hero media

This coastal gem was Ask AT’s most searched town in 2025

Editor Editor
Our audience can’t get enough of this Northern WA town’s splendid coastline.

Australia is home to a diverse range of charming towns. From chilled-out Noosa to quaint Orange, we’re spoilt for choice as to where to explore next. But one town intrigued our audience the most and was the most searched town in 2025: Broome. 

There’s no denying that Broome is one of the most stunning locations in Australia. This WA town, on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people, is rich in ancient Indigenous culture. It’s also right on the edge of the Kimberley, providing access for travellers to see one of Australia’s most dramatic regions.

Out of the thousands of queries made by our audience on Ask AT in 2025, Broome came out on top as the most asked about town, followed by Byron Bay, then Noosa, Margaret River and Yamba. Here’s why…

Things to do in Broome

Staircase to the Moon, Cable Beach, Broome
Catch the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon at Cable Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

With turquoise water, long stretches of beach and award-winning restaurants, there’s no shortage of fabulous things to do in this remote, tropical location. The best time to visit is during the Dry Season (May to October) when there’s perfect beach weather – sunny days and low humidity. 

One of the most iconic things to do in Broome is catch the Staircase to the Moon. During full moon nights from March to October/November, make your way to Roebuck Bay, where the exposed mudflats reflect the moon, creating a spectacular optical illusion of stairs stretching from the water to the moon. 

Broome also has a rich pearling history and you can hop on immersive tours with Willie Creek Pearl Farm and Pearl Luggers Tours to watch live pearl harvests and taste pearl meat.

Azure water meets red sand at Roebuck Bay, Broome.
Azure water meets red sand at Roebuck Bay. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

History buffs, dinosaur enthusiasts and kids alike will get a kick out of Broome’s coastline, which is a fossil playground. Hunt for dinosaur footprints along Gantheaume Point and up to James Price Point on the Dampier Peninsula. 

Those hoping to learn about the region should join a tour with Mabu Buru Tours. From coastal foraging and bush tucker tours to cultural story time at Cable Beach, these experiences offer an immersive way for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the Traditional Owners’ connection to Country and the history of the land.

And if you’re a gin aficionado, a visit to Moontide Distillery to sample their drops infused with native Australian ingredients is a must.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Where to stay in Broome

Aerial shot of Eco Beach Resort Broome
Eco Beach Resort Broome offers luxe safari tents by the ocean.

It might be remote, but Broome has some wonderful accommodation options for all types of travellers. For a more elevated stay, turn your attention to Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, an award-winning beachfront resort; Eco Beach Resort Broome, where you can stay in luxe safari tents next to the ocean; and The Pearle of Cable Beach, which offers self-contained luxury villas surrounded by lush tropical grounds. 

For a more low-key stay, Discovery Parks Broome has cabins right in front of the water without the hefty price tag.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
hero media

Theatre, art and music: Our top picks from this year’s Perth Festival lineup

Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy

    Lynn Gail Lynn Gail
    Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

    Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

    1. East Perth Power Station

    East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival
    See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

    Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station, located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

    A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel. Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya.

    2. St Mary’s Cathedral

    Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth
    Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

    Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

    The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda, an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth, break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

    3. Lotterywest Films

    guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival
    Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

    One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

    4. The Embassy

    guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival
    Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

    Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall, serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

    5. Unusual locations

    still from The Trial theatre
    Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

    We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial, has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

    Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence.  Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

    6. A View From A Bridge

    A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival
    Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

    Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver, share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

    What else to do in Perth

    Shadow Wine Bar in perth
    Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

    Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

    After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

    Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au.