Western Australia · Attraction
Staircase to the Moon
Moonrise over Roebuck Bay
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Two or three nights each month between March and October, a full moon rising over the vast exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay creates a shimmering optical illusion, a golden staircase that appears to climb from the mudflats up to the sky. Viewed from Town Beach on Hamersley Street, it is one of the most celebrated natural spectacles in northern Australia and entry is completely free.
The phenomenon lasts at its most vivid for roughly 10 to 15 minutes as the moon clears the horizon, though its warm glow over the flats continues for some time afterward. The effect depends on clear skies and an extremely low tide, and the dates shift each year, the Broome Visitor Centre and the Australia's North West website publish the precise moonrise times each season well in advance.
On selected viewing nights from April to October, the Staircase to the Moon Night Markets run at Town Beach with local food stalls, artisan products and live music turning the event into a broader community celebration. The precinct sits at the southern end of Hamersley Street, directly opposite the Broome Museum, and has ample open lawn for spreading out a blanket.
Other good vantage points include the Mangrove Hotel terrace, the Broome Golf Club and Matso's Brewery beer garden, all perched along the Roebuck Bay shoreline with unobstructed views to the east.
Where to stay
Holiday parks near Staircase to the Moon.
1 option via our booking partner
Bookings handled by our partner Parkbooker. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Staircase to the Moon.
You may also like
Broome
Two Peoples Bay
The Pinnacles
Mandurah
Cape Range National Park
Pinjarra
Coral Bay
D'Entrecasteaux National Park
Geographe Bay
Dowerin
Wanneroo Raceway
