The Western Australian Government has moved to secure public transport services in Broome, a critical piece of infrastructure for the region’s tourism economy. Following the sudden cessation of the privately-run Broome Explorer Bus, the state will introduce a temporary, government-operated service to ensure visitors and residents remain connected to key tourism precincts, accommodation, and local businesses.

The intervention is a significant development for agritourism operators and other tourism-dependent businesses in the Kimberley, as reliable intra-destination transport is fundamental to the visitor experience and overall accessibility of the region.

Continuity of Service for a Key Tourism Hub

The Broome Explorer Bus was a vital link, connecting Cable Beach, Chinatown, and Town Beach. Its closure left a significant gap in the town’s infrastructure. In response, a temporary service branded ‘TransBroome’ will commence operations on Monday, 18 August 2025. According to the government’s statement, the service will utilise existing school buses and operate hourly outside of school pick-up and drop-off times, following the former Broome Explorer Bus route and using its existing stops.

This swift action ensures that tourists, who may not have private transport, can continue to access the attractions and services that underpin Broome’s appeal. For pastoral stations and agricultural properties in the surrounding area that offer tourism experiences, the continued vibrancy and accessibility of the Broome hub is essential for attracting and retaining visitors in the region.

Long-Term Viability Under Review

The TransBroome service is scheduled to run until the end of 2025. During this period, the Public Transport Authority will conduct a comprehensive review of public transport needs in Broome to determine a sustainable, long-term solution. This review period will be critical for the local tourism industry to provide input on service frequency, routes, and operational models that best support the visitor economy.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged the importance of the service for the visitor economy.

“This temporary service will ensure that Broome residents remain connected to employment and key services, and visitors can still access key destinations and businesses,” she said. Fares for the new service will be aligned with the standard Transperth schedule.

Implications for Regional Infrastructure Planning

This government intervention highlights the vulnerability of essential services in regional tourism towns when reliant on single private operators. It underscores the broader challenge for regional Western Australia in maintaining a baseline of infrastructure that supports both community needs and economic development through tourism. The outcome of the Public Transport Authority’s review will be closely watched by other regional centres where public transport plays a similarly crucial role in the tourism ecosystem.

Words by:

Andy Burns

Andy Burns is a driving force in the Western Australian tourism industry, currently serving as Vice-President of the WAAA. He’s the Founder of Scott Aussie Tourism Marketing, a South West WA-based agency specialising in helping tourism businesses thrive in the digital age. Scott Aussie offers a full range of marketing services, from strategic planning and branding to content creation, social media management, and AI-powered solutions. Andy’s deep understanding of the tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in destination marketing and community engagement, makes him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and trainer. He’s a regular presenter at industry conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to the future of tourism. Andy is also a member of the Manjimup Tourist Bureau and a Councillor at the Shire of Manjimup. His previous leadership roles include six years on the board of Tourism Rockingham and five years as Chair of a Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) advisory committee.