| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free (tidal access) |
| Location | Town Beach, Broome, Western Australia |
| Best Time to Visit | When tides are less than 0.86m (few times per year) |
| Access | Walk 1.7km across mud flats – allow 1 hour return |
| Facilities | Heritage protected site – bring enclosed shoes for mud |
| In Camps App | Find camping near Broome in the Camps App |
Broome’s Flying Boat Wrecks are the last physical record of conflict on Australian shores. In addition, we’re told you won’t find this many historical flying boats, anywhere else in the world.
However, you need to time it right. West Australian Kimberley Coast towns, Broome and Derby are famous for their massive tides.
CAMPS Ambassadors, Tracey and Dale followed the tide out across the mud flats of Roebuck Bay to finally see them.
“They are located about 1.7 km out to sea from Town Beach in Broome,” said Dale.
The World War II wrecks are heritage protected, preserved by the mud – and only six are visible. They also stand as a sombre memorial to the estimated 100 lives lost when Broome was attacked.
Dale tells us, “You can only see them when the tides are less than 0.86m and this only happens a few times a year.”
Broome was bombarded by the Japanese on March 3, 1942, and no usable aircraft were left in Broome! The result was a sunken armada of 15 Catalina and Dornier flying boats and war graves for the Australian, American and Dutch servicemen, and refugees from Java. A further six aircraft were bombed at Broome’s airfield.
These attacks led to the creation of a secret inland location, opening in June, 1942. It too, is well worth a visit at Flying Boat Repair Depot at Lake Boga, Victoria.
You can read more about the attacks by the nine Japanese Zero fighters and local rescues at the Broome Historical Museum.
Also visit the 9 Zeros – 9 Stories at Town Beach. The new artwork was installed 80 years after the Broome Air Raids as a commemoration.
TIPS TO SEE THE WRECKS
Talk to the Broome Information Centre about tides, and shallow boat tours. They suggest you allow an hour to walk there and back, and wear suitable enclosed shoes for the mud. Also check the sunrise/sunset times.
WHERE TO FIND CAMPS AND CARAVAN PARKS?
Check out your CAMPS, Caravan Parks and CAMPSPendium guides and the FREE updated CAMPS App. You can also read our latest articles on camping and things to see and do in Broome.
Thanks to CAMPS Ambassadors, Adams Family Travels for these photos.
Find interesting travel destinations like this and more nearby in the CAMPS 13 guide books, CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When can you see the Flying Boat Wrecks at Broome?
You can only see the wrecks when tides are less than 0.86m, which only happens a few times per year. Talk to the Broome Information Centre about tide times before planning your visit.
How far do you need to walk to see the Flying Boat Wrecks?
The wrecks are located about 1.7km out to sea from Town Beach in Broome. You’ll need to walk across the mud flats of Roebuck Bay, allowing about an hour for the return trip.
What should I wear when visiting the Flying Boat Wrecks?
Wear suitable enclosed shoes for walking across the mud flats. Check sunrise and sunset times with the Broome Information Centre before heading out.
How many Flying Boat Wrecks are visible at Broome?
Six wrecks are visible, preserved in the mud of Roebuck Bay. There are 15 flying boats in total from the 1942 Japanese attack, but only six can be seen.
What happened to the Flying Boats at Broome?
On March 3, 1942, Broome was bombarded by nine Japanese Zero fighters. The attack resulted in 15 Catalina and Dornier flying boats being sunk and an estimated 100 lives lost. A further six aircraft were bombed at Broome’s airfield.
Are there camping options near Broome to visit the Flying Boat Wrecks?
Check the Camps App for current details on campsites and caravan parks near Broome.
Can you take a boat tour to see the Flying Boat Wrecks?
The Broome Information Centre can provide information about shallow boat tours. Check with them for current tour availability and tide times.
What other attractions are near the Flying Boat Wrecks in Broome?
Visit the Broome Historical Museum to learn more about the attacks, and see the 9 Zeros – 9 Stories artwork at Town Beach, installed 80 years after the Broome Air Raids as a commemoration.
