The Best Wildlife Experiences In Broome, Western Australia

Here’s what to look out for in Broome when you want to get really wild.

Broome is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s at least 2000 kilometres from the nearest capital city, bordered by the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean and the creeks and mangroves of Roebuck Bay.

Living among this exceptional landscape is a breadth of varied wildlife. A visit to Broome will bring you face-to-face with some of the rarest (and most adorable) fauna in the country – including some species that are completely unique to the region.

From snub fin dolphins to blue-tongue lizards, let us introduce you to the best wildlife experiences in Broome.

Whale watching

Prepare to witness the largest whale migration in the southern hemisphere. It’s estimated that around 40,000 humpback whales travel along pockets of WA’s coastline (also referred to as the humpback whale highway) each year. These giants can grow up to 19 metres in length, weigh up to 40 tonnes, and typically travel in pods.

One of the best areas to spot them is off the nearby Kimberley Coast – specifically within Camden Sound Marine Park. Back in 2013 the state government established this park to protect the largest humpback whale nursery in the world. Within it, the whales give birth in calm, protected waters and build up blubber to prepare for their return journey. You’ll also find pilot whales, pygmy killer whales and snubfin dolphins frolicking in these parts.

Booking a tour with Broome Whale Watching is your best bet at seeing these creatures in the wild. Whale sightings are generally guaranteed between July and September and many cruises have a marine biologist on board to provide all the facts and information you need about the environment and the whales.

Alternatively, see the whales from the air on a scenic flight. While there aren’t any specifically for whale watching, you might get lucky! And you’ll get a great view regardless.

Humpack whales Kimberley — Humpback whales in the warm waters of the Kimberley

Camel Safari

Not much beats a sunset stroll along a spellbindingly beautiful beach. Not much, of course, except for when you’re doing so atop a majestic – and charmingly friendly – mammal.

Saddle up on one of the trains of camels wobbling along Cable Beach as the sun sets into the Indian Ocean. Fall in love with the spectacular beach vistas, the softly dropping light, and that famed pace of life they call ‘Broome time’ – to which the camels seem well attuned.

Broome Camel Safaris and Red Sun Camels are the two operators in the area.

Hot tip: book early to avoid disappointment, and check your departure time as it can vary depending on the sunset and the tides. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

camels sunset Broome — Lucky punters riding on camels at sunset

Australian snub fin dolphin

David Attenborough’s documentary crew descended on Broome for three months in 2016 to film the 170-odd snubfin dolphins living in Broome’s turquoise Roebuck Bay. The super rare dolphins – affectionately known as snubbies – have rounded noses and a seemingly permanent smile.

Measuring around two metres in length, the snubfin dolphin is much smaller than the more commonly seen bottlenose, and was only identified as a unique species in 2005. Named for its tiny dorsal fin, this species is a slow-moving marine mammal that also seems to run on Broome Time.

Broome Whale Watching are the only company on the planet to offer this experience all year long. Otherwise, plenty of other operators should guarantee you a sighting or two.

broome snubfin dolphin — The adorable snubfin dolphin is native to Broome

Birdlife

Broome is home to an abundance of dazzling bird species – many of which are native to the region. From the scavenging raptors to the stunning Gouldian finches and elegant shore birds, there really is no better place to discover the secret life of birds than here.

For novices, the Broome Bird Observatory is a great place to begin. Located in West Kimberley, these folks know everything there is to know about local species.

Roebuck Bay is another hot spot. This embayment is located at the base of the Dampier Peninsula, hosting hundreds of thousands of migratory shorebirds who rest and feed here after flying extraordinary distances; some up to 8000 kilometres without landing. Combine the soft sediments, huge tides and shallow coastline and you have the perfect recipe for vast and bountiful intertidal mudflats. These are jam-packed with invertebrate species, which sustain many local and migratory variants.

Broome bird species — Broome is home to an abundance of dazzling bird species

Reptiles

On land, keep an eye out for the array of reptiles that call the bush and red dirt home. One of the most common Broome residents is the sand goanna, also known as a Gould’s monitor or racehorse goanna. While large, they are relatively harmless and are often seen scurrying across sealed roads.

The frilled lizard is another common reptile in these parts. They’re great at camouflaging themselves, making them a little tougher to spot while out and about. It’s the same story with blue-tongue lizards and Asian house geckos – so keep your eyes peeled.

Snakes are also found in abundance in and around Broome. There are four families of snakes to look out for; file snakes (one species), pythons (eight species), colubrid snakes (six species) and venomous land snakes (23 species). Some species are more venomous than others, so it’s best to do your research before you arrive.

Broome lizard — The white faced Lizard calls Broome home

Dinosaurs

Believe it or not, Broome (and surrounds) was once the prehistoric home of many roaming dinosaurs. To delight your inner palaeontologist head to Gantheaume Point and learn about the various dinosaur species that once stomped around these parts.

If you want to a thrill, Broome Hovercraft offers a hair-raising ‘scenic and prehistoric’ tour. Hold onto your camera while you zoom across the bay to discover perfectly preserved dinosaur tracks.

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 6^th February to 1^st 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

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 .

The best wildlife experiences in Broome