March - November
STAIRCASE TO THE MOON
Broome, Western Australia
One of Broome’s biggest attractions is its Staircase to the Moon – a natural phenomenon that occurs each 2-3 days each month between March and November. The best time to see it is during the full moon when the tide is low and the rising moon reflects an enchanting staircase off the rippled tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.
Where to see the Staircase to the Moon in Broome
Whilst most people are used to the picturesque sunsets over Cable Beach, you will find the Staircase to the Moon rises on the other side of the Broome Peninsula, over Roebuck Bay.
There are three main locations that are ideal for viewing the Staircase to the Moon:
The Broome Golf Clubhouse is located only 2 minutes’ walk from Habitat Resort though a bush path and is one of the best kept secrets for viewing Staircase to the Moon. The recently completed clubhouse has a great outdoor bar area for viewing the Staircase to the Moon. They occasionally hold functions at the Clubhouse to coincide with Staircase nights so keep an eye out for our posts and newsletters.
Town Beach
The Town Beach area has been heavily landscaped over the last two years with a focus on providing an outdoor entertainment area. Town Beach is beautifully set out to provide good viewing areas for the Staircase with lots of grassy areas and a stepped rock area. The newly completed jetty will also provide great viewing.
Mangrove Hotel
The Mangrove Hotel is another popular spot to view the event, often with live entertainment on Staircase night.
Staircase to the Moon Broome Markets
The first day of Staircase to the Moon generally also plays host to the Staircase to the Moon markets at Town Beach. These markets have a mix of stalls from the Courthouse Markets and some that are just at the Staircase Markets. There are lots of food stalls to try the multinational range of cuisines reflecting Broome’s history, there are many handicrafts, works from local artists, a tempting range hand made products, a variety of international food, and the sounds of local entertainers.
Staircase to the Moon Markets
(4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, One night of the full moon from April – October Town Beach Precinct)
Broome Courthouse Markets
It's located on the corner of Frederick and Hamersley Street in the beautiful and historical Broome Courthouse Gardens.
Saturday Courthouse Market
(8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, May – September School Holidays)
(8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, September School Holidays to April)
Sunday Courthouse Market
(8:00 AM – 1:00 pm, 14th May 2023 – Early October Only)
Thursday Night Markets
(4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, June – September Town Beach Precinct)
Need Help?
We understand that you may have some questions about our location and the nearby Staircase to the Moon viewing spots. To help you plan your stay, we have compiled some frequently asked questions below.
The Staircase to the Moon phenomenon is caused by a unique combination of natural factors. It occurs when the moon rises over the exposed mudflats during the lowest tide.
As the moon rises, its reflection on the wet sand creates the illusion of a staircase leading up to the moon. The effect is created by a combination of the Earth's rotation, the moon's orbit, and the tidal patterns of the ocean.
The Staircase to the Moon is a rare and beautiful event that draws visitors from all over the world to Broome, Western Australia. From March to October, during the full moon phase, visitors can witness this stunning natural phenomenon and enjoy a range of activities and events that celebrate the magic of the Staircase to the Moon.
There are many great locations in Broome, Western Australia to watch the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon.
One popular location is the Broome Golf Club, where visitors can enjoy a clear view of the Staircase, Town Beach Reserve where you see the moon with the iconic Gantheaume Point in the background. Another popular spot is the Mangrove Hotel, which has a prime location right on Roebuck Bay and offers breathtaking views of the Staircase to the Moon.
Other options include the Port of Broome, which has a large viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the Staircase. Alternatively, visitors can explore the nearby Cable Beach, which is also a popular spot for watching this natural wonder.
Regardless of the location chosen, watching the Staircase to the Moon in Broome is an unforgettable experience that celebrates the unique natural beauty of Western Australia.
Habitat Resort Broome is located approximately 100 metres from the Broome Golf Club, a very short walk. The Broome Golf Club is one of the best viewing spots for the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon. The walk from Habitat Resort to the Broome Golf Club is less than 2 minutes. The Habitat Resort is so close that you don't need to worry about parking,
Town Beach is another popular viewing spot for the Staircase to the Moon, and it is located approximately 5 minutes drive from Habitat Resort Broome. You might need to get there early to find parking.