Sport is the focus of most of Broome’s festivals and events, with lots of water-based activities such as fishing and sailing featured. The arts, mango wine tasting and Australia Day are also big events.

Australia Day: is the biggest day of the year in Australia. It signifies the day when the First Fleet, under Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived at Sydney Cove in 1788. The event is a national holiday and offers excitement for all Australians and tourists. Planned events in Broome are always special on Australia Day.

Chinatown Street Party: is a great day featuring food, music and dancing in Broome’s vibrant Chinatown. Expect to sample delicious ethnic treats and watch some colourful performances.

Broome Rotary Dragon Boat Classic: is a traditional Chinese event with lots of colour and excitement. Teams race every year in the hope of winning the cup, while side events include lots of eating, drinking and general fun.

Broome Music and Arts Festival (BAMF): is the favourite cultural event in Broome where talented musicians, dancers, and artists ply their trade. Performances are held at various venues, and artworks are displayed for viewing.

Kimberley Tourism and Trade Expo: although its business-like title sounds boring, the Kimberley Tourism and Trade Expo is actually a family event and thus features lots of stalls and fun things to do.

Broome Race Round: kicks off in June and July in Broome and features some big name stallions from all over Western Australia. Locals enjoy this lively event.

International Sailfish Fly Rod Challenge: takes advantage of Broome’s superb fishing. Anglers from around the globe try and hook the biggest and best sailfish. Along with this remarkable fish, those taking part are also likely to come across marlin, barracuda, barramundi, queen fish, trevally, tuna, and shark in the busy Broome waters.

Broome Saltfish Competition: also held in the winter month of July, the Broome Saltfish Competition is not quite as prestigious as the International Sailfish Fly Rod Challenge but is nevertheless a big deal for all involved.

Shinju Matsuri (Festival of the Pearl): commemorates the founding of the pearl industry in Broome as well as the town’s multicultural heritage. The popular festival features dragon boat racing, street parades, Aboriginal art displays, and a gala ball.

Theatre Kimberley: this annual event in Broome celebrates all forms of theatre in the Kimberley region and helps promote the arts. For those who like performance and theatre, this is an event not to be missed.

North West Games: is one of the best times to be in Broome for sports fans, and particularly those with an affinity for track and field.

Stompen Ground Festival: features contemporary and traditional music, dance, and art as well as exhibitions and storytelling by aborigines of the Kimberley region.

Grand Prix Sailing: happens later on in October and features some of the best yachtsmen from around the world. Crowds come from all over Western Australia and beyond for this exciting event. Eating, drinking and merry making is all part of the attraction.

Mango Festival: is held at the Broome Visitor Centre to celebrate the mango wine of the region and includes a fun filled weekend dedicated to the mango harvest, with a mango cocktail party, a cook off, and mango wine tastings. Phone: +61 8 9192 2222.