15 Jun 2020
Updated September 2023
Much like the Northern Lights of Scandinavia, Staircase to the Moon is an annual phenomenon worth travelling for.
Only visible in the North West of Western Australia between March and October every year, it’s worth circling some dates to ensure you don’t miss out!
Perhaps most famous in Broome, the phenomenon is possible because of the dramatic tidal changes that happen throughout the day in this part of Australia. Essentially an optical illusion, the ‘staircase’ effect is created when the light of the full moon reflects on water caught in sand ripples created by the journey of the tide on Roebuck Bay.
Viewed on a still evening, the golden staircase image is like a magical real-life painting that can last several hours. Often drawing crowds of picnickers who gather to enjoy the view and soak in the atmosphere, the Staircase to the Moon has become a must-see event for anyone visiting Broome, Onslow, Port Hedland and anywhere in the Pilbara.
Recalling the anticipation of the crowd when the moon is already high and the sky begins to darken, Park Manager Rob from Discovery Parks - Broome, compares the spectacle to an eclipse.
“Before you know it, a burnt orange curve has begun to emerge. It moves quickly and quietly upwards until it reveals a huge perfect circle that gets brighter all the time.
"People begin to point before the whole scene takes on a sombre quiet, and the undulating flats of Roebuck Bay take on the reflections of the moon, highlighting shimmering lines of sand, creating the illusion of a stairway to heaven.”
Don’t miss the dates for this year’s Staircase to the Moon, and be sure to check out Broome’s monthly Staircase Markets held at the Town Beach Precinct on Hammersley Street!
2023 Staircase to the Moon Dates
September 2023
Saturday 30th at 6.45pm - Market Date
October 2023
Sunday 1st at 7.45pm
Monday 2nd at 8.45pm
Sunday 29th at 6.26pm - Market Date
Monday 30th at 7.28pm
Tuesday 31st at 8.29pm
2024 Staircase to the Moon Dates
March 2024
Monday 25th at 6.24pm
Tuesday 26th at 6.49pm
Wednesday 27th at 7.15pm
April 2024
Thursday 25th at 6.20pm
Friday 26th at 6.58pm
Saturday 27th at 7.43pm
May 2024
Friday 24th at 5.40pm
Saturday 25th at 6.32pm
Sunday 26th at 7.31pm
June 2024
Sunday 23rd at 6.26pm
Monday 24th at 7.35pm
Tuesday 25th at 8.45pm
July 2024
Monday 22nd at 6.29pm
Tuesday 23rd at 7.41pm
Thursday 24th at 8.51pm
August 2024
Tuesday 20th at 6.31pm
Wednesday 21st at 7.42pm
Thursday 22nd at 8.52pm
September 2024
Wednesday 18th at 6.28pm
Thursday 19th at 7.40pm
Friday 20th at 8.52pm
October 2024
Thursday 17th at 6.25pm
Friday 18th at 7.39pm
Saturday 19th at 8.53pm
November 2024
Saturday 16th at 7.40pm
Sunday 17th at 8.52pm
