Staircase to the Moon

The Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon that occurs on the mudflats north of town when a full moon rises just after sunset during low tide. The moon's reflection in the tidal ripples creates the illusion of a golden staircase stretching from the water's edge up to the sky. It is fleeting — the effect lasts only while the moon is low — but it is as good as its reputation.

The best viewing spots are at Roebuck Bay, along the waterfront in town. During the season (March to October, on three or four nights per month), the Broome foreshore hosts a small market around sunset, making it a social occasion as well as a natural spectacle. Check the Broome visitor centre for the precise dates; the effect depends on the combination of moon phase and tidal timing.

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The Staircase to the Moon only occurs during full moon from March to October, when the conditions of tide and angle align. The tourist office publishes the exact dates and times each year. Missing the window by even an hour means missing the sight entirely — but getting the timing right and watching the reflected golden light ripple up the mudflats toward you is one of the more genuinely memorable experiences in the Kimberley.