Broome is situated in north Western Australia, a two and a half hour ight from
Perth. The surrounding region is full of colour, culture and captivating scenery. Fiery
red ochre clis contrast with the unspoilt turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean,
dinosaur footprints tell secrets of ancient days and a multi-cultural population
provide arts, performances and irresistible cuisine
THECITY
Originally founded as a pearling port over 100 years ago,
Broome today continues to produce the world’s FInest
pearls. However the 22 km of pristine white sand that is
Cable Beach, (rated as one of the top beaches of the
world), and the natural phenomenon known as the
Staircase to the Moon, attract large numbers of visitors to
this popular and unique tourist destination in Australia.
Located just south of the equator, the town experiences a
sub-tropical climate with warm sunny days and balmy
nights. Chinatown continues to lure with its cosmopolitan
character and pearl showrooms selling the best of the
best to the public
the gateway to the spectacular
Broome is the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley
Region – one of the world’s last frontiers – an unspoilt
wilderness of rugged gorges, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art
and a special place for the Aboriginal people.
Staircase to the Moon
A natural treasure to Broome occurs for three days during
the full moon from March to October. Reections from the
moon stretch across the mud ats on very low tides
creating the magni Fcent illusion of a long silver staircase.
Chinatown
Visit pearl showrooms, art galleries, shops and cafés in
this historic hub of Broome.
Minyirr Park
Take one of the 22 km of self-guided walk trails around
this gorgeous park that separates Broome from the sea. A
proliFc quantity of wildlife, bush owers, fruits and seeds
are constantly changing from season to season.
SHOPPING
It is easy to Fnd a beautiful, unique, inexpensive gift to take
home from Broome.
The historic heart of Chinatown remains a ‘must do’ for
any visitor. With a stress-free retail atmosphere it is easy
to discover some of the Fnest Western Australian
treasures. Exquisite Australian South Sea Pearls and
Argyle diamonds can be purchased at extremely good
prices. Gem cutters and jewellery makers create stunning
pieces.
Art enthusiasts will take pleasure in wandering the art
galleries. Traditional and contemporary artworks including
many fantastic Indigenous works, breath-taking
photography, and pottery are a mere few.
Crafts are perfected in soap and candle making,
handcrafted sea shells and natural skin products. The
Courthouse Markets, held every Saturday morning, also
have a wide range of local and islander’s arts and crafts.
There are two shopping centres in Broome - the Paspaley
Plaza Shopping Centre, on the corner of Short and
Carnarvon Streets, and the Broome Boulevard Shopping
Centre on Frederick Street. Both have ample parking, open
7 days and feature a large supermarket, services,
numerous specialty shops with international brands and
boutique wares.
- SLEEPING
Accommodation is varied, from plush and exclusive
resorts and eco retreats to clean and comfortable hostels
for the budget traveller. Winter (April to October) is the
busiest tourism season and it is well advised to book your
accommodation ahead.
Cable Beach Club Resort
Set in 26 acres at Broome’s famous Cable Beach, this
luxury resort is suitable for a romantic escape or family
getaway. The resort features 2 lagoon style pools, day spa,
tennis courts and gym, kids club and a tranquil Buddha
sanctuary.
Rendezvous Sanctuary Resort
Located just a short walk from Cable Beach, each room of
this speciFcally designed resort is decked out for comfort
and elegance.
History
Broome is situated on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people.[]
The first European to visit Broome is often mistakenly thought to be William Dampier. But in 1688 he only visited the north of what was later named the Dampier Peninsula. And in 1699 he explored the coast from Shark Bay to La Grange Bay, from where he headed north leaving the Australian coast. Many of the coastal features of the area were later named for him. In 1879, Charles Harper suggested that the pearling industry could be served by a port closer to the pearling grounds and that Roebuck Bay would be suitable. In 1883, John Forrest selected the site for the town, and it was named after Sir Frederick Broome, the Governor of Western Australia from 1883 to 1889.]
In 1889, a telegraph undersea cable was laid from Broome to Singapore, connecting to England. Hence the name Cable Beach given to the landfall site]
Headstones in the Japanese Cemetery
The town has an interesting history based around the exploits of the men and women who developed the pearling industry, starting with the harvesting of oysters for mother of pearl in the 1880s to the current major cultured pearl farming enterprises. The riches from the pearl beds did not come cheap, and the town's Japanese cemetery is the resting place of 919 Japanese divers who lost their lives working in the industry.] Many more were lost at sea, and the exact number of deaths is unknown. The Japanese were only one of the major ethnic groups who flocked to Broome to work on the luggers or the shore based activities supporting the harvesting of oysters from the waters around Broome. They were specialist divers and, despite being considered enemies, became an indispensable part of the industry until World War II.
Each year Broome celebrates this fusion of different cultures in an annual cultural festival called Shinju Matsuri (Japanese for festival of the pearl), it looks to celebrate the Asian influenced culture brought here by the pearling industry.]
Broome was attacked at least four times by Japanese aircraft during the Second World War, and the worst attack was the 3 March 1942 air raid in which at least 88 people (mostly civilians) were killed.
In 1950, Broome was the theater of Arthur Upfield novel "The Widows of Broome", 12th novel featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony')
The West Australian mining boom of the 1960s, as well as the growth of the tourism industry, also helped Broome develop and diversify. Broome is one of the fastest growing towns in Australia.
At Gantheaume Point and 30 m (98 ft) out to sea are dinosaur footprints dated as Early Cretaceous in age (approximately 130 million years ago). The tracks can be seen only during very low tide. Plant fossils are also preserved extensively in the Broome Sandstone at Gantheaume Point and in coastal exposures further north.
Broome entered into a sister city agreement with Taiji, Japan in 1981 as historic ties between the two towns date back to the early 1900s, when Japan became instrumental in laying the groundwork of Broome's pearling industry. The annual dolphin hunt in Taiji was the subject of the 2009 documentary The Cove, and sparked a unanimous decision by the town's council, headed by Graeme Campbell, to end the relationship with Taiji if the dolphin hunt were to continue. The decision was reversed in October 2009.[
The first European to visit Broome is often mistakenly thought to be William Dampier. But in 1688 he only visited the north of what was later named the Dampier Peninsula. And in 1699 he explored the coast from Shark Bay to La Grange Bay, from where he headed north leaving the Australian coast. Many of the coastal features of the area were later named for him. In 1879, Charles Harper suggested that the pearling industry could be served by a port closer to the pearling grounds and that Roebuck Bay would be suitable. In 1883, John Forrest selected the site for the town, and it was named after Sir Frederick Broome, the Governor of Western Australia from 1883 to 1889.]
In 1889, a telegraph undersea cable was laid from Broome to Singapore, connecting to England. Hence the name Cable Beach given to the landfall site]
Headstones in the Japanese Cemetery
The town has an interesting history based around the exploits of the men and women who developed the pearling industry, starting with the harvesting of oysters for mother of pearl in the 1880s to the current major cultured pearl farming enterprises. The riches from the pearl beds did not come cheap, and the town's Japanese cemetery is the resting place of 919 Japanese divers who lost their lives working in the industry.] Many more were lost at sea, and the exact number of deaths is unknown. The Japanese were only one of the major ethnic groups who flocked to Broome to work on the luggers or the shore based activities supporting the harvesting of oysters from the waters around Broome. They were specialist divers and, despite being considered enemies, became an indispensable part of the industry until World War II.
Each year Broome celebrates this fusion of different cultures in an annual cultural festival called Shinju Matsuri (Japanese for festival of the pearl), it looks to celebrate the Asian influenced culture brought here by the pearling industry.]
Broome was attacked at least four times by Japanese aircraft during the Second World War, and the worst attack was the 3 March 1942 air raid in which at least 88 people (mostly civilians) were killed.
In 1950, Broome was the theater of Arthur Upfield novel "The Widows of Broome", 12th novel featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony')
The West Australian mining boom of the 1960s, as well as the growth of the tourism industry, also helped Broome develop and diversify. Broome is one of the fastest growing towns in Australia.
At Gantheaume Point and 30 m (98 ft) out to sea are dinosaur footprints dated as Early Cretaceous in age (approximately 130 million years ago). The tracks can be seen only during very low tide. Plant fossils are also preserved extensively in the Broome Sandstone at Gantheaume Point and in coastal exposures further north.
Broome entered into a sister city agreement with Taiji, Japan in 1981 as historic ties between the two towns date back to the early 1900s, when Japan became instrumental in laying the groundwork of Broome's pearling industry. The annual dolphin hunt in Taiji was the subject of the 2009 documentary The Cove, and sparked a unanimous decision by the town's council, headed by Graeme Campbell, to end the relationship with Taiji if the dolphin hunt were to continue. The decision was reversed in October 2009.[
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