a short hovercraft journey , with glimpses of the plane wrecks available as well.

Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park

If you love the idea of getting acquainted with some of Australia’s scariest reptiles, the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park is home to both freshwater and saltwater crocs, as well as alligators and hatchlings. For the best experience, partake in a feeding tour where you’ll get to see the crocs in action.

Courthouse Markets

Alongside the Broome Courthouse are the Courthouse Markets. These swing into vibrant action every Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 1pm and offer tourists a wealth of stalls selling everything from pearls, belts, glass lanterns and crystals to jams, cakes, lamps, clothes and more. If you’re hungry, you’ll also find an abundance of food at the markets, such as satay chicken skewers or homemade ice cream. Entertainment is abound, too, with clowns, street performers and didgeridoo players.  A great atmosphere, and a perfect place to pick up a souvenir to cherish your Broome holiday!

Looking for cheap yet beautiful Broome accommodation? Our mini-resort on Cable Beach is perfect for travellers looking for an exquisite Broome holiday.

Fish in our Pond

In the last couple of months we changed the front hedge over to an entrance fence on each side of the driveway with palm trees planted to create a higher “hedge” with more privacy.  We got this done just before the wet so that the plants have a good growth spurt during the summer months.

We have just installed another small pond at the entrance to the bungalows to give some more fish a home.  This should be up and running in the next couple of weeks once the water is ready and all the new plants are in.

Of course the biggest improvement done this past year was the installation of our 10kW solar system.  What a great addition.  It is good to know that while hosting many visitors to Broome we have lowered our carbon footprint without compromising guest comfort!

We had a very busy year with many guests from all over the world.  We enjoyed the visitors and love having people on the property.  The best part is, it never seems like there are people here.  With the bungalows all separate with private decks and gardens, we rarely see anybody except at breakfast or when someone is enjoying the pool.  We know our guests appreciate this, because they write it in their reviews of us on Trip Advisor.

Here’s hoping everyone has a fabulous 2012 and maybe you’ll drop in for a visit.

Save $5 per Night!

If you are coming to Broome then you will want to stay near Cable Beach. And we have just made staying near Cable Beach a little more attractive. Our rate has always been the lowest in the area but now we are giving you an exclusive price for an exclusive resort. Simply go to our Facebook page and like it. You will be given a code that you can use to save $5/night (this is in addition to any other discount you may be eligible for).

If you are booking last minute on Barefootbungalows.com, you will get 10% off. But with this deal, we will give you $5 more per night! Just for clicking Like.

Don’t have Facebook? Click here to sign up. All you need is an email address.

Call us if you need any help on 0403 887 130.

So this is good news for all our guests visiting Broome who need to watch a little tv on vacation.  You will no longer have to suffer through the static and ghosting of analog. All our rooms have digital televisions.

Enjoy.