Travel Eye on Broome (Western Australia, Australia)

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Overview:

Broome is a unique and exotic town with a romantic and flamboyant history based around its pearling past and to this day, Broome still remains the pearling capital of the world. Today, remnants of the towns exotic past can be seen in Chinatown. Cable Beach is one of the world's most stunning beaches with 22km of glorious white sand and clear tropical waters. 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 crystal night sky, you will feel that Broome is the place to "let yourself go". Decisions are made differently here - lie on a hammock or on Cable Beach? Delve into history or catch a fishing prize? Pick up a world class pearl or a pearl of wisdom from one of the Kimberley old timers? Your decision, your choice. Broome's relaxed atmosphere allows you to do it all.

Locality:

Broome 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.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Attractions and sights at Broome consist of:

ANASTASIA'S POOL
Located at Gantheaume Point and built by a former lighthouse keeper for his wife, Anastasia, who was crippled with arthritis and found relief in the pool.

ART GALLERIES
Broome is home to a vast array of art galleries specialising in local and indigenous art.

BROOME BIRD OBSERVATORY
Located 18 kms from Broome on the shores of beautiful Roebuck Bay, visitors will share the amazing story of Broome's migratory shorebirds from Siberia. The North West is regarded as the most significant site in Australia for shorebirds, as over 800,000 use the area annually. Self interpretive walks. Tours and accommodation available. A bird watchers paradise!

BROOME CROCODILE PARK
The park is home to over 1500 dangerous salt water crocodiles as well as Australian fresh water crocodiles, New Guinea freshwater crocodiles, South American Caimans and American Alligators. Everything from small babies to massive 5 metre crocodiles can be seen. Don't miss the afternoon feeding! Kiosk facilities available.

BROOME GOLF CLUB
The only 18 hole fully grassed course between Geraldton and Darwin! Open to the public. Spectacular views over Broome. Hire clubs, club house facilities, mens & ladies scroungers and 18 hole competition on Saturdays.

BROOME HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
Definitely one of the best regional museums in Australia - a must see when visiting! The Broome Museum features a display on pearling and a large collection of photographs and files that piece together the fascinating history of Broome. Located in the old Custom's House behind the Seaview Shopping Centre. Phone (08) 9192 2075 for hours and complete details.

BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY
Discover the interesting weather patterns of Broome. You may even witness a data collecting balloon being released.

CABLE BEACH
The famous Cable Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the world with 22 kms of white sand and clear tropical water, washed clean every day by Broome's 10 metre tides. Cable Beach takes its name from the telegraph cable that was installed between Broome and Java in 1889. It's ideal for swimming, picnicking and relaxing. Parasailing, surfcats and beach equipment are available for hire.

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.

CHINATOWN MUSIC
Selling everything musical from drums, guitars, books, harps, CD's and cassettes the store was a base for local musicians and music fans. At the Chinatown Music website you can purchase local, national and international music. The website also has a local events calender. Visit the Chinatown Music web site here .

COURTHOUSE and COURTHOUSE MARKETS
Built in distinctive "Broomestyle" architecture, the courthouse was the original Cable House, where the Broome end of the oceanic telegraph cable terminated. Browse through the gardens or visit the popular Courthouse Markets held on Saturday mornings from 8am - 1pm all year. Located on the corner of Frederick and Hamersley streets.

DAMPIER PENINSULA
The Dampier Peninsula is a unique area north of Broome featuring spectacular red pindan cliffs, azure waters and an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Several Aboriginal communities offer bush tucker walks and mud-crabbing tours. Access is by 4WD only. A variety of day tours are available from Broome.

DEEP WATER PORT
Broome's water link to the world. Built to replace the old jetty near Town Beach, this massive structure can accommodate large cargo and cruise ships at any tide (which can run 10 metres!) The wharf is a popular fishing spot and is open to the public except during cargo operations. Located at the end of Port Drive. Kiosk facilities available.

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.

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.

GANTHEAUME POINT
Located approximately 6 km from town, this is a scenic area of red, craggy cliffs providing a stark contrast to the azure water below. Dinosaur footprints over 120 million years old can be seen here when tides are less than 1.5 metres. 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. On the north side of the point is Anastasia's Pool, a small man made rock pool built by a former lighthouse keeper for his wife Anastasia who was crippled with arthritis.

JAPANESE CEMETERY
A testimony to the perils of the early pearl diving and the final resting place of over 900 pearl divers. Situated on Port Drive.

PEARL SHOPS
As the home of some of the most precious pearls in the world, Broome has a good selection of pearl shops catering to all budgets.

PEARL LUGGERS
Experience more than 140 years of Broome's unique maritime heritage. Take an historical journey through the life and times of the pearl divers on two of the last surviving perfectly restored pearl luggers. Brought to life through 1 hour guided tours.

REDDELL BEACH
This spectacular stretch of beach is an ideal place to observe the red pindan cliffs of Broome's peninsula coastline. Named after Captain Reddell, who was murdered by his mutinous crew in 1899. Great for swimming and picnicking. Located 8 km from the town centre.

STAIRCASE TO THE MOON
This natural phenomenon is caused by a full moon rising over the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at extremely low tides, creating a beautiful optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon. Occurs March to October for 3 nights every month. Great locations to view the Staircase include the outdoor bar at the Mangrove Hotel and Town Beach. Staircase Markets take place during most staircase dates at Town Beach, and feature a great selection of foods and crafts.

STREETER'S JETTY
The original jetty for the pearling luggers based in Broome. The jetty is still used to support vessels for modern day pearling and the occasional lugger. Located on Dampier Terrace, at the end of Short Street.

SUN PICTURES
Officially opened in 1916, it is believed to be the oldest operating picture garden in the world. This unique indoor/outdoor theatre has withstood the ravages of war, cyclones and king tides. Housed in the foyer is an excellent display of movie memorabilia. Taking in a movie under the stars at Sun Pictures is a must do when visiting! Located in Chinatown. Current movies are shown every night.

TOWN BEACH
Ideal relaxing picnic and swimming spot located at the end of Robinson Street. Cafe facilities available. Also a great spot to watch the Staircase to the Moon and enjoy the Staircase Market.