STAIRCASE TO THE MOON

What Causes the Staircase to the Moon

The Staircase to the Moon depends on a precise alignment of tides, terrain and lunar timing. Roebuck Bay has one of the largest tidal ranges in Australia, with differences of more than nine metres between high and low water during spring tides. At the lowest tides, the sea retreats across kilometres of flat, glistening mudflats and leaves them exposed to the night sky.

When the full moon rises over the horizon at the same time as one of these extreme low tides, its light strikes the wet, ridged mud and reflects back toward the viewer. The ripples and shallow channels in the mud break that reflection into bands of golden light. These bands appear to climb from the shoreline toward the moon, which looks like a glowing staircase. Because the effect depends on a low, rising moon, it is best seen in the first minutes after moonrise, when the moon is large, warm in colour and close to the horizon.

Best Places to Watch in Broome

Several vantage points around town offer a good view of the Staircase to the Moon, and each has its own character. The most popular is Town Beach, on the edge of Roebuck Bay. Visitors can see the mudflats open out in front of them and enjoy the atmosphere of the night markets, which are usually held at this location during the event.

• Town Beach: the classic viewing spot, with food stalls, live music and an open view across the bay.
• Broome Boulevard and the Mangrove Hotel lawns: a more relaxed setting for those who would like to watch from a comfortable seat.
• Simpsons Beach and other quieter foreshore areas: less crowded places for photographers who want an uncluttered horizon.

Whichever location you choose, arrive well before the listed moonrise time. This gives you time to find a good position, settle in and watch the light change as dusk deepens over the bay.

Tips for Photographing the Moonrise

The Staircase to the Moon is one of the most photographed natural events in the Kimberley, and a little preparation makes a great difference. A tripod is essential, as exposures in low light are slow and any camera shake will blur the reflection. A telephoto lens of around 200mm or more compresses the scene and makes the moon appear larger above the mudflats, while a wider lens captures the full sweep of the bay and the crowd gathered along the shore.

Shooting in manual mode gives the best control. Start with a low ISO, a mid-range aperture and a shutter speed of about one second, then adjust as the moon climbs and brightens. Using a remote shutter release or a two-second timer also helps keep images sharp. Many photographers take a series of frames over twenty minutes, since the shape and intensity of the staircase change as the moon rises.

Planning Your Visit

Because the dates fall on only two or three nights each month, accommodation in Broome can fill quickly around the Staircase to the Moon. Booking early is strongly recommended, particularly for the peak dry season months. The weather between March and October is generally dry and sunny, with warm days and comfortable evenings, so a light jacket is usually all that is needed after sunset.

Moonrise times shift by about an hour from one night to the next, so each of the three evenings offers a slightly different experience. Visitors who stay for the full period can see the staircase on more than one night and compare the effect, which is also affected by cloud cover and the clarity of the air. Bring insect repellent, water and a folding chair, and allow extra time for parking and walking, as the foreshore is busy on these special nights.