August is Broome at its absolute best. The dry season is in full swing, with warm, sunny days, cool nights and clear skies, and with the winter school holidays behind you, the town feels a little more relaxed. Whales are at their peak offshore, the events calendar is buzzing, and conditions for getting out and exploring are about as good as they get.
Here are some of the best things to do in Broome in August, starting with what’s on.
Get Trackside for the Broome Cup
August is carnival time at the Broome Turf Club, culminating in the famous Broome Cup. Cup week is the highlight of the local social calendar, usually kicking off with the Kimberley Cup and Ladies Day before the Broome Cup itself in mid-August. Expect glamorous outfits, a festive atmosphere and one of the most enjoyable race days in the north, it’s a true Broome institution.
Experience the Start of Shinju Matsuri
Late August marks the start of Shinju Matsuri, Broome’s iconic Festival of the Pearl. This much-loved multicultural celebration dates back to the original pearling days, honouring the safe return of the pearl divers to shore, and today it fills the town with events for more than two weeks, running from late August into early September. The festival opens with a run of highlights, including the colourful Opening Ceremony, the glamorous Opening Ball and the ever-popular Float Parade through Chinatown, before a packed program of food, music, art and cultural events takes over the town. If you’re visiting in late August, it’s an unmissable time to experience the heart of the Broome community. You can find the full program at shinjumatsuri.com.au.
Enjoy Corrugated Lines: A Festival of Words
Book lovers should look out for Corrugated Lines: A Festival of Words, held in early August. This much-loved community festival celebrates reading, writing and storytelling, showcasing the wealth of writers, storytellers and artists across the Kimberley with a program of talks, readings and events around town.
Visit the Broome Bird Observatory Open Day
In late August, the Broome Bird Observatory on the shores of Roebuck Bay opens its doors for its annual Open Day. Roebuck Bay is one of the most important shorebird sites in the world, and it’s a wonderful chance to learn about the thousands of migratory birds that gather here, with guided activities led by knowledgeable staff.
See Whales at Their Peak
If whale watching is on your list, August is hard to beat. The humpback migration is in full flow along the Kimberley coast, with large numbers of whales, including mothers and calves, passing through the waters off Broome. A whale watching cruise offers the chance to see breaching, tail-slapping and plenty of curious behaviour during one of the best months of the season.
Experience the Staircase to the Moon
The Staircase to the Moon continues through August, with the full moon rising over the mudflats of Roebuck Bay to create the illusion of a glowing staircase stretching towards the sky. It only appears on a few nights around the full moon, so check the dates and head to Town Beach to see it, where the night markets usually run alongside with food, music and a great local atmosphere.
Make the Most of Perfect Flying Weather
August skies are clear and the conditions are calm, which makes it a wonderful month to see Broome and the Kimberley from above. A scenic helicopter flight from Broome brings the coastline, tidal flats and red cliffs to life, while longer adventure tours open up the wider region. It’s a memorable way to take in several highlights in one go.
Get Out on the Water
With calm seas and warm days, August is a fantastic month to get out on the water. Join a fishing charter in search of barramundi, mangrove jack and reef species, or take a relaxed sunset cruise along Roebuck Bay or Cable Beach. Keen anglers can even combine flying and fishing on a heli-fishing adventure tour, landing in remote spots that can only be reached by air.
Relax Into the Broome Lifestyle
With the busiest holiday period over, August is a lovely time to slow down and enjoy Broome’s easy pace. Spend long afternoons at Cable Beach, watch the sunset with a camel train on the horizon, linger over lunch with an ocean view, and explore the pearl showrooms and history of Chinatown without the peak-season rush.
Discover Broome’s Culture and History
August is a great month to dig into the stories that shape Broome, from its pearling heritage to its deep Aboriginal culture. Visit a working pearl farm, explore the museums and heritage buildings of Chinatown, or join an Aboriginal-led cultural tour to experience the region through the eyes of its traditional custodians.
Venture Up the Dampier Peninsula
If you have a day to spare, the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome rewards the journey with remote beaches, red pindan cliffs, Aboriginal communities and some of the most beautiful coastline in the country. You can explore by 4WD, take it in from the air, or combine the two for the full experience, an easy highlight to add while the dry-season roads are at their best.
Tick Off a Kimberley Bucket-List Day
The reliable dry-season conditions make August an excellent time for a big day out. A trip to Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef takes in two of Australia’s most extraordinary natural wonders, with flyover and full-day options to suit how you like to travel.
Make the Most of Broome in August
Between the whales, the weather and the relaxed winter atmosphere, August is one of the best months of the year to experience Broome. For more ideas to fill your itinerary, browse our guide to the top things to do in Broome.
Ready to see Broome from a whole new angle? Browse and book a scenic flight online with Frontier Tours, or get in touch with the team to plan the perfect experience for your visit.