5 unmissable Broome markets to visit

Leah McLennanBy Leah McLennan
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Consider this your ultimate guide to the best markets in Broome.

From breakfast bao buns to boab tree necklaces, you’re sure to find something delicious, something unique to the Kimberley, or perhaps even some rare vinyl records at these Broome markets.

1. Courthouse Markets

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday in the dry season (May to October) from 8am to 1pm.

Get up early if you want to catch the cool weather and brekkie at the Courthouse Markets . Held every Saturday and Sunday, this welcoming market serves up a huge range of global foods, artisans and beautiful products.

Start your day with a mango smoothie, a hot brew from the Kimberley Coffee Company , fresh doughnuts or plenty of Asian treats, before perusing the local honey, fresh papaya and local gubinge powder (a native fruit with a huge hit of vitamin C).

Centrally located near the heart of town, the stalls are spread around the attractive old Courthouse, an elevated building with wide verandahs and grassy lawns that once served as Broome’s courthouse and police station.

Throw down the picnic rug and listen to the live music, or potter around the stalls with handmade crafts, boutique fashion, and necklaces incorporating pearls, sandalwood and Staircase to the Moon designs.

a stall of handmade crafts in Courthouse Markets in Broome, Kimberley
Find a collection of unique handmade arts and crafts. (Image: Greg Snell)

Address: Broome Courthouse, 8 Hamersley St.

2. Town Beach Night Markets

Open: Every Thursday night (June to September) from 4pm to 8pm.

Keep your Thursday night free for dinner at the buzzing, much-beloved night markets at Town Beach . As the sun begins to set, the market comes alive with the smells of street food from around the world, twinkling lights and a breezy vibe, thanks to the great selection of local live music.

If you can tear yourself away from the food stalls, there’s Aboriginal artwork, handmade jewellery and beachy home decor to take home.

people lining up outside a food stall at Town Beach Night Markets, Broome
Get in line for some tasty treats at the Town Beach Night Markets.

Location: Town Beach Reserve on Robinson Street.

3. Staircase to the Moon Night Markets

Open: Check the official calendar  for exact dates. From 4pm to 8pm.

When the full moon rises over Roebuck Bay its reflection ripples across the tidal flats creating a stunning ‘staircase’ illusion. When it does, between April and October, night markets magically pop up at Town Beach over one of the nights of the Staircase to the Moon.

Bring your beach towel and camera and head down early to fill your tummy with all the food stall eats while you’re waiting for that big old moon to rise.

full moon at Staircase to the Moon Night Markets
Build your own picnic dinner from the market and settle in to witness the Staircase to the Moon. (Image: Tourism WA)

Location: Town Beach Reserve on Robinson Street.

4. November Christmas Market

Open: Usually the last Sunday in November from 4pm to 7pm.

Christmas in the tropics comes with benefits: sun, sea and a cocktail in hand.

At the Broome Christmas night market  expect fashion, art, photography, homewares and of course, plenty of amazing global food and even a visit from the old man himself.

Town Beach Reserve has loads of grassy picnic areas and is a lovely spot for a stroll as the sun sets and the ocean breeze rolls in, with live music humming in the background.

a couple buying gifts at November Christmas Market, Broome
Kick off your holiday shopping at the November Christmas Market. (Image: QED Photography)

Location: Town Beach Reserve on Robinson Street.

5. Derby CWA Market 

Open: Every Saturday from 7am to 12pm.

Just over a two-hour drive from Broome, Derby is the western gateway to the legendary Gibb River Road. But before you strike out on your 4WD adventure, pop by the Country Woman’s Association Markets on a Saturday (during the dry season) and pick up an iced coffee, some mangos for the road and Bushy’s Boab Seed Coffee.

Go old school and take a break from Instagram by picking up some homemade postcards.   

Location: CWA Cottage on Clarendon Street.

Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.