DYBD0H Two Long-tailed Finch perched, Broome Bird Observatory, Western Australia

Robert Clemens/Alamy


The RAMSAR-recognised tidal mudflats of Roebuck Bay are a vital staging post for thousands of migratory birds, coming from as far away as Siberia. In a peaceful coastal setting 25km from Broome, the 'Bird Obbie' offers quiet walking trails, secluded bush campsites and a choice of low-key rooms. There are a number of tours ($70, 2½ hours) and courses ($1400, five days) available as well as volunteering opportunities. Hard-core twitchers shouldn't miss the daily 6pm bird count.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Broome attractions

1. Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park

6.61 MILES

Visitors enter through the jaws of a giant crocodile at this 30-hectare animal refuge 16km northeast of Broome. The park is home to dozens of crocs (don't…

2. Streeter's Jetty

6.7 MILES

The original pearl luggers' jetty at the entrance to Dampier Creek dates from the 1880s and has been rebuilt a number of times. The thin rickety wooden…

3. Pearl Luggers

6.71 MILES

This compact museum provides an insight into Broome's tragic pearling past, evoking the diver experience with genuine artefacts. You can also wander over…

4. Roebuck Bay Lookout

6.71 MILES

At the end of Dampier Tce this lookout has a view of Roebuck Bay and its mangroves and features interpretative panels from the local Yawuru and high…

6. Hard Hat Diver

6.81 MILES

Life-size bronze sculptures of a hard-hat diver and three Japanese divers commemorate Broome's pearling past in the small park in the middle of Carnarvon…

7. Sun Pictures

6.82 MILES

Sink back in a canvas deck chair under the stars in the world's oldest operating picture gardens, dating from 1916. The history of the Sun building is the…

8. Short Street Gallery

6.89 MILES

Dating from the early 1900s and known originally as Hanoe's Cottage, this typical Broome-style corrugated-iron building with louvred verandahs now houses…