Broome, Western Australia

tay - Monday, January 15, 2007 - 06:16 Tags: General Visiting • Travel Tips

Broome Coast LineBroome is situated on the North West coast of Western Australia, and until the mid 1980s was only accessible by a dirt road. On a narrow peninsula surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and Roebuck Bay, and recognised as a world class migratory bird stopover, it is a town where after watching a beautiful sunset you can retire for the night to the sound of waves crashing onshore and wake up to see the sun rise on the other side of the town amidst a torrent of birdsong.

Broome is a picture postcard come to life. Located at the Southern gateway to the Kimberley, one of the last great-unexplored wilderness areas on earth, Broome is a small town where the bush meets the sea. It is full of history and characters born out of isolation and initiative and has a heritage unlike that of any other town in Australia with the beauty of the surroundings to match its remarkable story.

From the moment you arrive, with the turquoise blue waters off the beaches, the vast surrounding area with huge cattle stations dwarfing some countries in Europe, and the crystalnight sky, you will feel that Broome is the place to “let yourself go”.

Broome is a cosmopolitan town that has an interesting history and stunning natural beauty. Linked to its pearling and multicultural population, Broome has a reputation for its vibrant social life. Located in the attractive Roebuck Bay region, Broome is surrounded by sweeping white beaches, rich red outcrops and blazing
turquoise water.

Broome is a popular holiday destination with an ideal climate, stunning natural beauty, and the full range of accommodations, shopping and dining. Because of its location and daily air service to all parts of Australia, it is the prime destination for most visitors to the region.

Travel Tips I suggest

The Kimberley is a remote, rugged destination and the distance between attractions can be vast. Allow enough time when planning your itinerary to comfortably travel the distances involved.

Broome enjoys a tropical climate with warm days and balmy nights for most of the year. During the summer months temperatures and humidity are high and it is important that enough fluids are consumed to avoid dehydration, especially when physically active. During exercise such as bushwalking or hiking it is recommended that a litre of water per person per hour is carried. Year round it is advisable to wear a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.

During the months of November to April there is a possibility of cyclones off the Kimberley and Pilbara coasts. It is important that visitors are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a cyclone alert. These procedures are provided in all accommodation houses and are also available at the Broome Visitor Centre
or the Shire of Broome office.

Mosquitos are at their most prevalent during the Tropical months of November to April. To avoid the discomfort of mosquito bites and any risk of infection it is advisable to cover up at dawn and dusk and apply insect repellant. Mosquito candles or coils are useful for burning if outside, but it is still advisable to cover exposed skin, as this is the best protection.

Sandflies become more active in Broome on high tides, however the same prevention methods are applicable as for mosquitos.

Saltwater crocodiles are found throughout the Kimberley and freshwater Johnsons crocodiles in some freshwater gorges and lakes. To a certain degree there are signs warning if there are signs warning if there is danger and these should be strictly adhered to. However, if not signposted, advice from a reliable local authority should always be sought before swimming in rivers and waterholes.

Things To See And Do

Broome is a major holiday resort with fine resort hotels, a busy airport and top class restaurants. There are safari tours, hovercraft tours, a crocodile park, pearl farms - and of course great fishing and water sports. You also have to take a camel ride along the 22 kms of talc powder sand of the famous Cable Beach or visit
Sun Pictures, believed to be the oldest picture gardens in the world, where movies are shown under the stars every night.Broome Outdoor Theatre is one of the few places in the world where patrons sit in the open air in a deck chair watching first releases with flying foxes (fruit bats) crossing the screen or in the wet season have constant streaks of lightning as a backdrop. Sunset on Cable Beach

For those people who enjoy catching fish, Broome is the place for you with an abundance of different varieties of fish including sailfish. Game fishing charters are readily available and tournements are held regularly.

Other attractions worth seeing include the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, The Japanese Cemetary - a tribute the 900 pearl divers who lost their lives in the early perilous days of the pearl industry, Malcolm Douglas' Broome Crocodile Park, the Bird Observatory, the Historical Society Museum and the Staircase to the Moon. What is the Staircase to the Moon? It is the most magical thing I have ever seen in my entire life. For those fortunate enough to be in Broome on a full moon and a low tide, the unforgettable sight of the “Stairway to the Moon” appears where the light of the moon shines on the mudflats to reflect into the night sky.

There are many tour operators in Broome who specialise in true outback tours with fully equipped 4WD vehicles that traverse the Gibb River Road to Wyndham and Kununurra or to Aboriginal settlements at Beagle Bay or Lombadina and see the spectacular Cape Levique.

On our last visit to Broome we decided to take the Broome in Style Package. It is a five day package that is all organised for you right down to your meals. You have to arrange your own accomodation though.

Experience the scenic and historic highlights of Broome, as well as a chance to explore the rugged inland gorges on a full day scenic flight to some of the wonders of the Kimberley.

Day 1: On arrival in Broome you will be transferred to your chosen accommodation. You’re in Broome now,
so relax and settle into life in the tropics!

Day 2: A walk on Cable Beach is the perfect way to start your day. This afternoon, the Broome
Town Tour with Australian Pinnacle Tours, takes in all the highlights of Broome and the magnificent scenery of the peninsula, finishing on Cable Beach to watch a stunning Broome sunset.

Day 3: Broome is the gateway to the Kimberley region and a Gorgeous Gorges Flight with Broome
Aviation will give you a real taste of the rugged outback scenery. You’ll visit Windjana Gorge,
Bell Gorge and Mt Hart, with a scenic flight over the thousand islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago
and a landing at Cape Leveque. After the tour you’ll be transferred to your chosen accommodation.

Day 4: Broome was once the Pearling Capital of the world and at Pearl Luggers you’ll be whisked back in time
to an era when men put on helmets and boots to walk the ocean floor in search of pearl shell.
Another highlight of a Broome visit is to board a Hovercraft Flight for a scenic and historic
flight – a totally different perspective of the fantastic coastal scenery!

Day 5 Make the most of your remaining time in this tropical paradise before your transfer to the airport.

Climate

Being situated on Dampier Peninsula with Roebuck Bay on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, the climate is semi-tropical with two distinct seasons - 'wet' and 'dry'. The wet season, October to March, is warm and humid with cooling sea breezes, usually in the afternoon. Rain can be expected from December to March. The dry season, April to September, gives magnificent weather with clear blue skies, warm pleasant days and cool nights. It rains very little during the dry
season and outdoor activities can usually be made with certainty.

Cruise along Cable BeachThis is an Experience you must not miss take cuise to see the famous Broome sunset and tranquil evening waters as you cruise aboard a magnificent
30 metre Schooner along Cable Beach. Fitted with a fully licensed bar and spacious comfortable lounges. Relax on the large open decks as
you watch the sun disappear into the horizon. This is $71.oo per head Australian money but includes a great four course dinner.

A must to See in Broome

Cable Beach:
Claimed to be one of the most stunning beaches in the world with 22 kilometres of pristine white sand pindan cliffs and clear turquoise water, Cable beach is a safe
swimming beach with a variety of water sport activities including parasailing and surfcats. For a unique experience join the sunset camel rides that operate daily along the beach. Due to the possible presence of box jellyfish and stingers in tropical waters during November to April, precautions should be taken. Great location to enjoy a beautiful Broome sunset. North of the vehicle access ramp is a declared nude beach. Cable Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, picnicking and relaxing.

Chinatown: A delightful reminder of the early multi-cultural mix of people in Broome. Take a wander through the original commercial centre of Broome, which was once the bustling hub of pearl sheds, billiard saloons, entertainment houses and Chinese eateries. Chinatown is now home to some of the worlds
finest pearl showrooms, along with a variety of retail outlets. Sidewalk cafes add a splash of colour to the pavements.

Dinosaur Footprints: Dinosaur footprints over 120 million years old can be seen at Gantheaume Point at very low tide. As the reef area is very fragile, care must be taken when exploring this area. For the benefit of visitors, a plaster cast of the tracks has been embedded at the top of the cliff.

Diving: Beneath the sparkling tropical waters that surround Broome is a diverse aquatic habitat that is fast developing a reputation as a unique diving experience. Half day, full day and extended dive trips are available. Charters are also available to the Rowley Shoals. Situated approximately 260 kilometres west of Broome on the edge of the Continental shelf, the Rowley Shoals is one of the diving areas in the world where the magnificent coral gardens, giant clams and large reef fish astound visitors.

Fishing: Broome waters boast an abundance of different varieties of fish including the elusive sailfish. Full, half day or extended fishing charters available and tournaments are held annually.

Flying Boat Wrecks: These wrecks remain as evidence of the flying boats sunk by the Japanese air raid on Broome during WWII. Located approximately 1 km offshore from Town Beach and visible only on minus tides. Check with Broome Tourist Bureau for tide times and viewing information. For insight into Broome's wartime experiences, check out the History and Pearling page. Flying Boat wrecks Seen on negative low tides reveal the corroding hulks of flying boats sunk in the Japanese air raid of March 1942. At the time there were 16 flying boats at anchor in Roebuck bay. Approximately a 1 km walk out to the wrecks.

Riddell Beach:
A spectacular stretch of beach is an ideal area to observe the red pindan cliffs of the Broome peninsula. It was named after Captain Riddell who was murdered by his crew after a mutiny in 1899. A great spot for swimming and picnicking.Camel Riding on Broome Beach

Rowley Shoals: Situated approximately 260 kilometres west of Broome on the edge of the Continental shelf, Shoals is one of the best diving areas in the world where the magnificent coral gardens, giant clams and large reef fish astound visitors. Extended dive charters are available. For a list of dive
operators, check out the diving section in the Tours & Activities page or contact the Broome Tourist Bureau.

Where to Stay in Broome

We have travelled to Broome now on two occasions. We love to stay at the Cable Beach Club Resort

Just metres from the famous Cable Beach and six kilometres from the historic pearling town of Broome, the award winning Cable Beach Club Resort is a tropical oasis that lies on the edge of the vast Kimberley outback.Set on 26 acres, the resort is an elegant haven that defines what has come to be known as
‘Broome Style’. The resort located just metres from pristine Cable Beach, there is no finer place to relax and play or begin your Kimberley adventure than Cable Beach Club Resort. The resort of course is not the cheapest accomadation in Broome but is worth every cent if you want a relaxing resort style holiday. It is a five star Accomadation. But the cost is not to bad average about $250 a nightbut you can also get package deals.Between 2003 & 2005 $13 million has been spent on upgrades to all food and beverage outlets, leisure facilities, the introduction of a day Spa featuring Sodashi products and new bathrooms, furniture and fittings for all hotel style Studio Rooms.

Of course there are also Budget friendly Accomadation in Broome. Cable Beach Resort is our Special luxury we allow ourselves every couple of years.

Here are some Budget and Luxery Hotel Sites:
Broome Hotels