The 4 Hostels for Backpackers in Broome: Which One is Best?
Finding accommodation for the high season in Broome is one of the most difficult missions a backpacker Down Under will have to face. Broome is a not-so-secret winter paradise in Australia, working there counts towards the 88 days (Working Holiday slang here), and it’s known for having improvised beach parties going every day of the week. Of course, this is where you want to spend your winter!
But as this little town’s popularity grows, so does the competition for jobs and accommodation. Arriving early in the season used to be a good tip, but I find that backpackers arrive earlier every year, sometimes as early as January, when most hostels will be closed until March and the high season doesn’t start until mid-May. That’s a good way to secure accommodation, but you will have to be lucky when it comes to finding work.
Now, whether you’re planning a season in Broome or just a little winter getaway, let me tell you about the differences between the only four hostels in town.
ACCOMMODATION FOR BACKPACKERS IN BROOME
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STAYING IN TOWN VS CABLE BEACH
CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION
Broome is divided into two main areas: Town Beach and Cable Beach. The Town Beach area is where the town centre is, including what is called “Chinatown” (no what you’d expect, I tell you that now). That's where everything is: restaurants, shops, cafes, supermarkets, banks, the library, Maccas… you name it. Everything except the beach.
Yes, there is a beach at Town Beach, but it's on the mangrove side of town, so it's not the best for swimming (I’ve never attempted to swim there, even though I live two minutes away. I’m scared of saltwater crocodiles, as you should!).
Town Beach jetty at sunset
If you're a beach lover and want to be as close as possible to the iconic Cable Beach, that's where you'll want to stay. It's the resort area of Broome, so there are still plenty of hospitality opportunities on that side of town.
But unless you have your own transport, getting around can be a bit tricky (let's just say public transport isn't great in Broome. There’s a bus, yes, but with a very limited schedule).
Sunsets in Cable Beach
Town Hostels
1. KIMBERLEY TRAVELLERS LODGE (KTL) | BEST FOR VIBES
This would probably be my choice if I were to stay in Broome for a while. Although I might be a bit biased—I know the manager, and he’s a really great guy—I do believe KTL ticks all the boxes for having a great time in Broome.
It's big enough without being massive, which makes it cosy and fun. It has a pool and plenty of outdoor areas, so you can choose between being social or having some quiet time. It’s within walking distance of town, Coles, bars… and Maccas. You can even walk to the airport, and it won't take you more than 10 minutes!
It has a licensed bar on site and they often host meal nights, so you don’t even have to think about what to make for dinner half the time.
I've never stayed at Kimberley Travellers Lodge myself, however, I’ve been to a few of their pool parties, trivia nights and pizza nights. The vibe is always on point!
KLC closes for a few months during Broome’s wet season
2. ROEY BACKPACKERS | BEST FOR PARTIES
This is my blog, so I get to be honest: I would only stay at the Roey as a last resort. The rooms are basic and cramped, the mattresses are uncomfortable, the common areas aren't great, and it's right next to their big pub, which hosts some of the craziest parties in Broome. You will definitely hear them while you’re trying to sleep!
Now, some people love it. I'm not making that up—I've met people who absolutely loved staying at the Roey. As always, the people make the place, so if you've got a good crew, you can overlook the inconveniences and still have a great time.
This is also a good place to stay if you want to find a job. The Roebuck Bay Hotel is a large complex that owns the hostel, a hotel, a sports bar, a restaurant and a bottle shop. They need a lot of staff to run all the venues, and staying at their hostel is a good way to connect with the right people.
This is the only hostel in Broome that’s open all year round, even during the slower months of the wet season. And it’s also the cheapest in town!
You can walk from Town Beach to the WWII Catalina flying boat wrecks at very low tides
Cable Beach Hostels
3. CABLE BEACH BACKPACKERS | BEST FOR SUNSETS
Cable Beach Backpackers is the place to be if you want easy access to the most popular beach in North WA: the iconic Cable Beach.
This was my home for a couple of months in 2021, the first time I lived in Broome. At a time when everything was fully booked, I miraculously got a one-night booking online (probably due to a last-minute cancellation). I arrived the next day, the receptionist must have liked me, and she managed to get me into long-term accommodation. Sometimes you’re just lucky!
The hostel has a nice laid-back vibe, a great pool, and a few hammocks to chill in. They have a few air conditioned rooms, which are great during the warmer months, although others only have fans—which is enough during the dry season.
With a bar on site, it was the perfect place to have a few drinks before catching a maxi taxi into town for a night out.
Divers Tavern and Spinifex Brewery are only a couple of minutes' walk away, and Zookeepers Cafe will have your pastry cravings sorted in the morning.
A nostalgic picture of my time staying in Cable Beach Backpackers
4. BEACHES OF BROOME | BEST FOR PRIVACY & TRANQUILLITY
At Beaches of Broome you won't find 10-bed dorms filled to the brim. It's the fanciest hostel in Broome, but also the priciest.
Located almost next door to Cable Beach Backpackers, it's a good option if you value tranquillity and having your own space, with the convenience of being able to walk next door whenever you feel like being social.
The rooms are modern and air-conditioned, and there’s a licensed bar by the pool where you can also order something to eat if you don’t feel like cooking in the well-equipped communal kitchen. It’s the perfect mix between a hostel and a resort.
One of the best sunsets I’ve watched in Cable Beach
SO, WHICH HOSTEL IN BROOME SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
If you’re still undecided, here’s my quick take:
Choose Kimberley Travellers Lodge if you want the best balance between social life, location and comfort.
Choose The Roey if partying in Broome is your priority and you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of sleep.
Choose Cable Beach Backpackers if you’re coming for the sunsets & social.
Choose Beaches of Broome if you want a quieter stay and don’t mind paying a bit extra, also close to the beach.
If I was arriving in Broome soon with no accommodation booked, Kimberley Travellers Lodge would probably be my first choice, closely followed by Cable Beach Backpackers. But honestly, during the high season, the best hostel is often whichever one has a bed available.
If you’re coming to Broome for work rather than a holiday, ask about long-term rates. Some hostels offer discounted weekly rates or longer-term rooms during the season, although availability is often limited.
Broome will surprise you in many ways!
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BROOME
When is the high season in Broome?
From mid-May until mid-September. Although my favorite months in Broome are April and October (still very warm, great for swimming, and not nearly as busy!).
What if all the hostels in Broome are full?
Give them a call, or try the caravan parks. There’s the Discovery Parks in Town Beach and the RAC Holiday Park in Cable Beach.
If it’s a few of you, Bayside Holiday Apartments can be another option to stay for a few nights. It’s clean, comfortable, not so expensive and close to town.
How do you find jobs for the season in Broome?
With patience and a bit of luck. Waves of backpackers arrive at the beginning of the season, well before the tourists do. Some will be lucky, most will have to wait.
Honestly, I feel like it's easier to find work once the season is in full swing, let's say in June and July, rather than in April or May.
Don't be discouraged if you hand out resumes and people aren't particularly friendly. Hotel receptionists and venue managers have often 20 people a day asking them about job opportunities while they're also trying to do their actual jobs. If a venue hasn't advertised that they're hiring, don't assume they are. Just be kind and you’ll have more chances. Don’t give up!
Do I need a car in Broome?
Not necessarily, but it helps a lot. If you’re staying and working in Town, you can get away without one. If you’re staying at Cable Beach and working elsewhere, transport can become tricky because public transport is limited. Second hand bikes are great to get around or you will find Beam scooters for public use.
But you’ll want a car to go exploring around Broome!
Camping in my favorite spot up the coast!
Plan your trip to Broome
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