Spotting Wildlife in Western Australia’s Broome

The red desert of Western Australia is teeming with wildlife, and it is no wonder that Broome, the gateway to the region, has become such a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. From majestic whales to flocks of brightly coloured birds, Broome offers an unparalleled opportunity to see some of the most beautiful and unique creatures in the world. Here’s a guide to some of the wildlife you can spot in Broome, from the comfort of your own home or while exploring the nearby national parks.

Kangaroos, Wallabies, and Wombats

Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats are some of the most iconic animals of the Australian outback, and they are plentiful in Broome. The best spot for viewing these animals is Roebuck Bay, a large bay on the northern side of Broome. Here, visitors can find kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats grazing on the grass and lazing in the sun. Broome is also home to a variety of other marsupials, including the Red-tailed Phascogale, the Brush-tailed Possum, and the Western Quoll.

Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats are relatively gentle creatures and are unlikely to cause any harm, however it is important to remember to keep your distance and not to feed them. The best time of the day to view these animals is just after sunrise or just before sunset, when they are most active.

If you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot the rare and elusive Bilby, a small marsupial that is native to Australia. Bilbies are nocturnal creatures, so you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled if you want to see one.

Whales and Dolphins

The waters off the coast of Broome are home to a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins. Every year, between June and November, these majestic creatures embark on their annual migration, swimming from the Indian Ocean to the warm waters of Roebuck Bay. This makes Broome one of the best places in the world to spot whales and dolphins, and visitors can often see them splashing in the water or breaching the surface of the ocean.

If you’re looking for a more intimate encounter with these incredible creatures, you can take a boat tour out of Broome. Here, you can get up close and personal with the whales and dolphins, and maybe even swim alongside them if you’re feeling brave. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Be sure to keep an eye out for other marine life, too. The waters off Broome are home to a variety of sharks, turtles, and fish, so keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky enough to spot some of these magnificent creatures.

Birds

The skies around Broome are alive with birds of every colour and size. From bright parrots to majestic raptors, Broome is a bird-lover’s paradise. The best spot for bird-watching is the wetlands on the northern side of Roebuck Bay. Here, visitors can spot a variety of waterbirds, including Egrets, Herons, and Stilts, as well as a variety of sea birds, such as Gulls, Terns, and Pelicans.

Broome is also home to a variety of other birds, including the colourful Rainbow Lorikeet and the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare Black-breasted Buzzard, a species of raptor that is native to the region.

The best time of day for bird-watching is just after sunrise or just before sunset, when the light is softer and the birds are more active. Be sure to bring your binoculars, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

Reptiles and Amphibians

Although reptiles and amphibians are not as common as the other animals in Broome, they can still be found in the region. The best spot to look for reptiles and amphibians is the national parks in the area, such as the Stirling Range National Park or the Yampi Peninsula National Park. Here, visitors can spot a variety of lizards, snakes, and frogs, as well as the occasional crocodile.

The best time to spot reptiles and amphibians is during the warmer months, when the animals are most active. Be sure to wear appropriate protective clothing and keep an eye out for any signs of danger, such as snakes or crocodiles.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even take a night-time tour of the national parks, to get an even closer look at these incredible creatures.

Insects

Broome is home to a variety of insects, from tiny ants to huge moths. The best spot for insect-spotting is the beaches, where you can find a variety of different species, such as the common Green Ant and the colourful Jewel Beetle. Be sure to take your time and keep an eye out for small insects, as they can often be hard to spot.

The best time for insect-spotting is during the warmer months, when the insects are most active. Be sure to wear protective clothing to avoid being bitten or stung.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare and elusive Broome Beetle, a species of beetle that is native to the region.

Fish

The waters off the coast of Broome are home to a variety of fish, from colourful reef fish to giant sharks. The best spot for fish-spotting is the beaches, where you can find a variety of different species, such as the Barramundi, the Mangrove Jack, and the Coral Trout. Be sure to take your time and keep an eye out for small fish, as they can often be hard to spot.

The best time for fish-spotting is during the warmer months, when the fish are most active. Be sure to wear protective clothing and a life jacket if you’re planning on going in the water.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare and elusive Tiger Shark, a species of shark that is native to the region.

Cats

Broome is home to a variety of cats, from wild cats such as the Sand Cat to domestic cats such as the Tabby. The best spot for cat-spotting is the streets, where you can find a variety of cats, from strays to domesticated cats. Be sure to take your time and keep an eye out for cats, as they can often be hard to spot.

The best time for cat-spotting is during the warmer months, when the cats are most active. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!

If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare and elusive Carpet Python, a species of snake that is native to the region.

Marine Life

The waters off the coast of Broome are home to a variety of marine life, from colourful reef fish to giant sharks. The best spot for marine life-spotting is the beaches, where you can find a variety of different species, such as the Barramundi, the Mangrove Jack, and the Coral Trout. Be sure to take your time and keep an eye out for small marine life, as they can often be hard to spot.

The best time for marine life-spotting is during the warmer months, when the marine life is most active. Be sure to wear protective clothing and a life jacket if you’re planning on going in the water.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare and elusive Dugong, a species of marine mammal that is native to the region.

Plants

Broome is home to a variety of plants, from wildflowers to eucalyptus trees. The best spot for plant-spotting is the national parks in the area, such as the Stirling Range National Park or the Yampi Peninsula National Park. Here, visitors can find a variety of native plants, such as the Kurrajong tree, the Bottlebrush tree, and the Boab tree.

The best time for plant-spotting is during the warmer months, when the plants are most active. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and keep an eye out for any signs of danger, such as snakes or spiders.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot the rare and elusive Banksia tree, a species of tree that is native to the region.

Summary

Broome is a wildlife-lover’s paradise, offering an unparalleled opportunity to spot some of the most beautiful and unique creatures in the world. From kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats to whales, dolphins, and birds, there is something for everyone in Broome. Visitors can also spot a variety of reptiles and amphibians, insects, fish, cats, and plants. Be sure to take your time and keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!