Broome and the Kimberley

Broome is an ABF port of entry but not a DAFF first point of entry for non-commercial vessels; Fremantle is the only one in WA. A private yacht arriving from overseas straight into the Kimberley needs DAFF’s prior written permission for a non-entry port, applied for at least 10 days ahead.

Kimberley Ports pilotage applies at 35 m LOA or more: the Port Authorities Regulations 2001 (WA), regulation 30(1)(b), exempt only vessels with an LOA of not more than 35 m, in every WA port authority port, and there is no recreational carve-out. An exemption for masters of vessels up to 100 m is vessel-specific ($660), valid as long as the master’s medical certificate.

They apply to private and charter vessels alike. Dambimangari country (including Talbot Bay and the Horizontal Falls) requires a Dambimangari Visitor Pass bought before arrival, with access limited to the Visitor Location Schedule. Wunambal Gaambera country (the Mitchell Plateau coast) needs the Uunguu pass for private vessels, valid 30 days; whether a crewed charter yacht counts as a tour vessel should be confirmed with WGAC. Horizontal Falls: under the WA Government’s April 2026 decision, tour operators’ licences run to the end of the 2028 season; nothing published addresses private yachts transiting the gap, and the visitor plan advises against transits in turbulent flow.

Commercial operations in WA marine parks need a DBCA Commercial Operations Licence (at least $10 million public liability, up to 10 working days’ assessment). Private recreational vessels do not.

Fuel, provisioning and medical support are thin north of Broome. WA requires a foreign pleasure vessel staying more than 30 days to be registered as a foreign pleasure vessel. Rowley Shoals: no anchoring except in an emergency; moorings booked in writing.