Broome

A headland of red pindan cliffs on the Indian Ocean, around 9km from central Broome and about a 5km walk along the sand from Cable Beach. It is famous for its dinosaur footprints, preserved in the reef rock for over 120 million years and visible only at very low tide. At high tide, visitors can see plaster casts of the tracks at the top of the cliff. The lighthouse on the point dates back to 1905 and was rebuilt in 1984.

A short walk away is Anastasia’s Pool, a rock pool a lighthouse keeper made for his wife, which was damaged by a storm in 2014. The point has no lifeguard patrol, and its rock pools are not safe for swimming, so keep to the marked paths and check the tide times before visiting.

A local history museum on Robinson Street, run by volunteers from the Broome Historical Society. It is known for its collection relating to the pearling industry. The museum is housed in the former Customs House and the Sailmaker’s Shed, two of the oldest buildings in Broome.

Exhibits cover pearling, shipwrecks, Aboriginal objects and stories and the World War II air raid on Broome. Others tell the story of missing diamonds and of how people from many countries came to live and work in Broome. Opening hours change with the seasons, so check before visiting.

The largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, on Port Drive between Old Broome and Cable Beach. It is known for its more than 700 graves dating back to 1896, many with headstones made from coloured beach rock. Most of those buried here were Japanese pearl divers, who played a large part in the early pearling industry.

A large stone obelisk remembers those lost at sea in the 1908 cyclone. The cemetery has been restored as a heritage site and the Chinese Cemetery is next door. Opening hours change with the seasons.

An open-air cinema in Chinatown that has been showing films since 1916. It is famous as the oldest open-air cinema still operating in the world, recognised by Guinness World Records in 2004. The cinema is also listed on the State Register of Heritage Places. Films are watched from deckchairs under the stars.

In its early years, high tides sometimes flooded the cinema and audiences had to lift their feet during screenings. It also sits under the airport flight path, so planes sometimes pass low during a film. Visit during the day to see the old artefacts on display.

A birdwatching and research centre on the shores of Roebuck Bay, around 25km east of Broome. Run by BirdLife Australia since 1988, it is known as one of the best places in Australia to see shorebirds, with more than 330 bird species recorded within 70km. Shorebirds are present all year and between March and May visitors can watch the adults leave in large flocks for their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere.

The observatory has a bird viewing platform, a walking track and the Clive Minton Discovery Centre, an interactive visitor centre. Staff run guided tours, and on-site accommodation and camping are available. Much of the access road is unsealed and sandy, so a 4WD is recommended.

Pearl Luggers: A pearling museum on Dampier Terrace with two restored pearl luggers and guided tours.

Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park: A wildlife park around 15 minutes from Broome, home to saltwater crocodiles, alligators, dingoes and cassowaries.

Broome Courthouse Markets: A Saturday market in the gardens of the old Courthouse, held all year.