While some people avoid travelling north during the wet season, others take full advantage of “off-season perks”, such as cheaper sightseeing and accommodation expenses, less crowded facilities, and unique wildlife, food and activities only accessible when the weather warms up.
In fact, those who visit Broome during the wet season would go as far as to say, “You haven’t seen the north of WA unless you’ve experienced both a dry and wet season”. Why? Because both seasons are so different!
We love travelling north during the wet season and whether you are making your way to Broome on a Hop on Hop off Pass, or heading straight there as and Express trip, we have compiled a few facts and tips to help you plan your next Broome holiday adventure. After all, a bit of rain can end up saving your family a lot of money.
When is Broome’s wet season?
Broome’s wet season is considered to be between October and March. The traditional owners of Broome, however, identify six separate seasons in the annual weather cycle, characterised by changes in the environment.
As its name implies, the wet season is, well... wet. Expect tropical temperatures, heavy but short-lived downpours, and spectacular sunsets and lightning shows. It usually doesn’t rain all day, but make sure you have your umbrella handy for any sudden showers, or be prepared to duck into a cafe to wait it out with a coffee.
Spectacular Scenery
During the wet season Broome showcases beautiful flowing rivers, waterfalls at full capacity, and is home to some of the most spectacular natural light shows in Australia. With average daytime temperatures in the mid 30’s, an afternoon rain shower is the perfect answer to a humid day. As a result of the humidity, fantastic thunderstorms and lightning displays also commonly follow the intense, memorable sunsets in Broome.
Less Crowds and Cheaper Accommodation
Due to lower demand, the wet season brings cheap accomodation in Broome, in addition to more affordable travel costs. Not only will you save money on your Broome holiday, you’ll also be able to extend your trip for a few more days without breaking the bank.
Unique Wildlife
Rain and higher temperatures reveal unique species and wildlife not seen in the dry season.
Enjoy the saltwater crocodiles at Malcolm Douglas Crocodile park, which are much more active during the wet season. Cable Beach also plays host to sea turtles during the wet season, and boasts up to 100 nests! While we can’t guarantee you’ll see a turtle, we do ask if you come across a turtle or hatchlings that you give them a metre or two of space as you walk around them.
If you don’t see one, a walk on Cable Beach is always lovely, and you may even see an oyster shell or two. Don't forget to check for pearls! After all, Broome is known for its rich pearling heritage, producing some of the finest pearls in Australia and beyond.
Fish for Barramundi
Love to fish? Barramundi fishing in Broome is at its peak during the wet season, when the fish swim into the local creeks as the temperature rises. Book a tour with one of the many Broome fishing companies, or ask a local where their favourite fishing spots are and head out for the day.
Fabulous Food
Food, glorious food. The wet season in Broome is Gubinge and Mango season. Gubinge is a local Indigenous superfood, also known as Kakadu Plum, with high levels of Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Mangos are also everywhere in the wet season. Enjoy them on their own, or in smoothies, desserts or cocktails. If you’re a true mango enthusiast, be sure to check out the annual Broome Mango Festival held every November.
Ready to book a trip to Broome during the wet season?
As you can see, there are many reasons to visit Broome that are unique to its wet season. You can also still participate in many of the things you’d do in the dry season, like going on a pearl tour and visiting the pearling museum, investigating the Gantheaume Point dinosaur footprints, and taking a Broome camel ride on Cable Beach that you won’t forget.
So pack your bags (remember your umbrella!), book a ticket with Integrity Coach Lines and go and enjoy some Broome Time! Or contact us with any booking questions or concerns.
Courtesy of Judy Purkiss