Police urge partygoers to stay safe as bush doof debate heats up

WA Police say “several incidents involving vulnerable women” have occurred at “bush doofs” in Broome this year, as the debate over the future of the gatherings intensifies.

In response to questions from the Advertiser, a WA Police spokesperson said, “several incidents have occurred this year involving vulnerable women who have been at a ‘bush doof’ event and police urge all attendees to think about their health and safety if attending one of these events”.

While police did not reveal the details of the incidents they confirmed that the parties had been the source of the incidents.

A search of public reports shows one doof-linked case in 2025 — the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl at Cable Beach in April.

While police would not confirm whether they had disbanded any of the gatherings in Broome this year, they said people attending such events may need landowner approval from the local council, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, or local Aboriginal cultural custodians, depending on where they are held.

“The WA Police Force want anyone attending any event to have fun and stay safe,” they said.

“If an event is held in an unlit and remote area, attendees should always remain aware of their surroundings to prevent becoming the victim of an opportunistic criminal offence.”

Police also reminded revellers to stay hydrated, use sun protection, be mindful of alcohol use, and avoid purchasing drugs of unknown composition.

They also urged attendees to look out for others showing signs of distress and to report any criminal activity via police or Crime Stoppers.

The warning comes as a group of backpackers campaigns to keep the gatherings alive, who allege recent doofs had been disbanded by local police.

Their petition, launched on change.org, has gathered 221 signatures as of August 15.

Petition organiser Quentin Cole said the events, often staged 30 minutes to an hour out of town, were more than just parties.

“They are moments of freedom, connection, cultural exchange and artistic expression,” he said.

Mr Cole argued the crackdown was pushing gatherings into more populated areas like Cable Beach and Gantheaume Beach, which have been linked to serious assaults.

In addition to the April case involving an underage girl, a 31-year-old backpacker was also physically attacked and sexually assaulted at a Cable Beach party in 2022.

The offender has never been caught, and last year WA Police posted a $250,000 reward for information.

While aware of the cases, Mr Cole said there was no formal security but the “doof community” looked after each other and cleaned up after themselves.

A Shire of Broome spokesperson told the Advertiser last week rangers regularly patrol known hotspots and refer gatherings to police, adding that the shire “does not support or facilitate” the events.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.