Discover an eclectic variety of local treasures at this week of markets! From breakfast bao buns to boab tree necklaces.
Shop directly from producers and artisans that help our community flourish at Broome Courthouse Markets, Town Beach Thursday Night Markets (seasonal), and Staircase Markets – experience this vibrant spirit first hand.
1. Broome Courthouse Markets
Courthouse markets are one of the greatest treasures of Broome. A great way to discover local artworks, jewellery and food while meeting people and supporting small business owners – it takes place each Saturday and Sunday between April – October in the gardens of the Broome Courthouse at Hamersley Street cnr Frederick Street and has hosted up to 115 creative stalls over time! Since starting over 25 years ago by locals looking to trade locally produced goods – now with up to 115 creative stalls set up throughout dry season – its opened its doors every Saturday & Sunday between April – October!
This popular attraction is all about experiencing it, rather than what is seen. The walk is free and takes you along a jetty once used by pearling luggers to load their precious cargo before heading out into the ocean. As you stroll along, close your eyes and imagine all of their hustle and bustle as they prepare to depart as you stroll along this historic structure.
At 10am, when the market is still quiet and you have plenty of space to browse the stalls, early visits provide the ideal opportunity to gain an impression of how this town has changed since dawn.
Cable Beach is a favorite travel spot among visitors and locals alike, known for its beautiful white sand and luxurious resorts. A great place for swimming, sunbathing under beach umbrellas, watching sunsets, sunbathing on its shores or watching hatchlings emerge! Cable Beach also hosts several turtle nesting areas so keep an eye out for these little hatchlings!
Cable Beach’s Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park boasts one of the largest collections of crocodiles in Australia, making for a fascinating visit. Not only are the animals beautiful to look at; you can learn a great deal from their fascinating behavior as you interact with them! There’s even a tour available which gives visitors access to some hatchlings or young crocs in their pond!
The Staircase to the Moon is an incredible natural wonder in Broome that occurs over three nights during each full moon between March and October. Moonlight reflects off low-tide mudflats to form an optical illusion reminiscent of an endless silver staircase, an unforgettable spectacle not to be missed when visiting Broome.
2. Kununurra Markets
Visit one of the local markets is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the vibrant community spirit of this remote region. From fresh gubinge (a native fruit with high concentrations of Vitamin C) from Wild Gubinge Stall or Maryani’s Markets or one of many food stalls – there’s sure to be something there that resonates with everyone at these vibrant hubs of culture!
Here you’ll find plenty of unique finds, from gorgeous zebra rock and ribbon stone jewellery to boab pendants and earrings, wooden toys and soaps – to take home. Take in all that this vibrant marketplace has to offer while sipping some freshly squeezed lemonade or iced coffee and meeting locals!
An added advantage of shopping local treasures is supporting farmers and artisans who produce your food, helping them continue their business and support both yours and their families. Furthermore, supporting local businesses promotes economic development within communities – benefitting residents as well as tourists alike.
As part of their support for these essential local enterprises, various initiatives are underway to assist markets. Markets of Broome is one such initiative which unifies all five distinct markets under a single umbrella organisation and offers support and incentive programs, including a consolidated website, calendar of events and various resources that help grow them.
Sweets and Treats was Markets of Broome’s inaugural collaborative event for this year and featured bakers, pastry chefs and confectionary artists from their five member markets. On August 5th they will also host National Farmers Market Week celebrations where customers can fill out a ‘Markets Bingo’ card to win prizes while experiencing chef demonstrations or attending fun events!
Kimberley markets are an essential destination for all members of the family to experience. Pack up a picnic blanket and head to Town Beach where delicious local street foods and souvenirs await you. Additionally, during full moon months from May through October the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon occurs: an amazing illusion created when an image of the moon ripples across tidal flats as its reflection spreads out like steps across them like an invisible staircase that seems almost accessible enough for climbing!
3. Staircase to the Moon Markets
As the moonlight dances across Kimberley and Pilbara coastline tidal flats, its bright light creates the striking optical illusion of an expansive staircase leading upward. Planning is key if you wish to witness this magnificent natural phenomenon, so if you wish to witness The Staircase to the Moon it’s wise to schedule your trip accordingly. Broome night markets provide an ideal setting to view the Staircase to the Moon from April through October. Held during full moon nights, these vibrant markets cast an evening glow over this coastal town while offering up local foods and hand made products. Live entertainment rounds out an enjoyable visit, making this eventful place the ideal way to start or end an experience viewing Staircase to the Moon.
Staircase to the Moon Markets are held every Saturday night at Town Beach Precinct on Hamersley Street. Parking at these markets may be limited so it is wise to arrive early if possible; an added service offered by Broome Explorer Bus on market nights makes getting there even simpler!
Community markets provide many advantages for an economy and society as a whole, from economic vitality and environmental sustainability to social well-being. Residents can discover unique treasures unavailable elsewhere and connect with fellow community members. Furthermore, community markets help foster identity by celebrating unique elements within regions or cities.
One of the greatest obstacles communities face when trying to unlock local assets is lack of funding. This issue can be overcome using various strategies such as public/private partnerships and community meetings; additionally, grants or other sources may also provide solutions.
Community markets also help foster healthy eating habits and support social wellbeing. Locally produced fruits and vegetables tend to be more nutritious than imported produce because they haven’t traveled long distances before arriving on store shelves, while locally made meats and dairy are often healthier due to less processing.
Binghamton County farmers markets such as Staircase to the Moon Markets, Markets of Broome County, and any others that operate are an invaluable resource for local foods and handmade products. Facilitated by CCE Broome County, Markets of Broome County brings all five farmers markets under one umbrella with an easily navigable website which showcases each market’s hours, vendors, special events and vendor application information – as well as providing information for prospective vendors looking for opportunities in Broome County.
4. Chinatown Markets
Supporting local treasures is essential to creating a thriving community. By supporting local businesses, preserving historic landmarks and hosting local events we not only boost the economy but also foster pride within the population. One great way of experiencing all that Broome has to offer is through its charming markets: breakfast bao buns to boab tree necklaces can all be found there!
Courthouse Markets offer a delightful combination of local handicrafts, international foods and expert services – offering something for all cultures at each market stall and plenty of advice and services for visitors. Enjoy Maryani’s Satay Stall or Wild Gubinge (local fruit with highest natural concentration of Vitamin C). Secondhand books and vinyl records await music fans too.
Chinatown Night Markets offer something extra indulgent; experience authentic Chinese dishes while taking part in an exciting shopping experience. There is an array of Asian artisans, fashion designers and students selling everything from kitschy phone cases and giant stuffed toys to traditional Japanese swords at this market experience. Plus live dance troupe performances keep visitors entertained as they shop.
Broome’s Chinatown offers delicious seafood markets for foodies to peruse. Here you can find everything from fresh oysters and crab claws, to barramundi grillings and crab claws – plus, no middlemen to worry about!
Broome is famous for its pearling history, so take a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating industry. Visit a working pearl farm where shells grow in Willie Creek before visiting the showroom to purchase your souvenirs.
Broome is an exotic destination where red dirt meets aqua ocean, pearl boutiques mingle with relaxed breweries, world-class diving contrasts with leisurely camel rides, and there’s strong influence from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan as well as indigenous Australian culture – an exquisite mixture that you’re invited to experience through Narlijia (translated as ‘true for you”) tours led by Yawuru guides at Rubibi Cultural Centre.