Here's how to see Broome's breathtaking 'staircase to the moon'

The staircase to the moon is one of Broome's most curious natural features, loved by tourists and locals alike. Around two or three times per month, between March and October, the perfectly round moon peeks over the Indian Ocean and plays a trick on the eyes of spectators.

The tide in Roebuck Bay retreats, exposing hundreds of metres of ridged mudflats. And, as the moon rises, it casts a perfectly straight shaft of light along the mudflat ridges creating the illusion of a staircase.

A visit to Broome in far north WA isn't complete without falling under its spell. On the right nights of the year, Broome's Town Beach is scattered with picnic blankets and families watching the lunar marvel.

Locals recommend grabbing a takeaway mushroom and truffle pasta from Italian kiosk The Food Lab across the road. "I never get sick of watching the moon rise with all the community on the Town Beach," tour guide Dooma Harp says. "You've never seen anything so beautiful." Markets are erected along the beach on nights of the full moon from April onwards with colourful arts and craft stalls, live music and the flavours of Broome's diverse food culture. The smell of coconut laksa and chargrilled satay waft down the beach. The Mangrove Hotel is another great place to marvel at the moon show and drink from their extensive cocktail menu.

Tables are spread across the lawn overlooking Roebuck Bay laden with string lights, striped umbrellas and fresh seafood. They serve pizzas straight from the oven, gochujang-glazed pork ribs and prawn katsu sandwiches. The staircase can be spotted further north on the Dampier Peninsula and further south in the Pilbara around Onslow, Cossack, Karratha, Port Hedland, Point Samson and Cape Keraudren.

Wherever you choose to gaze at the staircase to the moon, make sure you're paying attention. It takes only moments for the moon to rise over the horizon, breaking the illusion. The locals warn you about Broome time. Everyone moseys, they say, take it easy. They don't tell you that Broome time doesn't apply to the environment. Here nature moves with pace and power. The moon's fast arc is a reminder that Broome's natural features wait for no one.

Just like the crocodiles waiting in the mangroves to show off their speed, going from zero to 40 kilometres per hour as soon as a tasty snack comes within reach. Or massive tidal movements that push in and out with such strength and frequency they will threaten to submerge a car parked too close to the water's edge.

Read more on Explore:

Getting there: Broome is 2045 kilometres north-east of Perth, about 2.5 hours by plane.

Staying there: Cable Beach Resort and Spa is nestled into the dunes behind one of Australia's most pristine beaches. Accommodation during the dry season starts from $597.

Explore more: cablebeachclub.com; visitbroome.com.au

The writer travelled courtesy of Journey Beyond and Tourism Western Australia.