Port of Broome (incl. Kimberley Marine Support Base)

About Port of Broome (incl. Kimberley Marine Support Base)

The Port of Broome is the Kimberley's major working maritime gateway, positioned on Roebuck Bay and supporting freight, livestock, fishing, pearling, offshore energy, cruise and charter activity. Since 2025, the Kimberley Marine Support Base has added a second operational terminal built around a vast floating wharf. We think the result is extraordinary regional capability, but it should be understood correctly: this is a regulated commercial port, not a walk-in recreational marina with casual finger berths.

Terminal 1 has a 331-metre outer berth and several smaller inner berths, while KMSB Terminal 2 uses a 265-metre floating structure, attached dolphins and multiple berth faces for vessels extending well beyond normal yacht dimensions. KMSB combines its berth with cargo handling, RoRo access, cranes, laydown and stevedoring. Every vessel call requires direct operational coordination, applicable forms, security compliance and scheduling around commercial traffic; an apparently empty wharf is never an invitation to berth.

Terminal 2 can provide high-flow marine fuel and potable water to approved account holders, alongside a 125-tonne mobile harbour crane and heavy logistics support. Terminal 1 also has mapped fuel and water points. The KPA slipway and work area can be used only with permission and the required work permits. What stands out to us is the way the floating terminal handles Broome's remarkable tides while supporting genuinely heavy vessels and complex expedition or project logistics.

Recreational visitors generally need to plan around private moorings and anchorage rather than terminal berthing. All moorings inside port limits are privately owned, permission is compulsory and hire may not be available. Mooring zones carry an eight-knot limit, overnight anchoring nearby is prohibited and vessels over 10 metres must report intended movements on VHF 14 or 16. The port monitors both channels continuously, and access to maritime security zones is tightly controlled.

Our take is that Broome is ideal for commercial, expedition, superyacht and working-vessel operators requiring serious logistics at the edge of the Kimberley. Recreational cruisers should see it as a port requiring professional preparation, not a conventional marina stay. Confirm mooring or berth authority, pilotage and security obligations, fuel accounts, tidal windows and local marine notices well ahead. With that discipline, the port provides an exceptionally capable launch point for one of Australia's most remote coastlines.

Services

The Port of Broome operates two commercial terminals. KPA Terminal 1 provides a 331-metre outer berth and smaller inner berths; KMSB Terminal 2 combines a 265-metre floating wharf, dolphins and multiple berth faces. Calls require advance booking, port approval, security compliance and coordination with commercial operations. Recreational craft must not treat terminal wharf space as casual marina accommodation.

KMSB offers high-flow marine fuel and potable water to approved account holders, a 125-tonne mobile harbour crane, RoRo capability, cargo handling, laydown and stevedoring. Terminal 1 has mapped fuel and water points. The KPA slipway and hardstand area require permission and work permits. Confirm rates, account arrangements, load limits, contractor induction and operational windows directly.

All moorings within port limits are private and need KPA permission; hired space may be unavailable. Mooring zones have an eight-knot limit and nearby overnight anchoring restrictions. Vessels over 10 metres must report intended movements on VHF 14 or 16, monitored around the clock. Public marina showers, laundry, Wi-Fi and pump-out are not verified. Plan access around extreme tidal range, currents, forecasts and current notices.

Ideal for

Commercial, expedition, superyacht and project vessels needing heavy marine logistics, high-flow bunkering and professionally coordinated Kimberley access.

What we love

• Two major operational terminals on Roebuck Bay
• A tidal-resilient 265-metre floating wharf
• High-flow fuel and potable water capability
• Heavy lifting, RoRo and stevedoring support
• A strategic gateway to the Kimberley coast

To keep in mind

This is a regulated commercial port, not a casual marina. Terminal berthing, slipway use and security-zone access require approval. Moorings are private, large vessels must report movements and Broome's tidal range and currents demand careful professional planning.