Most of the resorts are still open but some occasionally close for renovations, usually over February. Accommodation rates are often negotiable, especially for 7 days or more, with really good rates available. Look for properties that have shade covered pools, green gardens to keep the place cool, and nice big verandahs to relax on (hmmm that could be Habitat Resort Broome!). This is also the time of year for Staycations for the locals who book themselves into a resort for 5 -10 nights and just chill out in another world.

See The Rooms | Check Availability

Croc park is open, camels don’t stop but may require minimum numbers, Wille Creek Pearl Farm tours are usually operating. Most sea-based tours finish as the operators take the boats out in preparation for the cyclone season, and they also perform annual maintenance. Some of the aviation companies are still operating and can provide great scenic tours over areas that aren’t accessible by vehicles. Contact Habitat Resort reception and we can discuss with you what is available – (08) 9158 3500.

See Available Tours

Some of the restaurants will close down for a six-eight week break over about January to February but you will generally find that there is still more than enough choice with stalwarts like Matsos, Little India, Zanders, the Mangrove, Roey and Divers hotels and others still open. Christmas lunch options always require a little bit of research each year. The Broome Golf Club bar, which is right beside Habitat Resort is open all year round.

The retailers in Broome are pretty resilient and most of them are still operating over the Tropical Summer period, including supermarkets and jewellery shops. Plenty of opportunities to top up on bling or buy some Christmas gifts. There are no queues in the post office and supermarket – a common complaint by locals in the dry season.

Broome has lots of them. Cable Beach, Town Beach, Riddell Beach, Simpson’s Beach, Entrance Point and Gantheaume Point and that is just in the town area, with lots more around. You really can’t beat a sunrise walk at 6 am along with one of the beaches. And you have so much beach to yourself! Habitat Resort has its own access track to Simpson Beach on Roebuck Bay.

Yep, the jellyfish might be around though some of the locals still go for a dip, and if there is an occasional crocodile, the beaches are closed until the authorities catch the croc or deem it to be safe.

Similar to the misunderstood wet/dry season concept, many people are often not familiar with cyclones. Cyclones are large tropical lows that have developed into more intense windy and wet weather events. They often take days to form and there is usually plenty of warning through the weather channels, so there is usually sufficient time to plan. Usually, the cyclone is over within 24-36 hours. The people of Broome are pretty aware of cyclones and will provide advice if one is imminent, so don’t panic.