Broome Airport sits at the edge of the Kimberley — one of the world’s last wild frontiers. Cable Beach stretches 22 km of white sand. The Indian Ocean sets in blaze-orange colours every evening. Beyond Broome, the Kimberley opens up: gorges, waterfalls, ancient rock art, and tracks that disappear into wilderness. A rental car in Broome transforms a beach holiday into a proper outback adventure.
Broome is remote. Perth is 2,200 km south. Darwin is 1,800 km northeast. The town exists because of pearling and tourism. A car gives you the freedom to reach the Kimberley’s highlights and discover places the tour buses can’t access.
Why Rent a Car in Broome
Broome town is walkable — Cable Beach is 10 minutes from the centre, Town Beach is walking distance, and the pearl precinct explores easily on foot. But Gantheaume Point with dinosaur footprints is 10 km away. Minyirr Park offers coastal walks. And beyond the town, the Kimberley demands wheels. Cape Leveque, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, and the Gibb River Road are unreachable by public transport. Even a visit to Cygnet Bay pearl farm on the Dampier Peninsula requires a car or expensive tours.
Where to Pick Up
Broome Airport is 2 km from the town centre. Rental desks are in the terminal. Most companies offer airport and town pickup. Book well ahead for the dry season (May-October) — vehicles are limited in such a remote location.
Top Destinations from Broome
Cable Beach (5 km, 10 minutes)
Broome’s famous beach. 22 km of white sand curving along the Indian Ocean. Camel rides at sunset. The beach faces west — perfect for sunsets that draw crowds to the sand. Parking fills by late afternoon in dry season; arrive early.
Gantheaume Point & Dinosaur Footprints (10 km, 15 minutes)
Red cliffs meet turquoise sea at Gantheaume Point. At low tide, dinosaur footprints (130 million years old) appear on the reef platform. The footprints are only visible at low tide — check tide times. Anastasia’s Pool is a natural rock pool. The lighthouse offers coastal views.
Minyirr Park & Coastal Walks (5 km from centre)
Behind Cable Beach, Minyirr Park protects coastal dunes and bushland. Walking trails lead through the dunes to isolated beaches. The park is jointly managed by the Traditional Owners (Yaruwu people).
Cape Leveque & Dampier Peninsula (200 km, 2.5-3 hours north)
For those with time, the Dampier Peninsula extends north from Broome. Cape Leveque has remote coastal camps and the Cygnet Bay pearl farm. Beagle Bay Aboriginal community has a historic church. The road is unsealed for much of the route — 4WD recommended. The One Arm Point community offers aquaculture tours. Allow 2-3 days to explore properly.
Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek (150 km, 2.5 hours inland)
The beginning of the Kimberley proper. Windjana Gorge is a 3.5 km walk through a gorge carved by the Lennard River — freshwater crocodiles bask on the banks. Tunnel Creek is a 750-metre cave tunnel you can walk through (bring a torch). The Gibb River Road leads deeper into the Kimberley. These are day trips from Broome, or stops on the road north.
Horizontal Falls (flight or boat tour from Broome)
Not accessible by car — but tours depart from Broome. The falls are a natural phenomenon where tidal movements create horizontal waterfalls through narrow gaps. Seaplane and boat tours from Broome are the only access.
Driving in the Kimberley: What to Expect
The Kimberley is remote. Distances are vast, services are sparse, and roads can be challenging. The dry season (May-October) is when most travel happens. The wet season (November-April) brings floods that close roads.
Roads: The Great Northern Highway (Broome to Derby, then inland to Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, and Kununurra) is sealed. The Gibb River Road and Dampier Peninsula Road are unsealed — 4WD recommended. Some vehicles are restricted to sealed roads only.
Fuel: Available in Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, and Kununurra. On unsealed roads, carry extra fuel and water. Service stations are hundreds of kilometres apart.
Wildlife: Cattle, kangaroos, and other wildlife on roads. Dawn and dusk are peak hazard times. Drive to conditions.
Seasons: The Gibb River Road and many Kimberley attractions are only accessible in dry season (May-October). Wet season (November-April) brings floods and road closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD in Broome?
For Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, and the Great Northern Highway, no. For the Dampier Peninsula, Gibb River Road, and Kimberley exploration, yes. Check road conditions in wet season.
How far is the Gibb River Road from Broome?
The Gibb River Road starts at Derby (220 km from Broome) and runs 660 km to Kununurra. It’s unsealed and requires 4WD. Access to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek is via a side road off the Great Northern Highway before Derby.
Can I swim at Cable Beach?
Yes, during dry season, but be aware of marine stingers (box jellyfish) from November to May. Beaches are patrolled during dry season. At other times, swim at your own risk and check conditions.
What’s the best time to visit Broome?
Dry season (May-October) for accessible roads and comfortable temperatures. Wet season (November-April) is hot, humid, and many roads close. Book vehicles well ahead for dry season peak.