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broome: general info
· history
· nightlife
· tales
photos
· nightlife
· things to do
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BROOME
Postcode: 6725
Calling Code: +61 8
Located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Broome is the ultimate
fun and sun town with one of the best beaches in the world and the most memorable sunsets
you've ever seen... We promise you won't be disappointed in Broome. It's a tropical oasis
nestled between the blue waters and
white sandy beaches of the Indian Ccean and the rugged pindan landscape of the Kimberley
wilderness.
Until the mid-1980s the northern coast town of Broome - closer to Darwin than
Perth - was accessible only by
dirt road. The aura of a pioneering past still pervades this remote outpost, where the descendants of early European, Malay,
Chinese and Japanese fortune hunters create a cultural melting pot.
Broome was originally founded as a base for the Western Australia telegraph cable station - thus
the famous sandy stretch Cable Beach - however it was the port's proximity to the pearl rich Indian
Ocean that saw the town prosper. The town was established as a pearling port in the 1880�s, and
today boasts a multicultural population made
up of many nationalities that flocked to the shores of Roebuck Bay in the hope of making their
fortune from the pearling industry and the "Pinctada Maxima", the world�s largest pearl oyster
shell. By 1910, eighty percent of the worlds pearl shell, used in the manufacture of buttons, hailed from
Broome. It was this exciting and often dangerous quest by many colorful personalities for the
valuable harvest of pearl shell that has helped forge the character and charm of Broome.
The town flourished around Chinatown where seamen and pearl divers lived. Today, it is the most
concentrated area of reconstruction. The original buildings and warehouse are now home to modern boutiques,
pearl dealers, cafes and tourist shops. Payphones and bus stops are topped with jaunty red Chinese roofs as a
throwback to the old days.
Sun Pictures, located on Carnarvon St., is one of the oldest outdoor theaters in the world, having opened in 1916.
With the sealing of the Coastal Highway from Perth in the early 1980s and the philanthropic interests of Alistair McAlpine
who fell for Broome and subsequently kicked off its renovation.
It�s the perfect holiday destination with an ideal climate, stunning natural beauty,
historic sights and charm, plenty of attractions, adventure and activities, shopping and
dining. Whether you prefer an active agenda of exploring or just want to take it easy on
the beach, Broome has something for everyone.
The great pearling days may have faded but the region's natural beauty is creating its own boom - none more so than
Cable Beach, 22km of powdery white sand facing the shining waters of the Indian Ocean, which retreats almost a kilometre at
low tide. You really can't get better than swimming in the Indian Ocean... As far as things to do, here's a
quick rundown: Sunsets on Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, Staircase to the Moon,
Tuesdays on the Willie Creek Pearl Lugger, a walk down historic Johnny Chi Lane,
the Japanese Cemetery and of course the Nippon Inn. For a small town, there is so much
to do in Broome, you'll never want to leave!
Quick tips/suggestions
Make sure you have your departure set before you arrive or else you'll get stuck... you'll be having such a good time you'll never leave!
Greyhound and other big buses arrive at the tourist office on the corner of
Bagot Street and Broome Road. If you call ahead, chances are you can get the
hostel to come and pick you up, otherwise there'll probably be a taxi or two
waiting.
Best Way to Get Around
Broome is small- there isn't a single stop light in the entire city. There is a city bus that you can get around on for about AU$2.70 one way, otherwise just walk or bring your own car.
Look for the red Chinese roofs and you'll find the bus stops - they're all over town.
If you stay in town you can walk wherever you need to get to; if you're staying at the beach, why would you want to leave?
If there's a place you've stayed but we haven't listed, review it for us!
 Activities
Astronomy Show
Broome Hovercraft - explore the spirit of broome
Willie Creek Pearl Farm - tour a working pearl farm
Bars
Diver's tavern - a pub, a restaurant, a bottle shop
Nippon Inn - a late night hangout in broome
Tokyo Joe's - home of the wet t-shirt contests
Pearler's - listen to live music or relax outside
Culture
Courthouse Markets - historical markets in the center of broome
Hostels
Kimberley Klub - only the best hostel in broome
Hotels
Cable Beach Club Resort - located just metres from the beach
The Courthouse Bed & Breakfast - a quaint b&b in old town
Broome Habitat Resort - right next to the golf club
The Mangrove Hotel - home to staircase to the moon
McAlpine House - experience broome's unique architecture
Ocean Lodge - three stars from the important people
The Roebuck Hotel - a backpackers, a hotel and a bar all in one
Nature
Gantheaume Point - where the ocean meets the desert
Photos
City Scapes - pictures of broome
Restaurants
Bloom's Cafe - the best bloody mary in town
Matso's Brewery - eat on the verandah and enjoy roebuck bay
Noodlefish - some of the best asian food ever
Tours
6 Day Broome to Perth
9 Day Kimberley Challenge(Broome - Darwin)
Gibb River Road Adventure
Kimberley Discovery
Windjana Way
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