ISSUE ISSUE 23 2022/2023 23 2022 | Courtesy | Courtesy of the of the Broome Broome Visitor Visitor Centre Centre - visitbroome.com.au - visitbroome.com.au
VISITORS GUIDE Free map on page 90
Natural Beauty EXPERIENCE THE BREATHTAKING KIMBERLEY COAST
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
1
Pearl Showroom
Live Pearl Harvest
Pearl Grading
The rarest of pearls straight from our farms We unveil what lies beneath the physical virtues of a pearl. Discover its journey from an oyster in the ocean, learn the story of sustainability and many other invisible virtues that contribute to the value of your locally grown pearl. As Broome pearl specialists, we only sell pearls that we grow. Each pearl has certified origin and is guaranteed to be of natural colour and lustre.
Broome Showroom | 23 Dampier Tce, Chinatown Broome | www.cygnetbaypearlfarm.com.au
visitbroome.com.au
CONTENTS
Welcome...
C
apturing the best of the Broome region, this edition of the Broome Visitors Guide showcases the places, sights, sounds and experiences that make Broome the perfect choice for your next getaway. Create memories as you explore our pristine, natural environment. View the Staircase to the Moon, take your seat on the camel train as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, walk along the pindan soil as it meets the turquoise ocean at Roebuck Bay, witness the humpback whales or reel in a barramundi. Relax with family and friends on the pristine white sands of Cable Beach as you soak up the iconic views. Whether you are planning a short stay or a longer visit with further travel into the Kimberley region, Broome is ready to welcome you with a poolside drink, local events, and venues to enjoy. Broome has accommodation options to suit everyone! Our vibrant town by the Bay is changing, with Chinatown and Town Beach redeveloped and revitalised. Come and learn about the pearling history of Broome and re-discover these stunning locations. Our tourism operators are ready and waiting to show you – by land, by road, by sea or from the air. Get out on country with Aboriginal guides on some of the best First Nations led tours and experiences in Australia (if not the world), right here in Broome and the Dampier Peninsula. Adventure seekers will love discovering the songs, stories, ancient art, learning and sharing special experiences with those who know the ancient ways. We invite you to talk with the Broome Visitor Centre, call us on 08 9195 2200 or browse our website at visitbroome.com.au. When you book with the Broome Visitor Centre’s free booking service, you are helping us to continue to welcome guests who #visitbroome Catch up on the latest news via our socials @visitbroome
The Team at Broome Visitor Centre TIDES INFORMATION Broome has the biggest tides in the southern hemisphere, with a difference of up to 10 metres between high and low tide. To find out more, come into the Broome Visitor Centre or scan the QR code for the latest tides timetable.
V I S I T O R S
04 06 08 12 14 18 20
Welcome to Country Perfect Pearls Highlights of Broome Pearls of Heritage Inspired by Broome Larger than Life Unique Pearls for Unique People 22 Books for Broome & Beyond 23 Country Through Indigenous Eyes 26 A Snapshot of Talent 30 A Pearling Legacy 32 Spot a Snubbie, Play with Whales 34 Go Wild 36 Brilliant Birds 38 Eat, Drink & Enjoy 40 Delicious Dishes 46 Local Flavours, From Land & Sea 48 Pearls with Heritage 50 Stay Central 52 Plan the Ultimate Holiday 54 Discover Unbeatable Views 56 Sunset, Seafood & Pearling Cruise 57 Fly High, Fly Broome 58 Discover Dampier Peninsula 59 Camp with Culture
G U I D E
60 Tour the Town 62 Fly the Kimberley 64 Journey Roads Less Travelled 65 Iconic Camels, Cruise the Coast 66 Excitement at the Races 68 Reach for the Stars 70 Three Wheeling Thrills 72 Exquisite Jewels from the Experts 74 Goolarri Media Presents 78 Experience Shinju Matsuri 80 All Aboard for Memories 82 Sights from the Sky 83 A Piece of History 84 Far and Wild 85 Timeless Designs 86 A Luxury Adventure 88 Cruise the Coast 89 Get Around with Broome Explorer Bus 90 Broome Map 92 BVC Members 94 5 Reasons to Put Kununurra on Your 2023 Bucket List 96 Sleep Under the Stars 98 Become Immersed in the Kimberley
Broome Visitors Guide is published for the Broome Visitor Centre by Premium Publishers. EDITOR | Tori Wilson Scan for Broome Visitor Centre Opening Hours
1 Hamersley St, Broome WA 6725 Call us on 08 9195 2200 or visit www.visitbroome.com.au or www.facebook.com/GoBroome Instagram @visitbroome #visitbroome
DESIGN | Cally Browning SALES DIRECTOR | Natalie Du Preez COVER IMAGE | Allysha Cartledge
PREMIUM PUBLISHERS Click here for copyright information.
Printed by Vanguard Press Please direct all magazine enquiries to marketing@visitbroome.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
3
Yawuru
Welcome to Country Ngaji gurrjin! Welcome. Wirriya ngangaran liyan nyamba buru Yawuru. We hope you are feeling good in our Yawuru country. Nyamba buru jirra Yawuruungany ngarrungunil Bugarrigarranyurdany, jarrinygun buru mangara. This is the land of all Yawuru people from the time before time began, always and forever. Yawuru people are the traditional owners of the lands and waters in and around Rubibi (the town of Broome), from Bangarangara to the yalimban (south), to Wirrjinmirr (Willie Creek) to the guniyan (north), and banu (east) covering Roebuck Plains and Thangoo pastoral leases, in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia.
Miliya rumarragun wirriya yangarrngaran ngangayi LIYAN jarrayirr yanggibardu yanggi yingarrjin. We are proud of our Yawuru language as we welcome and feel a new day dawning.
4
visitbroome.com.au
Western Australia’s #1 Tourist Attraction
VISIT THE HOME OF THE PEARL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Book Your Tour Today! Showrooms
williecreekpearls.com.au 08 9192 0000
Cable Beach | Chinatown | Willie Creek Pearl Farm Cottesloe | Elizabeth Quay | Hillarys Boardwalk | Subiaco
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
5
Perfect
Pearls A visit to the iconic Willie Creek Pearl Farm is an absolute must-do while in Broome.
I
t has been over 30 years since the lure of the pearl brought the Banfield family to Broome – and in those years their Willie Creek Pearls has become part of the region’s DNA. From their early days as a bus tour company, the Western Australian family business has expanded to include the multi award-winning Willie Creek Pearl Farm, historical Pearl Luggers museum, and seven stunning pearl jewellery showrooms across Broome and Perth (including signature pearl experiences in Perth’s Elizabeth Quay). Three generations of the family still work in the business today, and you will often have the opportunity to experience their personal touch across the locations. Journey along the rich, pindan road to the farm (you have the option to drive yourself or catch the comfortable, air-conditioned coach) and you will experience the beauty of the Kimberley region, with its stunning native flora and fauna – you may even spot some wild brumbies along the way.
6
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
On arrival, you are greeted by the magnificent scenery at Willie Creek Pearl Farm – home of the tides, temperatures and nutrient rich waters that combine to create the ideal conditions for the Pinctada maxima oyster (the world’s largest pearl producing oyster) to thrive. This is the home of the Pearl of Western Australia – where the Willie Creek Pearls team sustainably produce the best pearls in the world; Australian South Sea Pearls. The tour takes you through the journey of the pearl from shell to showroom, starting in the Pearl Oyster Nursery, which is unlike any nursery you have seen before. Here, you will learn all about the delicate operations involved in seeding the oysters, before you experience a beautiful cruise on the calm, tranquil waters that are the farm’s namesake, Willie Creek, to get a closer glimpse of the oyster long lines. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the resident crocodiles as well. Following your expedition, relax and enjoy
a delicious serving of homemade damper and refreshments on the deck outside Harvest Café while you soak in the atmosphere and stunning scenery. Each tour includes a live pearl harvest, where the oyster is opened and a pearl revealed. The most fascinating aspect of pearl farming is that you never know what is inside until the oyster, after two years of meticulous care, is finally opened in a breathtaking moment, and the pearl discovered. On a regular tour last year, a tour group uncovered the most valuable pearl ever harvested at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, an amazing 20.12mm round pearl, with excellent lustre and pink gem tones, valued at $150,000 – you can imagine how elated the guests and team were that day!
A RICH HISTORY The pearl has been named ‘The Don Pearl’, after the late husband and father of the owners of Willie Creek Pearls, Don Banfield, and is on show year-round at the farm. visitbroome.com.au
Olivia Newton-John Collaborates With
Willie Creek Pearls
Pearl farming is intwined in Broome’s captivating history. Over 150 years ago, before the invention of plastic, mother of pearl derived from the oyster shell was in high demand worldwide for use in making buttons and household items, such as cutlery and hair combs. The evolution of pearl diving alongside the rich, multicultural heritage of the town is best understood with a visit to Pearl Luggers, Willie Creek Pearls’ historical museum, located right in the heart of Chinatown. Here you can view archival footage, touch and hold artefacts and admire the details of a restored pearling lugger.
TAKE A TOUR Experience magnificent scenery when touring the exceptional Willie Creek Pearl Farm.
devices derived from the Kimberley’s pristine environment, Marine Biomedical’s patented debut technology PearlBone™ is a bone substitute material derived from mother of pearl, a source that could revolutionise the global medical sector. Willie Creek Pearls engage, entertain and educate thousands of visitors each year on their multi award-winning tours, and their breathtakingly beautiful pearls are available to purchase both online and in-store at seven jewellery showrooms, which feature the largest range of pearl jewellery available
in Western Australia. The most recent addition to the collection is the gorgeous Olivia Newton-John Pearl Pendant, co-designed with Olivia herself. Thirty per cent of proceeds will go directly to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to help find kinder cures for cancer through funding scientific research. Available in white and yellow gold, these limited pendants are the perfect addition to your collection. Book through visitbroome.com.au/members/ willie-creek-pearls
PEARLS FOR THE FUTURE In exciting news, Robert Banfield, owner of Willie Creek Pearls, has recently partnered with researchers from the University of Western Australia Medical School to establish Marine Biomedical. Australia’s first biomedical company focusing on developing medical products and Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
7
IMAGE Abby Murray Photography
Highlights
of Broome TOWN BEACH – Guwarri Located on the south east edge of Broome is Town Beach. The Town Beach Foreshore Redevelopment was completed in mid 2020. The kids will love the water park at Town Beach for cooling off after a play on the beautiful playground. The new Town Beach Jetty is proving a popular fishing spot too.
IMAGE Abby Murray Photography
Top spots to explore the history of Broome... • SSJG Heritage Centre • Broome Historical Museum • Broome’s Japanese and Chinese Cemeteries • Catalina WWII Flying Boat Wrecks • Nyamba Buru Yawuru
IMAGE Abby Murray Photography
ROEBUCK BAY LOOKOUT
It is often said that Broome’s pearling industry is as rich in culture as it is in pearls. Gain insight into Broome’s unique heritage at Pearl Luggers, in the heart of Broome’s Chinatown. Learn the perils of the deep and discover first hand what made the pearl divers life so hazardous and what drove so many to put their lives at risk. View two of the last surviving and perfectly restored pearling luggers, the vessel synonymous with Broome, surrounded by a reconstructed tidal jetty and an authentic pearlers store.
Take in the spectacular views from the Roebuck Bay Lookout. The recently completed Dampier Terrace and Frederick Street connection provides another entry to Chinatown at its southern end. The connection was improved with construction of the Roebuck Bay Lookout, an elevated platform designed to encourage people to visit the top end of Dampier Terrace and experience the sweeping views over Roebuck Bay and Dampier Creek, while learning about the culture and history of the area.
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
SUN PICTURES Sun Pictures is the world’s oldest operating open-air picture gardens and is open for the public to discover the history of this unique location. This is a major tourist attraction for Broome and allows visitors to step back in time and feel what it would have been like to attend the cinema in years gone by. Find out more at broomemovies.com.au
visitbroome.com.au
IMAGE Sloane Carvell
8
PEARL LUGGERS
EXCITING EVENTS TO ENJOY... Broome plays host to some of the best events in Australia’s North West including the Shinju Matsuri Festival, the Broome Turf Club Racing Season, A Taste of Broome, Pearl Harvest Festival, Broome Pride Mardi Gras and the Cable Beach Polo. For those who love sports, we have the Broome Marathon. Broome Triathlon, fishing competitions, Fat Bike Championships, Beach Touch Footy as well as Broome Speedway, Motorcross and Rodeo events. Arts events such as theatre, live music, cabaret, comedy, art exhibitions, art auctions and the Broome Fringe Festival are lots of fun too. We have the best online calendar of events – scan the QR code above to FIND OUT WHAT’S ON in Broome!
IMAGE Tourism Australia
GANTHEUME POINT – Minyirr Gantheaume Point features amazing rock formations and is also home to some of Broome’s famous Dinosaur footprints including a plaster cast of some the tracks. Gantheaume Point is a photographer’s dream. Walk through the trails of the Yawuru Minyirr Buru Conservation Park. The lighthouse at Gantheaume Point was built in 1905.
STAIRCASE TO THE MOON Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon, which occurs when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay and over two to three days a month (usually between March and October). Scan the QR code to see the dates and times for 2022/23 and learn more about the night market, bus services and the best vantage points in Broome to see it! IMAGE Tourism WA
CABLE BEACH – Walmanyjun Cable Beach is 22kms of pristine white sand and clear tropical waters. Whether you want to stay near Cable Beach, or just enjoy a beautiful ocean sunset on Cable Beach, you can’t leave Broome without seeing the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean. The camel trains wander the beach in the morning, afternoon and at sunset. A reminder to please observe all signage and speed limits, and be aware of the tidal changes as they can sneak up on you! Tag @visitbroome in your sunset pics!
IMAGE Tourism WA IMAGE Abby Murray Photography
STREETER’S JETTY – Jin-Gurramarnin Streeter’s Jetty on Dampier Terrace, prior to the recent reconstruction, was an original Broome jetty used by the pearl luggers. This historically significant jetty is a favourite for tourists visiting the area, and remains an important reminder of Broome’s pearling past. IMAGE Shire of Broome
CHINATOWN Chinatown has been the multicultural heart and soul of Broome since the pearling crews set up their first camps and corrugated tin sheds in the 1880s. Stroll through the pearl showrooms, browse Johnny Chi Lane or visit the many art and photography galleries. The $29.3 million Chinatown Revitalisation Project is now completed thanks to funding from the Shire and the State Government. Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
9
2 S H O RT ST R E E T, B R O O M E
visitbroome.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
11
Pearls of Heritage Paspaley has launched a stunning collection of jewellery in honour of the pearl divers that built the industry, and it’s one worth your attention.
Dive chain men's ring
12
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Dive tassel earrings
Dive entwined diamond pendant
visitbroome.com.au
Dive charm necklace - white gold
Dive by Paspaley is a tribute to the generations of Paspaley pearl divers and their captivating experiences over 85 years of pursuing the world’s finest pearls. Paspaley creative director Christine Salter says the collection speaks about a journey into another world, a life beneath the ocean on one of the most unexplored coastlines on earth, as well as the pearling ships that carry the crews out to sea. Versatility, wearability, and individuality are at the heart of this collection. Inviting the wearer to collaborate on the final touches, Paspaley has designed pieces that can be stacked, layered, added to, and personalised. Dive by Paspaley features a collection of engraved mother-of-pearl coin charms, which represent the old Dutch guilders found by Paspaley hard hat divers in shipwrecks along the Kimberley coastline. The engravings take inspiration from pearl divers’ encounters in the underwater world they inhabit, as well as the divers’ own tattoos — a tribute to this historical association among men exploring the seas. The collection includes a shark charm adorned with a keshi pearl and diamonds, as an ode to the gentle nurse sharks that move gracefully through the waters of the Kimberley coastline. The coin and shark
Dive thimble pendant, Dive pearl drop earrings
charms can be added to the Dive Charm Necklace and Bracelet, which features links influenced by anchor chains and has hidden clasps throughout, allowing the wearer to create their own personalised design. Modern ropes, bold chains, and fluid tassel designs reflect the equipment found upon a Paspaley diving ship. The Dive Tassel Necklace and Earrings are fluid in motion, featuring lustrous Paspaley pearls complemented by elegant long tassels, which call to mind the frayed and knotted old ropes from retired wooden pearl luggers that lay partly submerged on Town Beach, Broome. The Entwined Pendant and Entwined Ring feature significant pearls hand-selected by the Paspaley family. Sculptural loops within the design reflect the movement and texture of the ropes that play such a crucial role for Paspaley’s divers on their pearling ships. Other sets within the new collection feature Paspaley pearls alongside representations of the ropes, thimbles, knots, and chains. With this collection, Paspaley introduces its first ring for men — one that reflects the way anchor chains change in colour, depending on the depths they have reached. “Pearl divers start their journey with Paspaley seeking adventure in an historic
and romantic industry and, for most, the Kimberley is a totally unfamiliar world. However, some of our divers are second, third, and fourth generation pearl divers and this is a testament to the contagious passion that the pearling industry elicits in those predisposed to adventure,” says Paspaley executive director of retail Chris Paspaley. Paspaley works in partnership with nature, and this is fiercely guarded by the divers who collect each shell by hand. Paspaley is one of the last remaining companies still collecting wild Pinctada Maxima oysters from the sea floor. This sustainable approach honours the natural environment, causing no wasteful bycatch or damage to the seabed. In recognition of this long-term sustainable practice, the Australian pearling industry has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, an independent body that assesses the environmental sustainability of the wild marine industry. Dive by Paspaley is an exquisitely crafted collection, featuring the world’s finest pearls. In celebration of the fact that every adventurer has a story, this collection is designed to connect with the adventurous free spirit of the Paspaley woman. Visit paspaley.com Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
13
Inspired by Broome The rich colours, textures and sights of Broome are brought to life through the works of its talented local artists. By TORI WILSON.
BROOME GALLERY If anybody captures the intensity of Broome’s colour palette, it’s James Down, artist and owner of Broome Gallery. Well known for his whimsical paintings reflecting his love of Broome’s history and the Kimberley’s vibrant colours, James’ work is widely coveted. In fact, his work is so popular that you’ll find it hanging in homes all over the world. “I love listening to the stories from some of the older Broome residents,” says James. “It gives me the inspiration to create a huge range of paintings, adding historic buildings and the spectacular landscape of Broome and the Kimberley.” James and his business partner and wife Sherile bought the historic TB Ellies building in Carnarvon Street, one of the most recognisable buildings in the town centre, which has now been completely renovated giving the old girl new life. 14
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
You’ll find James’ paintings populated with familiar icons of the Kimberley and Broome – pearl luggers drifting off towards the horizon, a sturdy boab tree standing sentry on the red land, camels striding along Cable Beach. James takes commissions but also offers customisation options for his range of beautiful prints. Add in your family, car, or pets to his prints, for a completely unique memento to take home. James always included his own dog Oscar, in every painting; a kind of Where’s Wally. While Oscar sadly passed away last year, he will forever remain a major inspiration. “We found Oscar on Cable Beach about 14 years ago, he’d been left for dead,” says James. Having lived to around 16 years old, Oscar had become a bit of a celebrity in Broome before he passed. Thanks to the changing scenery between the wet and dry seasons, James enjoys using oils to depict the drama nature unfolds before his eyes. “Broome – there’s no place like it.” Broome Gallery, Shop 1/23 Carnarvon Street, Broome. Call 08 9193 5003 or email info@ broomegallery.com.au
ALLYSHA CARTLEDGE Photographer and artist Allysha Cartledge has a talent for capturing the mesmerising colours and wonderful wildlife of Broome and the surrounding Kimberley region. Working with acrylics on canvas, Allysha is inspired heavily by anything in its natural form, steering away from anything manmade and focusing predominately on capturing birds, trees, marine life, and water bodies. “I'm always getting inspired by the colours I see, the way the light reflects off landscapes and the stories I observe with
wildlife,” says Allysha. “I love a good sunset or sunrise. I always tend to work with those colours as well as the beautiful colours of birds and the Kimberley landscape.” Doubling as a professional photographer, Allysha uses her photography to capture small details to work into her piece, striving to tell a story. Her work is available as prints on cotton paper or stretched canvas and can be purchased online. Visit allyshacartledge.com
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
15
BLACK STUMP GALLERY Black Stump Gallery brings a new wave of creativity to Broome and the Kimberley through contemporary collections of locally inspired artworks. Owners Emma Blyth and her husband Simon Haggett are passionate about the Kimberley, having frequently taken time out to explore the region over the past 20 years. Having exhibited Emma’s own artwork in various galleries and pop up shops, as well as undertaking artist residencies at Cable Beach Club over the course of those years, they’ve been dreaming of owning their own gallery in Broome for some time. Finally that dream has become a reality and the duo are now extremely excited to have their own space, which not only showcases their own exquisite and contemporary works but also exhibits the impressive artworks of other local artists.
“We first headed up north on a camping trip in our old ute back in in 2001 and could not stay away,” says Emma. “I was absolutely blown away on that initial trip travelling the Gibb River Road and up to Mitchell Falls and Kalumburu. The remoteness and striking landscapes really were the most amazing experiences. “The roads were pretty rough in the old Landcruiser! Camping under the stars with nothing but a mozzie net and a mattress and an old barbie grate to cook on. It was simple, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Whistling kites hovering in the smoke of our campfire, catching my first ‘Barra’ and cooking it on the coals whilst watching the full moon rise above the range. It was a trip of a lifetime and we still head out bush as often as possible.” Located in Old Broome, Black Stump
exhibits a wide range of works in various media and locally inspired Australian made art and gifts. The original artworks exhibited at Black Stump are unique and characterised by a deep connection to the land and its natural beauty. The gallery brings together select artists who showcase their own interpretation of this captivating region of Australia. “Black Stump products will always be made in Australia,” says Emma. “Proudly, this helps support local businesses and also reduces our carbon footprint.” Visit Black Stump Gallery to collect your own piece of the Kimberley. Black Stump Gallery 42 Carnarvon Street, Broome. (08) 9193 5698
B LACKSTUMP GALLERY
ART + GIFTS INSPIRED BY THE KIMBERLEY
42 C a r n a r von Stre e t B ro o m e WA
16
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
p 08 91 93 5698 e info@bla c kstum pga llery.com .a u www. b la c kst um p g a l l e r y.co m. au
visitbroome.com.au
SOBRANE With a reputation that reaches far and wide around the world, Sobrane is best known for her impressive, large-scale murals; but she’s recently added screen printing to her repertoire and the results are stunning. Salt-Moxie is the name of Sobrane’s new shop on Carnarvon Street where you’ll find a trove of fantastic, printed t-shirts produced in collaboration with other diverse artists. Local Indigenous artist Wayne Philips is one such collaborator. Having fallen in love with Wayne’s carved boab nut’s, Sobrane has applied the design to t-shirts and tea towels, making it even more accessible for visitors to take a little slice of Broome home. Other collaborators include local Indigenous artist Carol Cox; artist Aaron Springett, best known for working with skulls and Norse themes; and graphic designer Joshua Cox, who has added a striking graphic element to one of Sobrane’s own designs. Having opened the shop in June 2022, Sobrane says t-shirt production is in full swing, however she’s still got her sights set on a several murals too. Her most recently completed mural depicted the first tour guide of Mimbi Caves and a pioneer for Indigenous tourism, Neville Sharpe, which you can find in massive scale across the Mimbi Caves water tank (read more on page 18).
Sobrane’s next project, also at Mimbi Caves, is likely to showcase a large-scale wildlife theme to elevate the area. Gallery Sobrane, 48 Carnarvon Street, Broome. Salt-Moxie, 17 Carnarvon St, Broome.
‘It’s a Vibe’ 48 Carnarvon Street, Broome, WA 6725 www.sobrane.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
17
Renowned artist Sobrane brings a local icon to life for all to remember, on behalf of the Mimbi Community.
Larger than life.
I
t seems like every year Mimbi Caves Tours and Campgrounds at Mimbi Community offer something new to experience in the beautiful Kimberley outback. In 2015 tours went from once to twice daily, six days a week. In 2017 a brandnew campground for travellers was built; then in 2019 another newly constructed campground opened for tour groups and schools to enjoy. This year fresh inspiration strikes again; but art is being created this time - tank stand art. On behalf of Mimbi Community, Managing director of Mimbi Caves and Campgrounds, Rosemary Nugget, has commissioned a mural to be painted on the Mimbi Campground water tank; paying homage to her Jaja (grandfather) Neville Sharpe, the first tour guide of Mimbi Caves. “Our Jaja is a legend to us. He started sharing our special place with visitors in the early 1990s. He is an inspiration to Mimbi people,” says Rosemary. The project to paint Rosemary’s Jaja on a tank stand elevated above the Mimbi
18
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Campground was first instigated when Rosemary approached acclaimed artist Sobrane, renowned for large street artworks and silo art, at her Broome gallery in late 2021. Thanks to support from Regional Arts WA, Mimbi Community’s vision to have their grandfather once again watching over visitors is taking place this 2022 dry season. Sobrane will be creating an ‘industrial scale’ mega masterpiece of Mimbi’s grandfather, Gooniyandi elder, Neville Sharpe. High atop the Mimbi tank stand Sobrane will paint a larger-than-life portrait of this pioneering leader of Aboriginal tourism. And joining her creating art at the campground will be another of his grandsons, Mimbi artist Jermaine Nugget.
THE MAGIC OF MIMBI CAVES For those yet to discover the beauty of Mimbi Caves, they are located on Mt Pierre Station fronting the Great Northern Highway on Gooniyandi Country 90 kms east of Fitzroy Crossing. The caves are made from limestone
that formed as underwater reefs during the Devonian era. They are world-famous for containing many fossils and are the origin of WA’s fossil emblem, the Gogo fish. Not only are they a place of geological significance but their fresh water and the cool of the limestone caves have provided sustenance and sheltered camping places to Indigenous people for thousands of years. And upon Europeans entering the area in the 1880s, they were also a place of refuge from Kartiya (non-Aboriginal) people, especially pastoralists and police until the mid-1900s. Fast forward to the 1990s and – even as remote as Mimbi is – word was spreading about the limestone caves and the natural beauty of the area. Neville Sharpe, Rosemary’s Jaja, one of the traditional owners, started taking visitors into the caves. As word of mouth grew, Mr Sharpe shared his knowledge and stories of place with his step-son Billy Surprise, his granddaughters Anthea, Vivien and Joelene Gordon, Chantelle Murray, Rosemary Nugget (current managing director), as well as other family members. visitbroome.com.au
Those stories live on and today you can still be guided through the caves by his grandkids Rosemary, Chantelle and Harrison and the popular guide and musician, Ronnie Jimbidie.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THROUGH ART Painting Jaja on the tank stand acknowledges Mimbi’s grandfather, Neville Sharpe, for the leadership shown by him and other Aboriginal people in establishing their communities and keeping culture strong. At the same time, Mimbi is excited to be hosting the celebrated street artist Sobrane, whose ability to paint in large scale on industrial, ordinary objects is frankly mind boggling. Sobrane has a unique spatial perception and says she won’t use grids or projections on the tank stand but will paint directly as she sees it in her mind’s eye. Visitors to Mimbi can now enjoy this stunning and inspiring artwork when visiting the area, as well as embark on a tour of the caves and return to camp to appreciate the modern amenities at the Mimbi campgrounds like hot showers, flushing toilets, an outdoor kitchen/barbecue shelter, and secluded camp sites all nestled at the foot of the Emmanuel Ranges. The cave and campgrounds are just a short drive off the Great Northern Highway on good station roads. Rose encourages people who want to camp on country, and see culture and art combined, to come to Mimbi. “It’s a stunning setting,” she says. “We want to connect with visitors and build friendships. We want people to understand the spiritual significance of Mimbi Caves, our home and its importance to our Mimbi family.” Visit mimbicaves.com.au and view Sobrane’s work at sobrane.com.au
LOCAL TALENT Local artist Sobrane (right) is renowned internationally for her large-scale murals.
Senior tour guide Ronnie Jimbidie
STREET ARTIST SOBRANE
CAMPGROUND FACILITIES
MIMBI ARTIST JERMAINE
#TANKSTANDART #REGIONALARTSWA Acclaimed Broome artist Sobrane and Mimbi artist Jermaine will be creating a mega #iHeartMIMBI
PAINTING JAJA (GranDfather)
masterpiece in memory of the grandfather of Mimbi, Gooniyandi elder, Neville Sharpe.
come and see it AT MIMBI CAVES CAMPGROUND MIMBI
CAVES
mimbicaves.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
19
Unique Pearls
for Unique People
Lyndal and Prudence Galwey of Galwey Pearls believe the decision to buy a pearl is a very personal one and should be made with experts by your side.
B
roome is ideally located in the Kimberley to allow one to luxuriate in the simple gifts of nature – the beach, the outback, sunsets and pearls. The Galwey showroom, located on Broome Pearler’s Boardwalk, offers an exclusive look inside the pearl industry and the most precious of nature’s gems, with exquisite pearl jewellery for every occasion. As part of Broome’s history, enjoy a oneof-a-kind journey to experience pearls like never before and explore their range of pearls from the Pinctada Maxima shell. Whether shopping for special celebrations, a gift for someone you love or simply to treat yourself, Galwey offers a wide range and variety of beautiful Australian South Sea pearls. The Galwey girls will be happy to take you on a knowledgeable journey about pearls, where they will share their passion and answer all your questions. This can be a vital part of the pleasurable experience in discovering pearls and possibly helping you choose a piece of the Kimberley to take home with you. With a family history stretching back to the early days of pearling, and in their 23rd year of retail operations, Galwey has forged a deep and lasting connection with pearls, the only gem to be grown inside a living organism. Every piece of Galwey jewellery is lovingly crafted to showcase each pearl and reveal its virtues in the most exquisite way. Their authenticity certificates matched with a photo, give our customers peace of mind as well as all the characteristics about their purchase. Based in the birthplace of the world’s best pearls – Galwey seeks out the most distinctive of pearls to create unique and beautiful jewellery. “Our Australian South Sea pearl is unrivalled in rarity, quality, nacre thickness, natural lustre, size and value,” says Prudence Galwey. “The array of possibilities offers a pearl
20
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Galwey Pearls
“ALL ART IS AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL. THE PEARL IS THE OYSTER'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY.” ~ Federico Fellini, film director. to complement every skin tone – where gold pearls best suit olive or tan complexions and silver whites usually favour lighter or fair skins. “The choice of pearls varies on personal preferences and budget, however, lustre and nacre – the very essence of pearls – should never be compromised.” Galwey also showcase a comprehensive range of beautiful black pearls from the Abrolhos Islands, Tahiti and Cook Islands and South Sea gold pearls from Myanmar, the Philippines and Indonesia, offering the most exclusive selection available in one location. A stunning new collection of pink Argyle diamond jewellery is also now available.
Lyndal and Prudence have each bought their own unique flair to the Galwey brand, but one thing has remained constant. “We believe that choosing your pearls in person is the best way to appreciate and understand their true beauty, as each piece is unique and individual. We encourage you to collaborate with us to create the right piece just for you.” Galwey also offer an array of services in all types of jewellery design including repairs and restringing, restoration and redesign, insurance valuations as well as replacements and gift vouchers. Over 23 years, Galwey has expanded their workshop connections and have an experienced team of jewellers and setters who are dedicated to producing exceptionally high quality, stylish jewellery, using only the finest quality pearls. “We look forward to seeing you in our beautiful showroom as you experience the natural relaxing beauty of Broome,” says Lyndal. Visit galweypearls.com.au visitbroome.com.au
b a r o q u e
•
d ro p
pea rler’ S
•
g o l d
b o a r d Wa l K ,
•
mabé
br oom e
• •
round
•
circlé
•
tahitian Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
WWW. galW e yp e ar l S. c om . au
21
Books for Broome & Beyond Peruse through the publications of Magabala Books and discover a world of Indigenous and local Kimberley storytelling.
A SELECTION OF NOTABLE TITLES AVAILABLE THROUGH MAGABALA BOOKS DEBESA (2021) by Cindy Solonec This extraordinary and heartfelt social history chronicles the lives of the Rodriguez family of Debesa Station in the West Kimberley; their livelihood through difficult times, love of family, place and culture, and the challenges of day-to-day living on a small sheep station amid huge pastoral properties.
CHARLIE’S SWIM (2022) by Edith Wright, illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis Charlie’s Swim is a children’s picture book about heroism and survival, based on the true story of the author’s uncle Charlie (Charles D’Antoine) who was working inside a flying boat when the Japanese attacked Broome in 1942. In the midst of flying bullets, blazing fires and sharks, Charlie saw a woman and child desperately trying to keep afloat and without hesitation went to their rescue.
M
agabala Books, an award-winning publishing house and bookshop, is Australia’s leading Indigenous publisher, having represented Indigenous stories and authors for over 30 years. Guided by strong cultural principles and a passion for quality literature, Magabala is named after the Nyul Nyul, Nyangumarta, Karajarri and Yawuru traditional language word for ‘bush banana’. “The bush banana spreads its seeds far and wide,” says Rachel Bin Salleh, of Magabala Books. “The organisation was established in 1984 at a traditional Aboriginal song and dance festival held at Ngumpan near Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia, specifically to protect the rights of storytellers and artists and ensure Aboriginal stories were recorded and shared with future generations.” At a time when much had or was being written about Aboriginal people, the decision to establish a publishing arm to represent their voices was ambitious, but, says Rachel, it was done largely in response to concerns that Indigenous stories were being taken and published without permission by non-Indigenous academics and writers. In 1987, Magabala Books published its first title, Mayi: Some Bush Fruits of the West Kimberley, by Merrilee Lands, who also worked as one of Magabala’s first staff members as a trainee editor. Wandering Girl, the highly acclaimed autobiography by Glenyse Ward, soon followed. Today, Magabala Books publishes up to 15 titles a year across a broad range of genres, including young adult and adult fiction, memoir, non-fiction and poetry. Its impressive resume of awardwinning titles includes Bruce Pascoe’s best-selling Dark Emu and Young Dark Emu, and Bindi by Kirli Saunders, the most awarded book in the Publisher’s history. While Magabala Book’s physical store is currently closed until further notice, books are available for purchase online. ‘Click & collect’ an option for local pick-up. Visit magabala.com
22
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
YORNADAIYN WOOLAGOODJA (2020) by Yornadaiyn Woolagoodja This stunning coffee table book is a biography and a generous sharing of Yorna’s culture and traditional beliefs. Explore the West Kimberley through the author’s eyes and learn the meaning of Country, Lalai (‘Creation’), Wandjina and Woongudd (the ‘Snake’). Full of extraordinary images of the landscape, rock art, stone arrangements and the artist’s paintings, Yornadaiyn Woolagoodja is a feast for anyone interested in this rich cultural heritage.
SHIRLEY PURDIE: MY STORY, NGAGINYBE JARRAGBE (2020) by Shirley Purdie Told in English and Gija, this is the life-story of world-renowned artist Shirley Purdie, depicted alongside her stunning paintings. In My Story, Ngaginybe Jarragbe, Shirley shares vignettes of her life growing up on Mabel Downs station in the East Kimberley, and her Gija Culture, Country and Dreaming.
HOMECOMING (2021) by Elfie Shiosaki Magabala’s most awarded 2021 title, Homecoming pieces together fragments of stories about four generations of Noongar women in the author’s family, and explores how they navigated the changing landscapes of colonisation, protectionism, and assimilation to hold their families together. “...elegant and extraordinary...” – Australian Arts Review visitbroome.com.au
Country
through Indigenous eyes Determined to tell his people’s story, local Broome legend Neville Poelina has paved the way for a thriving Indigenous tourism culture. By TORI WILSON | Images TOURISM WA
N
eville Poelina was destined for a life in tourism. Born storyteller and Nykina man from the Kimberley, from the age of nine Neville was catching bait and selling it to those he calls ‘sunset travellers’ – retired folk, or grey nomads, who made up the bulk of tourists during that time – with a convincing guarantee he’d top up the bait until a catch was made. As a third-generation pearl diver, Neville grew up surrounded by hard hat divers who, through sheer hard work and impressive bravery, carved the foundations for the thriving industry it is today. Having come from Timor to become a hard hat diver in Broome, Neville’s father developed a respected reputation in his field; inspiring Neville, among cousins and Tourism WA
brothers, to follow suit. “I grew up in Chinatown. When I was a kid I walked that street of Chinatown and the old divers respectfully called me diver’s son,” says Neville, who always new he was destined to dive. Neville personally spent over 20 years of his life dedicated to the pearling industry, predominately diving. In that time, he witnessed a world of change in how the job was done. Neville says the origins of the pearling industry were tough years and in his dad’s day, hard hat divers risked their lives for little reward. “I went into that industry and had an awesome time, but my dad’s life was hard. When I first went to sea, nine iron men went out on a wooden boat and when I retired, 13
plastic people went out on a steal boat,” says Neville. “I was there from the change of the guard from hard hat to wetsuit. The wetsuit industry came in and completely changed the way of diving.” Neville says after decades of diving he grew weary of spending so much of his life underwater. That’s when he began an aqua culture course at TAFE to broaden his horizons. Neville speaks with conviction and exemplifies competency in all his endeavours, so it came as no surprise when he said, in 1996, a twist of events had him becoming a lecturer at TAFE when he was just halfway through his course. “If I’m going to do anything, I do it wholeheartedly,” says Neville. Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
23
PROTECTING INDIGENOUS TOURISM Wholehearted perfectly expresses Neville’s approach to Indigenous tourism once it entered his line of sight. “Tourism was starting to take off thanks to an old chap called Sam Lovell,” he explains. “That old Aboriginal fella opened the Kimberley to tourism.” Regarded as the father of Indigenous Tourism in Western Australia, Sam Lovell pioneered tourism within the Kimberley after cutting the 647km long Gibb River Road through the red dirt of the remote Kimberley outback. He made it accessible for tourists to discover sacred Indigenous sites, ancient art, impressive rivers, gorges and more. As the touring industry started picking up in the Kimberley, so did the opportunity for people to showcase and share knowledge about Indigenous culture. It was a unique opportunity for Indigenous stories to be told, and Neville was determined to ensure it was being done right. “I got into tourism because I got tired of other people telling the wrong story. 24
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
“I was walking around doing my TAFE course and I see these people telling (incorrect) stories about my culture and so I thought, ‘there’s no point whinging about it, I better make a change’.”
From there, that’s exactly what Neville did. He created a wave of change through the sector. Joining forces with several other likeminded Indigenous people in the Kimberley, together they founded KATA
visitbroome.com.au
(Kimberley Aboriginal Tourism Association), and in 2002 he was an integral founding member of WAITOC (Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council), which he chaired for several years. Neville said while travelling abroad on behalf of WAITOC and hearing the stories of indigenous people of other countries, he realised every indigenous culture around the world must share similar issues. “Other people tell our stories but not the way they should be told, so from there we created a World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA),” he says. The organisation produced a declaration establishing global guidelines on how entities
should partner with indigenous people and groups in any country, in relation to tourism. The purpose being, to protect the rights of indigenous cultures and ensure broadcasted messages concerning those cultures were true and authentic. A firm believer that ‘high tides float all ships’, Neville championed collaboration between people from all walks of life and ‘competing’ businesses in pursuit of an ecosystem that supports tourism on a macro level. “The whole village can prosper from tourism if they want to work collectively and cooperatively,” says Neville. “I was a commissioner for Tourism WA. I’ve built partnerships between black and
white businesses because it would enhance their value to partner together.”
TOUR WITH NEVILLE, IT’S UPTUYU It’s not only the framework and theory that Neville has had a hand in, he’s also put his words into practice through the development of his cultural touring business, Uptuyu. The agenda of Uptuyu’s tours is exactly as it sounds – up to you. “It’s about two (or more) mates going for a ride. I don’t want to travel with a tourist, I want to travel with friends. It’s about designing people a safe package and then once you’re in the car, saying ‘my world is your oyster,” says Neville. Neville says his guests tend to call up, give him an estimate of how much time they have available and a few experiences on their radar and he takes it from there, making each tour distinctly unique and customised. “When you plan a tour with me, that itinerary is a skeleton. When you’re in my car, that’s when we put the meat on the bones. “Being Aboriginal and local, I can read the weather and tell you the best thing happening on the day. “I know the whole Kimberley and I like to immerse you in the country. You need to see our country through our eyes. “What I’m trying to do is inspire my people to say, ‘hey, we’re born with this asset, we know our culture, we know our song, we know our story’. We have an obligation to tell our story. “We try and impart knowledge onto the people who come to our country. If you walk this land peacefully, this country will show you so much more.”
KOOK KOO’S OWN
READING THE LAND Take an Uptyu tour with Neville Poelina and allow him to guide you with local Indigenous knowledge and expertise.
Bush medicine is just one gift bestowed upon those who can interpret the land with skill and understanding. Neville has been healing his family through natural remedies most of his life and recently decided to share this gift through his business Kook Koo’s Own (pronounced Goog Goo’s Own). “It’s not my ‘new’ business, I just finally put it in a jar... We walk through a supermarket and chemist (out bush) every day.” Neville forages for bush medicine with his children and grandchildren before processing and packaging by hand. He says the bush offers remedies for most ailments, from skin conditions to back aches. “If you make it with your hands, it’s made with love,” says Neville. Book an Uptuyu tour at visitbroome.com.au/ members/bingi-through-a-porthole-uptuyuadventures Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
25
A snapshot
Talent
of
Allysha Cartledge
Matt Deakin
Photographers Matt and Allysha share insights into their work as photographers, as they capture the remarkable nature of Australia’s North West. By TORI WILSON.
M
att Deakin and Allysha Cartledge share a passion for capturing the essence of Broome through photography. The striking coastline, vibrant colours, rich textures, and mesmerising wildlife of Australia’s North West are consistent themes expressed through their work – perfect if you’re looking to take a little slice of this paradise home. While Matt’s focus is often the dramatic landscapes of the North West, Allysha tends to be driven by the serene and playful natural of marine animals and settings. We’ve spoken to Matt and Allysha about their journey as photographers and what makes them tick…
Matt Deakin
How did you get started as photographers? MD My enjoyment for photography started when I was travelling Australia in 2010. I had a compact camera, which I upgraded in 2012 to a DSLR. It was moving to live in Broome in 2013 that fully ignited the passion as the landscapes in the North West are dramatic and vibrant and the weather here lends itself to the outdoor lifestyle. AC I first got into photography back in 2012 when I started photographing things around me on my phone, especially little things like how the waves hit the sand or the details on tiny shells. Then I decided in 2013 to get my first camera and see what I could learn and capture from there. 26
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
Allysha Cartledge
What kind of equipment do you use? MD I got my first professional drone in 2015 and quickly became fascinated with it and wanted to see everything from the air, so the drone became my go to piece of equipment as it is both fun and creative. I have since upgraded my camera too, to a full frame DSLR, the NIKON D800. AC At the moment, I use a Nikon Z6 for wildlife close ups and a DJI Mavic Pro 3 drone for landscapes and marine life. What do you tend to focus on in terms of subject and style? What is a typical project? MD My work is recognised mainly as aerial and landscape photography in Australia’s North West. My clients include mostly tourism companies, Tourism WA, AUS, and other local business operators around WA. I have also done filming for TV show Mystery Road and News Broadcasting companies ‘The Project TV’ and others. AC I tend to focus on wildlife, I love capturing things that are different or not usually seen. Drone photography really helps gives a great perspective on this. I also love doing photography for clients such as for
ROEBUCK BAY ECO CRUISE
SNUBFIN DOLPHINS
Guided tour with our qualified Marine Biologist who will provide informative commentary about the diverse fauna.
Enjoy complimentary appetisers and non-alcoholic beverages, or select something refreshing from the on-board bar.
Discover historical sites and landmarks of Broome, then top it all off with a beautiful sunset on the water!
Soak up the scenery in comfort as we cruise the stunning coastline of Gantheaume Point, Reddell Beach, Entrance Point and Roebuck Bay, learning about the biodiversity of fauna in the area. Spot wildlife such as Snubfin dolphins, turtles, sea snakes, Manta rays, shore birds and the rare dugong!
Tours operate daily (weather permitting). Choose from a Morning Tour 9am to 12pm, or a Sunset Tour 3pm to 6pm. Return transfers provided from all Broome accommodation.
BOOK ONLINE
BOOK NOW! (08) 9192 5095 ABSOLUTEOCEANCHARTERS.COM.AU Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Allysha Cartledge
Allysha Cartledge
traveling / tourism / accommodation and experiences advertising, as well as weddings and events. What are some of your favourite things to shoot? What project are you most proud of? MD My favourite thing to shoot is the coast and my favourite time of day to capture is sunrise. Watching everything light up and come to life with very few people around is special. Working with Tourism WA to promote travel and destinations has been my absolute highlight. It’s actually a dream come true, and I look forward to working with them more in the future. AC It’s hard to pick a favourite thing to shoot or project I’ve done as a I have such a passion for it all, but I do love shooting any and every animal I come across. Wildlife just amazes me more and more every time.
Matt Deakin
Meet Matt and Allysha at the Broome Markets on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings where you can peruse their photography on display at their joint stall. Visit frommilesaway.com.au and allyshacartledge.com
Matt Deakin
AUSTRALIA’S MOST AWARDED ADVENTURE TOUR The only Horizontal Falls adventure where you can soar, cruise and stay.
horizontalfallsadventures.com.au Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
broome. 25 dampier terrace. broome wa. (+61 8) 9192 2430
cable beach club resort & spa, lobby. broome wa. (+61 8) 9192 6035
perth. 316 rokeby road. subiaco wa. (+61 8) 9388 3131
stockist locations visit A L L U R E S O U T H S E A P E A R L S . C O M . A U Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
29
A lucky break saw Allure’s William (Bill) Reed AM reshape the pearling industry in Broome.
A Pearling Legacy A pearling pioneer, explorer and marine biologist, Allure South Sea Pearls co-founder William (Bill) Reed AM has dived the pristine coastal waters and travelled to some of the world’s most remote locations in the pursuit of the perfect pearls. After studying zoology and fisheries biology at university, a young Bill sought a
30
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
position that would allow him to pursue his passion for the sea. He would spend the next 20 years traversing the world and exploring the diverse seas of Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Nigeria and Tahiti. In 1975 after selling his pearl farm and leaving the tropical shores of Tahiti, Bill returned to Australia and settled in beautiful Broome to work as a consultant for one of
the first cultured pearl farms in Australia at Kuri Bay, 370km North of Broome. This new journey in Broome would see him build his reputation as one of the world’s most knowledgeable and successful pearl dealers, earning him the prestigious Order of Australia for his contributions to the pearling industry. Having amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience, Bill acquired a pearl farm which was situated in the pristine and unpolluted waters off the Kimberley coast. The conditions were ideal for the precious Pinctata maxima oyster to blossom and produce an abundance of large, lustrous pearls. According to Bill, the success of Australian South Sea pearls on the global market saw them recognised as ‘the finest and most prestigious pearls in the world’. As the desire and demand for these precious visitbroome.com.au
gems grew, it made it almost impossible to buy a local pearl in Broome. In a twist of fate and a ‘very profitable accident’ as Bill recounts today, a broken leg saw Bill reshape the pearling industry in the historic town. Unable to work and travel to his pearl farm, a wheel-chair bound Bill setup shop in a rudimentary Colorbond shed, with ‘no real flooring, a few cabinets directly positioned on the towns iconic red dirt.’ Bill had become an accidental shopkeeper and the first person, to officially sell pearls in Broome. He offered genuine Australian South Sea pearls to locals and tourists, and nothing short of a surprise, the new business venture was an immediate success. This lucky “break” generated substantial regular income and cash flow that had previously only been a yearly payday after
of South Sea pearls in his father’s workshop and revelled at the opportunity to work with these striking treasures again. So, he promptly arranged for goldsmiths in Perth to make a limited range of pearl jewellery for Bill. As word and demand spread about the exquisite jewellery that was on offer in Broome, Bill and Lindsay arranged for some talented goldsmiths to establish a workshop in their newly renovated building on Dampier Terrace. This eventually led to the creation of Allure South Sea Pearls, which offers a stunning range of pearl and diamond jewellery across Australia and internationally. Far from its humble beginnings, Allure now has a beautiful light-filled boutique in the heart of bustling and dynamic Chinatown. While some things have vastly changed within the pearling industry and
the business, others have remained the same. After 25 years, their exquisite couture collection is still handcrafted by master jeweller John Eberhart in the workshop above their Dampier Terrace showroom. Intricately crafted with 18-carat gold and only the finest quality South Sea pearls and diamonds, Allure’s designs continue to celebrate and pay homage to their home town of Broome, their link to nature and the beautiful environment that surrounds them. Every Allure jewellery piece brings out the singular beauty of each pearl, celebrating nature’s most magnificent treasures. Discover Allure’s exquisite range of South Sea pearl and diamond jewellery at their Broome showroom at 25 Dampier Terrace, Chinatown, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa and at 316 Rokeby Road, Subiaco.
LOCAL HERO William (Bill) Reed, opposite and this page, has been a central figure in Broome's story for many years. As the founder of Allure South Sea Pearls, he invited Perth jeweller Lindsay Youd to join him in Broome to build the business.
the harvest was sold. However, clients began to ask for pearl jewellery and this luxury was not yet on offer in Broome. Always the entrepreneur, Bill set out to find a talented jeweller to craft a selection of jewellery that would beautifully showcase his stunning pearls. By the late 1980’s the pearl store had flourished and Bill invited young Perth jeweller Lindsay Youd to join him in Broome, to help manage the growing business. A second generation jeweller, Lindsay had been captivated by the romance and lustre Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
31
Spot a Snubbie,
Play with Whales.
Climb aboard a Broome Whale Watching cruise for a once in a lifetime opportunity to spot yourself a ‘snubbie’ or closely observe a breathtaking humpback whale.
F
or many years, the acrobatic displays of humpback whales and their incredible migration to the Kimberley had been kept a secret, until Broome Whale Watching was established in 2007. For researchers and conservationists, Camden Sound Marine Park, located 400km north of Broome, has primarily been the leading regional focus – known as the ‘maternity ward’ or ‘humpback nursery’. From late June to early September, close to 30,000 whales embark on a long journey from Antarctica. Searching for warmer waters and an ideal place to mate, give birth, and socialise – humpback whales spend their winter holidays in Broome each year. In the early days, little information had been shared about the astonishing playful whales right on our doorstep. Cameron Birch, owner and skipper of Broome Whale Watching, spent the last 20 years exploring Western Australia’s coast. He was committed to sharing and developing this amazingly accessible marine experience with the community, building a
32
Broome Visitor Guide | 2019/20
new tourism industry in Broome. Having worked in Coral Bay along the Ningaloo Reef in the early 2000s, Cameron encountered numerous whales. “I was keen to investigate where these friendly giants were going next on their great journey,” says Cameron. His curiosity coincided with the purchase of Sentosa Fishing Charters in 2007. With a fresh start in Broome, Cameron hit the ground running and discovered an incredible surprise – WA is home to the world’s largest group of humpback whales. It was time to introduce the Kimberley’s first whale
watching vessel, ‘Observer’. In 2008, ‘Observer’, a purpose built whale watching vessel, was put to work offering whale watching and sunset experiences three times per week. Broome Whale Watching has evolved from a fast-paced, adrenaline hit aboard ‘Observer’, to a modern, first-class personalised service on the newly acquired ‘Orcaella’, a 50-foot catamaran. With breathtaking views from the top deck, guests are wowed in more ways than one. Whale watching and sunset cruises are now offered daily between the months of late visitbroome.com.au
June until early September. It’s no surprise that Broome Whale Watching has been voted number one boat experience in Broome on TripAdvisor, for the past five years, a real highlight of any visit to the region. Not only is Broome the destination for whale watching, it is also the home to our rare Australian Snubfin dolphin. With his love for marine life, Cameron recognised some time ago another unique opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of this amazing destination, Broome. The rare Australian Snubfin dolphin is another hidden gem, found in Roebuck Bay. “Only seen in the northern coasts of Australia, these strange looking dolphins with a melon shaped head form tight-knit social groups,” says Cameron. “They’re playful but at times shy and are a real favourite among our guests. “With its incredibly diverse ecosystem, Roebuck Bay is also a sanctuary for numerous marine life from bottlenose dolphins, turtles and dugongs to manta rays, sea snakes and juvenile leopard sharks,” explains Cameron. “It is a nature lovers playground giving spectators opportunities to spot Broome’s spectacular wildlife.” Providing wildlife interactions and unforgettable sunset cruises is just one aspect of our Broome Whale Watching. “As an ecotourism company, we do our absolute best to educate guests about our environment, contribute to local conservation efforts and help local communities,” says Cameron. “Working closely with Animal Native Rescue: Broome has given our guests and staff an opportunity to aid in the rehabilitation of turtles and be involved in their subsequent release into the wild.” Broome Whale Watching has developed a
WA IS HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST GROUP OF HUMPBACK WHALES
FRIENDLY GIANTS Broome Whale Watching owner Cameron Birch (right) has spent the last 20 years exploring WA’s coast.
holistic approach to ecotourism in the region. “We believe this approach will leave a positive lasting impression for future generations to safeguard the whales and dolphins and protect our backyard,” says Cameron. Book tours at visitbroome.com.au/members/ broome-whale-watching-charters
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
33
GO
Wild I
t’s hard to know how to allocate your time in the Kimberley region when there’s such an abundance of things to see and do. Join Adventure Wild Kimberley Tours and let the experts guide you, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience and travel the beautiful land of the Kimberley in safety, comfort and style. With a maximum of 16 guests and two professional guides on every safari, the quality of safety and service is second to none. These intimate tour sizes allow you to soak up us much information as you can take from your hosts, who are mature, married couples working together and sharing their knowledge, passion, and experience to bring the Kimberley to life for their guests.
34
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Escape north and explore the magnificent scenery of the iconic Gibb River Road and Kimberley region on an Adventure Wild Kimberley Tour. EXPLORE Discover natural treasures like Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Bell, Galvan’s and Manning Gorges on an Adventure Wild Kimberley Tour.
Learn all about the history, culture, flora and fauna of the region. Appreciate ancient Aboriginal rock art, walk through impressive natural gorges and swim in crystal clear water beneath stunning waterfalls. The Kimberley region, almost twice the size of the state of Victoria is vast and rugged. The Kimberley Adventurer (KA12) travels throughout Australia’s North West from Broome to Broome over a 12 day period. Explore authentic Australia via the Gibb River Road, the heartline of the Kimberley. Discover Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Bell, Galvan’s and Manning Gorges, Mt Barnett, Home Valley and El Questro Stations, Kununurra, the Ord River, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungles Ranges at Purnululu
National Park. Spend your final night at an exclusive campsite on a working cattle station in Fitzroy Crossing before returning to Cable Beach and Broome. Additional options include a scenic flight from El Questro Station to Mitchell Falls where you experience a drive, walk, swim and helicopter flight over the tiered falls. Alternatively take a cruise on Lake Argyle or the Ord River and/or a helicopter flight over the Beehive Domes of the Bungle Bungle Ranges. You can do it all! Adventure Wild utilises established campgrounds with the best facilities available. With permanent campsites set up 10/11 nights of your journey, your tents are ready and awaiting your arrival. In this part of the world there’s no rush. Stay at four of the locations for two nights each, ensuring a relaxed journey through this timeless land. Enjoy a sunset drink with your new-found friends, sit at a table to dine beneath billions of stars and relax around a campfire every night. This is truly living. Put your diet on hold as all meals and snacks are provided with freshly prepared home cooked meals. The all-inclusive price incorporates a free Adventure Wild canvas bag for packing, a 1.7 litre water canteen, a brand new sleeping bag that will be yours to keep and a free Geike Gorge cruise on the Fitzroy River on your final day. Bring your own (BYO) alcohol and soft drinks and let Adventure Wild take care of visitbroome.com.au
the rest. There is no single supplement and no requirement to share. A reasonable level of fitness is required to hike into the spectacular gorges and other interesting places visited. Many of the walks include dry river beds and gorges where large rocks move underfoot, so stability is essential. Some walks include stepping up and climbing down into and out of river beds. As long as you’re healthy, active and are able to walk a few kilometres at a time, an Adventure Wild tour should be suited to you. The Kimberley Adventurer tour is great value at $4550.00 per person. With one to two departures each week between May and September, you are sure to find a date to suit. We recommend allocating three weeks to maximise your time in Broome and the Dampier Peninsula before and after your 12 day tour. Adventure Wild Kimberley Tours is a small family business focused on quality, affordable guided tours specialising exclusively in the Kimberley region. Locally owned and operated by Broome residents
who have been exploring the region for over 21 years, they have the knowledge and passion to share. Book tours at visitbroome.com.au/members/ adventure-wild-kimberley-tours
LEGEND LEGEND
5/6
5/6
7/8
7/8
9/10 9/10
NT NT WA WA
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
35
Brilliant birds
The Broome Bird Observatory provides the perfect opportunity to watch and enjoy some of the most spectacular bird-spotting in Australia.
E
merging from the pindan woodland and leaning over Roebuck Bay, the Broome Bird Observatory’s viewing platform is a window onto our vast tides. When they are low, tens of thousands of shorebirds spread across the flats, feeding on rich mud. As the turquoise water advances, the birds inch closer, and once all the mud is covered, the beaches along our shores are teeming. This is the best time to watch, carefully, some 35 species of shorebird at remarkably close quarters, all waiting for the tide to expose their feeding grounds again.
36
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
This ritual is a wildlife spectacle in its own right, but the annual movements of most shorebirds really set them apart. It’s a long way to Broome from Siberia. Nevertheless, migrating adults of many species make this round trip every year. In March and April, you can watch from the red cliffs as V-shaped flocks depart to breed. They return gradually later in the year. Their offspring, just a few months old, arrive miraculously weeks afterwards. After this incredible journey, young birds wait a full year or two before crossing the equator again, and these are the 20,000 shorebirds you can see all through
the Broome dry season. Once the breeding adults have returned, the number swells closer to 120,000. Roebuck Bay provides a beautiful backdrop for viewing these iconic birds all year round. In other corners of the bay, mangroves shelter brilliant red fiddler crabs, squabbling mudskippers and a suite of specialised songbirds. The saltmarsh behind is home to the enigmatic yellow chat, a bright gem of a bird seen bouncing through the samphire in small flocks. Just inland are the wide open grasslands of Roebuck Plains. The Broome Bird Observatory is nestled visitbroome.com.au
in pindan at the meeting of these worlds. From February through November, we welcome visitors to a quiet, tropical bush camp away from busy Broome. Around the grounds are woodland trails and the famous Shadehouse: a well-equipped kitchen overlooking the bush birds and wallabies drawn to our birdbaths. The observatory is also a base, for research and education activities focused on the bay, and for visitors to explore the surrounding mosaic of habitats. Here are some highlights to look for through the year:
MAY-JULY Refreshing cool mornings and warm, dry days make a pleasant time to visit. The plains become accessible as they dry, and wildlife throngs around wetland oases. Younger shorebirds stay in the bay, biding their time until next year’s migration.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER We start to welcome older shorebirds back from their breeding seasons in Siberia. Inland wetlands start to dry, revealing muddy margins that are a magnet for birds. The weather is ideal for exploring mangroves and woodlands on foot.
FEBRUARY The bush is alive with wet season activity. Migratory shorebirds begin to moult into their vibrant breeding plumage: in some this is a startling transition from stony grey to pindan red! Grasslands flood and fill with waterbirds.
MARCH-APRIL Shorebirds leave on their amazing migrations. All through April, chattering V-shaped flocks lift from the mud and pass low over the observatory. Some won’t touch the ground again until they reach northern China. Look out for our Migration Watch barbecue.
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER There are now 120,000 shorebirds in the bay. Humidity builds up with the coming wet season, and other migrants are drawn by the abundance of the wet. Access to the plains is usually still possible, making an excellent time to watch birds around Broome. The Broome Bird Observatory is a not-forprofit organisation and entirely self-funded. Book tours at visitbroome.com.au/members/ broome-bird-observatory-tours
Don't miss ... An exciting addition to the Observatory is the new Clive Minton Discovery Centre. With various audio-visual displays, touch screens, information panels and kids’ activities – this air conditioned centre is both entertaining and educational. Attached is a well-stocked shop with souvenirs, t-shirts, books, cold drinks and ice creams!
Visit the new Discovery Centre
A guide to eating out in Broome
BALI HAI CAFÉ
6 Murray Rd, Cable Beach The Bali Hai Café captures the essence of Broome. Fresh produce and other high-quality ingredients are used to create delicious modern Australian food with some Asian twists a delightful culinary experience to share with friends and family. Restaurant open 7 days for lunch (12pm-2pm) and dinner (from 5pm). Hours/days subject to change depending on the season. Dinner bookings essential on 08 9191 3160 or www.balihairesort.com/#dining
CYGNET BAY HOMESTEAD RESTAURANT Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Cape Leveque Rd, Dampier Peninsula WA 08 9192 4283
Shop 6, 6 Short St, Broome 0456 096 111
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 5pm - 9pm. Closed Sunday. Street parking | Catering | Good for groups and kids Take out walk-ins welcome. www.bushyspizza.com.au www.facebook.com/BushysPizza
DIVERS BISTRO
12 Cable Beach Rd, Cable Beach 08 9193 6066
Open Breakfast lunch and dinner - bookings essential. Gaze out from the sweeping verandahs of our licenced restaurant across the pearl farm and the Kimberley Coast. Taste the unique flavour of pearl meat whilst taking in the serenity with a beer by the pool! www.cygnetbaypearlfarm.com.au
Bistro open daily from 12 noon til late. Bookings for 10 or more essential. Divers Bistro at Divers Tavern, great food at great pub prices, featuring our sumptuous BBQ ribs and much more. 18 icy cold beers and ciders on tap plus an extensive wine list. Indoor and outdoor dining to suit Broome’s unique weather. www.diverstavern.com.au
DRAGONFLY CAFÉ
Mangrove Hotel, 47 Carnarvon St, Broome. 08 9192 1303
3/6 Carnarvon St, Broome WA 6725 Open 7 days a week, breakfast and lunch.
Centrally located in Chinatown you’ll find the lovely Dragonfly Café. Serving great coffee, refreshing drinks and fresh house-made food, here service always comes with a smile from our friendly staff. The menu is healthy and diverse with plenty of vegan options and alternative dietary options available. www.facebook.com/DragonflyCafeBroome
38
BUSHY’S PIZZA TAKEAWAY
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
JOHNNY SAUSAGE
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 5.30pm - Late Situated inside the Mangrove Hotel, sweeping views of the bay at sunset makes Johnny Sausage perfect for early evening drinks before dining by soft candlelight. Soak up an elegant yet relaxed ambience, with a vino in hand. Gather your loved ones, take a seat in the sophisticated setting, and allow the authentic flavours on your plate to transport you to Italy. www.johnnysausage.com.au
visitbroome.com.au
LITTLE INDIAN
Cnr Hamersley & Frederick Sts, Broome 08 9192 1697
Open 6 days. Dinner 4:30pm ~ late. Closed Monday At our Little Indian Restaurant we focus on authentic Indian food at every stage, best quality ingredients, best preparation and quality, friendly service. Because we cook to order you can be assured that your curry will be exactly as you like – mild, medium or hot. Fully licenced and BYO. Takeaway Available Eftpos and Credit Card Accepted www.littleindianrestaurant.com
MATSO’S BROOME BREWERY 60 Hamersley St, Broome 08 9193 5811
The Kimberley’s award-winning micro brewery and a Broome treasure. Try their famous Mango Beer and Ginger Beer along with a variety of seasonal brews. Matso’s boasts its own curry chef with authentic curries available all year round. www.matsos.com.au
PAPÁ FUEGO
The Continental Hotel, 2 Louis St, Broome 0448 413 737
McDONALD’S
Cnr Napier Tce & Hamersley St. 08 9192 6999
Open 24 hours a day, everyday. Sample a wonderful array of cakes and coffee in air-conditioned comfort at McCafé, as well as your favourite McDonald’s menu items to eat in or take away. Keep the kids happy at our playground while you enjoy the free wifi on offer. www.mcdonalds.com.au
Eat with Fire | Drink with Cool Vibes Translated as ‘Father Fire’ in reference to the origins of fire, Papá Fuego captures the tropical setting of Broome and dials it up to ‘hot’ with a South American twist. This unique dining experience using slow-cooked barbecue is all about the Argentine ethos that eating, drinking and most importantly, life, is there to be enjoyed with friends, family, and lovers. www.papafuego.com.au
Breakfast 7am – 9:30am Bay Club Dining 12pm – 8:30pm Bar Open 12pm – 10pm
THE BAY CLUB
Mangrove Hotel, 47 Carnarvon St, Broome 08 9192 1303
Come sit back and enjoy the outdoor setting of The Bay Club bar and experience the relaxed holiday ambiance of Broome. Enjoy a sophisticated afternoon with delicious and refreshing cocktails made by our talented resident mixologist and nibble on a variety of scrumptious sharing plates. Overlooking the stunning Roebuck Bay, lounge in day beds, curl-up in cabanas or gather a multitude of friends and wile away the hours in the tropical surrounds. www.mangrovehotel.com.au
THE MILLIE CAFÉ
Cable Beach Caravan Park, 8 Millington Rd 08 9192 2066
WET SEASON: Monday - Sunday 7am - 2pm. Closed Saturdays. PEAK SEASON (Jun, Jul, Aug): Monday - Sunday 7am - 2pm. The Millie Café is a relaxed space where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake. www.cablebeachcaravanpark.com.au/millies-cafe
THE WHARF
WILD FLOWER BROOME
4 Sanctuary Road, Cable Beach 08 9192 5700
Lunch & Dinner 11am-Late Modern indoor air-conditioned dining and bar. Breezy verandah and alfresco garden dining. ½ price oysters 2pm–5pm daily. Classic fish and chips to flavoursome Kimberley chilli mud crab. The Wharf has an extensive local WA seafood selection. Fully licensed | Ice cold beer | Sophisticated wine list Specialist spirits and cocktails.
4/63 Robinson St, Broome 08 9192 5700
Tue/Wed 4pm - 10pm | Thur/Fri/Sat - 11am-10pm | Sun 11am- 3pm
This stylish tapas restaurant specialises in fine food, great wine and craft beer. Locally owned and operated in the new Town Beach Precinct, Wild Flower Broome provides a high end hospitality experience in one of Broome’s best locations. www.wildflowerbroome.com.au
NOTE: The information contained in this section has been supplied by the individual establishments. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any information which is not accurate. You are advised to phone the places and check their opening hours and other details prior to a visit.
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
39
The Wharf
Delicious Dishes
Little Indian
Papá Fuego
In Broome, you’ll discover delicious cuisine every day and night of the week. Dine at some of our favourite spots... By TORI WILSON
Dragonfly Café
Matso’s Broome Brewery
40
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
For primi he would recommend the goat cheese and rucola tortelloni, basil pesto – another creation originating from his home region. It’s simple, fresh, and flavoursome and a truly authentic handmade pesto. For secondi, try the Coteletta ‘alla Milanese’ free-range, crumbed pork cutlet. This is a unique twist on a brilliant Italian classic, normally made using beef but has been reinvented in the Johnny Sausage kitchen, replacing it with a tender pork cutlet complemented with a smooth light truffle mash, savoy cabbage, and Barolo jus. Il Dolce – look no further than the Budino – a dark and white chocolate mousse. Mattia described his Nonna’s home recipe to our head chef who was intrigued and incorporated it into his own version of this popular Italian dessert. Delizioso! Mangrove Hotel, 47 Carnarvon Street, Broome. Call (08) 9192 1303
THE WHARF
Johhny Sausage
JOHNNY SAUSAGE Legend has it Johnny ‘Sausage’ Barbato was known as the gourmet gangster, earning his nickname from his butchery skills and love of food. His passion for authentic Italian cuisine can be felt all throughout this incredible restaurant, a place where beautiful meals are the heart of every occasion. Situated inside the Mangrove Hotel with sweeping views of the bay at sunset, we recommend arriving early for pre-dinner drinks. Select a tasty Italian-style cocktail or something from its extensive wine list. It boasts an impressive range of Italian wines, including a delicious Montepulciano with bold fruit flavours and a fine, gentle tannin. In line with its ethos to bring as much of Italy as possible to the table, while still sourcing fresh local produce where desirable, all the cheeses are oozing with flavour, having been imported directly from Italy, while the seafood is locally sourced from within WA. Having grown up in Italy surrounded by delicious, local food, restaurant manager Mattia knows all the best true Italian dishes to try. He recommends the scallop and tuna tatare, with tropea salad, mascarpone, garum as an antipasti, which is a very popular summer dish from his home region Liguria. It’s a tender, eye-catching appetizer, capturing the essence of the sea.
Johhny Sausage
When we think of seafood caught fresh from the ocean on our doorstep, we think of The Wharf. It’s been serving the best local seafood to the tourists and locals of Broome for over 25 years, and it continues to do so in its new location along Sanctuary Drive. Having relocated to the hub of Cable Beach, The Wharf is just a 10-minute stroll from the beach, so you can smell the ocean air as you dine on the best it can provide. Think classic crispy fish and chips, to wild caught barramundi or threadfin salmon, to a fantastic feast of Kimberley mud crab.
THE WHARF THE WAY SEAFOOD SHOULD BE F RESH, LOC AL, SIM PLE MODERN INDOOR AIR-CONDITIONED DINING & BAR. BREEZY VERANDAH & ALFRESCO GARDEN DINING. 1/2 PRICE OYSTERS 2 PM - 5 PM CLASSIC FISH & CHIPS TO FLAVOURSOME KIMBERLEY CHILLI MUD CRAB. THE WHARF HAS AN EXTENSIVE LOCAL WA SEAFOOD SELECTION. FULLY LICENSED - ICE COLD BEER, SOPHISTICATED WINE LIST, SPECIALIST SPIRITS & COCKTAILS. RESTAURANT BOOKINGS & GOURMET TAKEAWAYS: PH 9192 5700 4 SANCTUARY ROAD, CABLE BEACH LUNCH & DINNER 11AM - LATE
I] thewharfrestaurantbroome
WHARF RESTA URA NT
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
41
At the new venue you can enjoy the cool, air-conditioned interior seating, surrounded by lush indoor plants. Or take in the fresh air on the outside deck, spacious and shaded with a cool breeze blowing though. Sit back and peruse the well-thought-out wine list, carefully chosen to pair well with seafood. The modern bar with specialist spirits and house crafted cocktails add to the ambience and complement their Japanese inspired daily specials – including their delicious sashimi that is fresh and delicate. Chef Hau Duong has 20 years’ experience in hospitality. Prior to joining The Wharf, where he has been the chef for seven years, he was on the team of the Italian restaurant in The Reverie Hotel, a highly esteemed luxury 5-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. He recommends you try the grilled barramundi with the chilli sambal soy sauce. “The dish looks simple but includes everything from the freshness local fish to very famous but unique sambal soy sauce, and all just comes together perfectly,” he says. This ethos complements the restaurant motto, being The Way Seafood Should be ‘Fresh, Local, Simple’. For something unique to The Wharf, we recommend you also try their famous barramundi wings or a whole crispy reef fish – both delicious. And you can’t go wrong with the fresh oysters, which are prepared five different ways – natural served with lemon wedges; wakame seaweed with a zesty soy; Kilpatrick with finely chopped crispy bacon; Japanese panko oysters with a delicious wasabi mayo; and unique to The Wharf is their ginger soy shallot sauce. Try them all to find your favourite. Make sure you’re there in the afternoon to make the most of the daily happy hour from 2pm to 5pm, where oysters are half price. 4 Sanctuary Road, Broome. Call (08) 9192 5700
The Wharf
The Wharf
THE BAY CLUB
Cnr Hamersley St & Napier Tce
42
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
The Bay Club experience is exactly as it sounds – lush, bright, and completely relaxed by the bay. The Bay Club’s talented resident mixologist Cyril Beguin knows how to make a good drink. His knack for crafting cocktails stems from a focus on the fundamentals, ensuring even the smallest details are considered. When it comes to favourite suggestions, he believes that you can’t ignore a good old classic like a Vieux Carre – it is classified as one of the ‘unforgettables’ and is a slightly sweet, spiced, and warming drink with herbal, citrus, and smoky notes. A Charlie Chaplin made with three simple ingredients (sloe gin, apricot brandy, and fresh lime juice) is also not to be overlooked. visitbroome.com.au
The Bay Club
NOTHING BEATS LOCAL SEAFOOD WHILE IN BROOME We recommend you try the Secret Garden for something that looks good and tastes delicious. This visually stunning cocktail sums up the name perfectly, with fresh floral undertones complemented with herbal aromatics of Hendrick’s Gin and elderflower liqueur. Or if you’re after something simple and refreshing, they always have rotational taps of craft beer available. Tuck into some tasty share plates while you’re there. Nothing beats local seafood while in Broome, and currently the crayfish sliders are a highlight of the menu. They come with Geralton rock lobster, Japanese mayo, spring onions, lettuce, and a buttermilk bun. Roebuck Bay is one of Broome’s most beautiful natural attractions so it’s easy to get stuck here with such stunning views of this iconic spot. Observe the changing colours of the bay and its ebb and flow caused by the huge tidal variations. At low tide, the milky turquoise waters retreat to expose a horizon of mud flats. Fridays you’ll be in for a real treat with easy listening acoustic tunes from local and traveling musicians featured from 5pm to 8pm, and on select weekends. And every month it’s the perfect base to watch the Staircase to the Moon – a natural phenomenon where the moon rises over the bay, glittering over the water like a staircase. Mangrove Hotel, 47 Carnarvon Street, Broome. Call (08) 9192 1303
BREWING ALL YEAR
Open 7 DAYS 5811 | (08) 9193
McDONALD’S BROOME After wrapping up a day of adventuring Broome, wind down with a bite to eat at McDonald’s Broome. Centrally located, just a stone’s throw from the Visitor Centre, it’s equipped with its iconic playground so the kids can continue to burn off steam – even if you’ve got none left to give. Happy Meals and Chicken Caesar Wraps are always popular. Otherwise, a frozen coke or cold dessert is the best way to cool down on a hot day. Pre-adventure, a drive-thru coffee will kick-start the day without cutting into your activity time. Cnr Hamersley Street &, Napier Terrace, Broome
dm@matsosbroome.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
43
Matso’s Broome Brewery
MATSO’S BROOME BREWERY There’s nothing quite like a sip of refreshing ginger beer on a balmy day, and Matso’s Broome Brewery has built a reputation from it. This relaxed, casual brewhouse is an icon; known for its range of delicious brews that complement the surrounding climate perfectly. Its Ginger Beer and Mango Beer are two must-try classics, while it also produces a larger range of beers that are exclusive to Broome. Visit the brewery to try its Pearlers Pale Ale, Bishops Best, Chilli Beer and Kimberley Draught, and pair it with some of the delicious Australian-Asian fusion, pub-style meals that will have you hanging out all afternoon for more. Head chef Chamalou, hailing from the Philippines, has led the charge at Matso’s for four years and has a passion for fusion cuisine. Try the salt and pepper squid, fish of the day, lamb rack and pork belly for a good mix of tasty bites. This family-friendly venue hosts jam nights each Tuesday with live music, as well as weekly Sunday sessions during the dry season, from 5pm. Look out for its signature annual events too, with Oktoberfest taking place on the 3rd of September, and its major Streetfest party filling the streets on the 25th of September. 60 Hamersley St, Broome. Call (08) 9193 5811
PAPÁ FUEGO As soon as you step into this little hidden gem, be instantly transported to South America, where spending time and sharing food with family, friends and loved ones are what life is all about. This dimly lit, late-night bar and restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere surrounded with eclectic décor. Come sit at the bar
before dining and find your perfect drink on their extensive menu, or enlist the expertise of the mixologists and have a South American inspired cocktail made with flare. Translated as ‘Father Fire’ in reference to the origins of fire, Papá Fuego is known for its flame grill, the feature of their iconic dishes, paying homage to the culinary ethos of slow-cooked barbecue. Take a journey inspired by South American flavours curated to tantalise your tastebuds. Their menu features the very best of Argentine cuisine and some of the best dishes from South America. Try their Anticuchos grilled chicken skewers with smoked potato whip and huacatay lemon dressing from their street food menu, followed by the mouth-watering Picanha Beef rump cap perfectly complemented with the Maiz Charred Corn tentacles with chipotle mayo and cilantro from the side’s menu. From 5pm to late at night, Papá Fuego offers a set shared menu called Feed Me Fuego, bringing people together just like a family asado in Argentina. Feed me Fuego consists of a wonderful mixture of Papá Fuego’s Street food menu paired with a mixture of their flame grilled dishes, accompanied with their most popular side dishes, and finishes off with two dessert options. The Continental Hotel, Weld Street, Broome. Call 0448 413 737
LITTLE INDIAN The masters of authentic Indian cuisine, the team at Little Indian can regularly be spotted in the kitchen blending their own spices to make the curry pastes which form the basis for so much of the menu. You’ll notice the difference this makes when you tuck into their delicious fare; choose the beef vindaloo and you’ll get a real hit of southern Indian cooking. The succulent beef is slow cooked with potato and the homemade vinegar-rich vindaloo sauce is a real treat. There’s also the chance to try a Kashmiri goat curry, the meat cooked on the bone with onion, herbs and spices, finished with coriander. Vegetarians are well-catered for as well – try the paneer matar masala (green pea and cottage cheese cooked in a mild sauce, flavoured with ginger and coriander) or the subj dal (red lentil and veggie curry). Broome’s proximity to the coastline is reflected in the seafood on offer too: you’ll find a prawn Goan-style curry, cooked with cashew 44
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
Papá Fuego
nuts, brown onions and plenty of rich coconut milk, and prawn masala really hits the spot with some garlic naan on the side. The friendly staff win lots of praise too – just make sure you tell them whether you want your meal mild, medium, or hot. It’s open six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday) and offers a takeaway as well as a dine-in option. 16 Frederick Street, Broome. Call (08) 9192 1697
DRAGONFLY CAFÉ Settle in on one of the wicker chairs under the shade of the streetside rotunda or escape the heat inside this bright and welcoming café for a fresh and healthy meal to start the day. It’s all-day breakfast menu is extensive and extremely tempting... Try Dragonfly’s ‘Eat Pray Love’ dish for a fresh and wholesome green bowl packed with grilled snow peas, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, avocado, halloumi, poached eggs and quinoa. The ‘Bit Posh’ mushrooms with wilted spinach, rocket, goat cheese, poached eggs, home-made dukkah and Italian glaze on sourdough is another standout. Or there’s the classic ‘Broome’ big breakfast, ‘Mr. Benedict’ with a choice of bacon, salmon or pulled pork, the ‘Brekkie Burger’ on
Dragonfly Café
brioche, ‘Vegan Pancakes’ and more. That’s before we even get to the lunch menu, from 11am. Whatever your diet or mood, there’ll be something here to satisfy your appetite. 3/6 Carnarvon St, Broome
DIVERS TAVERN Located just over the road from Cable Beach, Divers Tavern is the goto for a local gastro-pub feed, with an extensive bar and bistro menu. By day, the beach bar offers an open air tropical vibe, with plenty of ice-cold drinks on offer to quench your thirst, including about 20 variations of Australian and international beers on tap. At night this space transforms into a destination for live music and entertainment, often hosting the some of the country’s top musicians. Its bistro offers an array of dishes to suit any appetite or dietary requirements. From light bites and fresh salads, to a satisfying burger selection and premium pizzas, to hearty pub classics, and sophisticated mains featuring fresh seafood or slow cooked meats – the choice is yours. 12 Cable Beach Road, Cable Beach, Broome Divers Tavern
Dragonfly Café
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
45
Wild Flower, one of Broome’s newest restaurants, is bringing tapas with a distinctive Western Australian twist to the table, and the results are sensational. By TORI WILSON
Local Flavours, from Land & Sea
A
ll about showcasing what Western Australia has to offer, Jaimie Laing’s Wild Flower is a rare opportunity to taste native botanicals of the Kimberley – used to complement the freshest local seafood and produce. Having been raised by fisherman, Jaimie herself spent her fair share of time fishing out at sea and took her first job as a cook in the Gulf of Carpentaria at the age of fourteen. With a passion for seafood, she made her way to Broome where she began work as a cook for Paspaley Pearls, before venturing abroad to work on super yachts cooking for the rich and famous. Jaimie has been back in Broome for 15 years and evidentially it is this special place, with the help of international experience and insights, that has provided the greatest inspiration for her food. Paspaley pearl meat, threadfin salmon caught off Cockatoo Island, lamb infused with local Walaja honey sourced from the Applebey family, and an abundance of botanicals from Mayi Harvest such as
46
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
strawberry gum, seablite, quandong, boab powder, kakadu plum, and bush tomato all make their way into the mix of refined tapas dishes and cocktails served at Wild Flower. Everything is made onsite, with the intention to let the raw ingredients speak for themselves as much as possible, says Jaimie, who is the inventor of each recipe. “A lot of people don’t understand how many great products are in the Kimberley.
“In our pearl meat ceviche we use a local pepper berry and salt bush. In the Walaja lamb we use Walaja honey from a local Indigenous family and the Spinifex Honey Myrtle Ale, infused with local bush botanicals. In our pork ribs, we use the Spinifex Ginger Beer with Geraldton wax. “It’s about showcasing what WA has on offer.” Akoya is another sensational seafood visitbroome.com.au
treasure that is gaining popularity as a relatively new-to-market and sustainable seafood option. A cross between an oyster and a mussel sourced from Leeuwin Coast, Wild Flower coats its Akoya in a crispy tempura batter with lemon myrtle, turmeric, and smoked
paprika; serving them with a seaweed square, pickled ginger and wasabi cream. “Even people who don’t like seafood are always so glad we suggested they try the dish,” says Jaimie. It’s not just the food that receives remarkable attention to detail, the cocktails are all crafted with a local bush botanical twist and WA ethos in mind. “We infuse vodka with fresh rosella for our signature Wild Flower cocktail,” says Jaimie. “Our take on a Bloody Mary is our Bush Tucker Bloody Mary, which we infuse with wattle seed and make with pepper berry, bush tomato and seablite. We dehydrate all our own fruits for garnish. “Every part of our drinks is designed to give a different explosion of flavour.” This exceptional dining experience is set at Town Beach, with beautiful views overlooking Roebuck Bay. 4/63 Robinson St, Broome Book at wildflowerbroome.com.au
Little Wild Flower Bringing a little slice of Wild Flower to a natural setting, Little Wild Flower curates pop-up picnics right on Cable Beach – with a view so close you can touch it. Offering a five-course tapas menu, guests begin with an antipasto platter before being served the delicious pearl meat ceviche spoon, followed by lamb kofta, steak or crispy skin salmon, and a medley of desserts to finish. “Arrive just before sunset and once the sun goes down, you have the entire beach to yourselves,” says Jaimie. Catering from two to 30 people, these boutique pop-up picnics are incredibly intimate, and ideal for special occasions such as engagements, birthday celebrations, or even small weddings. “When it’s the big events we’ve gone as far as to have musicians on the beach – drummers, fire dancers, belly dancers. It can be custom to whatever they want,” says Jaimie. Set up with comfortable cushions and bean bags, you'll never want to leave.
LADY M LUXURY CRUISES Cruise on board Lady M to experience the most untouched and remote areas of the Kimberley Coast & Rowley Shoals. Accommodating up to 13 guests in en-suite air-conditioned cabins, your Kimberley adventure promises to be an intimate and personal journey. Let our experienced crew show you the true beauty of the Kimberley, on an adventure of a lifetime.
0438 855 045 |info@ladymcruising.com | www.ladymcruising.com Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
47
From bark huts to beautiful new glamping tents, the Brown family-owned Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm has come a long way since it began in 1946.
I
magine your backyard is an amazing marine environment, bordering pristine sand, merging with red earth and trees filled with native birds. A place you can escape to for its serene beauty and be mesmerised by turquoise water horizons, or instead choose to immerse yourself in the lively village of pearl farmers going about their daily operations, along with excitable visitors being guided around the farm. That’s the Brown family home – an operational pearl farm that has been open to the public since 2009. The original family homestead has slowly evolved over the last 77 years and has been transformed into a pearl showroom and reception, with the addition of the Homestead Restaurant and infinity pool. This heritage area is brought
48
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Pearls
with heritage
to life daily with farm-guided tours, boat adventures, restaurant dining and picnics, browsing world-class pearls, or just relaxing in the safari tents or campsites. Newly opened this year are the pearlers’ village safari tents. These deluxe glamping eco tents bring a new level of luxury with private ensuites, air-conditioning and king size beds. They are built to be eco-friendly with minimal impact on the environment and furnished with items made in Broome by Aguyna (a not-forprofit community organisation). Surrounded by hundreds of locally grown plants, this serene space is accessible by 2WD and easy walking distance to the pool, restaurant, pearl showroom and tours. Wheelchair accessible tents are available. To complement the existing 4WD
accessible accommodation and camping available, 2022 will see the opening of a new 2WD accessible caravan and camping area. Set in the heart of the valley and close to the restaurant and pool, these unpowered camp and caravan sites will be the perfect location to take advantage of the facilities and be part of the unique pearling community. With the Cape Leveque Road fully sealed to the Cygnet Bay turn-off, adventuring to the pearl farm is even more reachable for adventurers and day trippers alike. For something a little more spectacular, scenic flights are available through Air Kimberley, Broome Aviation and Fly Broome and land at the farm’s pindan air strip. During your visit, experience the epic story of the Australian pearl from its origin visitbroome.com.au
SEA SAFARI Discover stunning beaches, the largest tropical tides in the King Sound, or the amazing natural phenomenon of waterfall reef.
through four generations of the Brown family who have been pearling and living at the farm since 1946, to present day. The pearl farm tour is the perfect starting point, where the guides will take you through the process and history of pearl farming. You will witness a live pearl harvest and then learn how these magnificent gems are graded. Then inspire your adventurous spirit and venture out on the water with a Sea Safari tour through the Buccaneer Archipelago. Discover stunning beaches on the Island Explorer, the largest tropical tides in the King Sound, or the amazing natural phenomenon of waterfall reef. These two-hour Sea Safari tours are a fantastic way to explore the Kimberley’s unique natural environment. Spot turtles, dolphins, fish, and visit the pearl
long lines on your way out of the bay. Connect to the cultural significance of the pearl farm and visit Bruce Wiggan, the Bardi Jawi artist in residence as he creates his carved pearl shell ‘riji’ by the old homestead. Or join a cultural tour led by Bardi man and fourth generation pearl farmer Terry Hunter, who grew up on the farm and shares his family stories and their connection to the natural landscape. The Browns have always worked closely with the Indigenous Australians of the region and it’s great to hear stories of Terry and his friend James Brown growing up together at the farm. Discover the pearl showroom and choose a pearl to call your own as a special keepsake of your amazing experience at the farm. Or try the delicacy of pearl meat at the Homestead Restaurant, overlooking the bay and infinity pool. Your experience at the farm can be as stimulating or as relaxing as you like. Visit for a day, a night, or a week. Either way, you will learn that every oyster has a story, and your visit to this unique part of the world will turn into a story of your own. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ cygnet-bay-pearl-farm-accommodation Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
49
Stay Central
A short stroll from the pristine sands and crystal waters of Cable Beach, Cable Beach Caravan Park is the perfect base for your Broome holiday.
T
he original Cable Beach Caravan Park has it all. Boasting a resort style pool, large shady sites and an on-site café, this park has something for everyone. Having offered a warm and welcoming reception for the past three decades, this is a caravan park with a true sense of community. Famous for its iconic camel rides, the famous beach is 22km of pristine sand and tropical waters. The sunset over the Indian Ocean can be breathtaking and there’s also plenty for you to do in Broome other than dip your toes in the sea. A holiday in Broome is a unique experience. The town’s history as the pearling capital of the world has left behind a unique culture – Australian but heavily influenced by Asia. Add this to the pristine waters, wide empty beaches, abundant wildlife and tropical climate and you can see why Broome is so popular. “We have people come back to the caravan park year, after year, after year” says Cable Beach Caravan Park owner, Ron Beacham. “They come to see friends and enjoy the wonderful climate and relaxed atmosphere.” Set on 20 acres of picturesque grounds,
50
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
there is space for all to relax and enjoy. Whether you are in a big rig, tent, or anything in between, there is a spot to suit all needs. “Being within walking distance to restaurants and just a few minutes’ walk to the beautiful white sands of Cable Beach, the location is enviable,” says Cable Beach Caravan Park owner, Margaret Beacham. Cable Beach Caravan Park offers both powered and un-powered sites, convenience shop, playground, barbecues, tour bookings, WIFI, clean, modern amenities, coin-laundries, book swap and fish cleaning facilities. Adjoining the caravan park is much loved Millie Café; a relaxed space serving delicious breakfasts, lunches and mouth-watering coffee and cakes. Open six days from 7am. A caravanner’s delight, it is truly a fantastic park for your next holiday – the perfect base to explore the ochre cliffs and turquoise waters of the Kimberley. The team at reception are experts in all there is to see and do in Broome, so stop by and let them guide you in the right direction, depending on your interests. To get you started, here are a few highlights they’d suggest for your trip:
BROOME COURTHOUSE The original Cable House to the cable that gave the Cable Beach its name! It is home to the vibrant Courthouse Markets on Saturday and Sunday mornings. A great place to pick up a gift and some lunch.
CHINATOWN Buzzing with shops, cafés, pearl boutiques and history. Be sure to visit Chinatown's pearl luggers, the iconic Roebuck Hotel and Sun Pictures – the oldest operating open-air gardens in the world.
SSJG HERITAGE CENTRE Discover 100 years of Broome’s cultural and social history.
BROOME MUSEUM Housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings, learn about the history of Broome.
TOWN BEACH AND PIONEER PARK There is no better place to take in the colours of Broome and enjoy a picnic. A good spot to see the Staircase to the Moon.
visitbroome.com.au
THE MANGROVE HOTEL Popular with the locals for a post work drink and with a view to die for, it's easy to see why. A good Staircase to the Moon vantage point.
MATSO’S BROOME BREWERY Try some of Broome’s local beers including the famous Mango Beer and Ginger Beer in this historical building.
JAPANESE AND CHINESE CEMETERY The resting place of hundreds of unfortunate pearl divers.
BROOME TOWN BUS
FRESH AIR Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and picturesque grounds at Cable Beach Caravan Park.
The excellent Broome Bus service offers single rides or the great value Day Pass, buy tickets on board.
BROOME TURF CLUB
BUDDHA SANCTUARY
If the races are on during your stay be sure to catch the bus down and join in the fun.
Just next door to the caravan park – a heaven of tranquillity with ornamental gardens and hand carved 4m Buddha.
Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ cable-beach-caravan-park
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
51
Pristine beaches, spectacular sunsets and world-famous wildlife spotting await you in Broome, so start planning your stay now.
PLAN THE
Ultimate Holiday A
nyone who’s ventured to Western Australia’s tropical north will tell you there’s something special about Broome. This iconic WA holiday town has it all, no matter what kind of escape you have planned. If you’re looking for Broome accommodation just a short walk from all the action at Cable Beach, you’ll love RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park. The park is perfect for all types of travellers, with both caravan and camping sites or self-contained accommodation options to choose from. Relax beneath the palm trees around the refreshing saltwater pool, enjoy an outdoor barbecue with friends and family, or take a five minute stroll down to Cable Beach at sunset. You also don’t have to go far to stock up on your holiday essentials. The park is located conveniently next door to Cable Beach General Store & Cafe. Open seven days, they offer light meals, groceries, beach essentials and much more. Plus, if you’re looking for some familyfriendly entertainment, you can enjoy their mini-golf course. If you are in a caravan or camping, the
52
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
park offers a variety of shady sites to suit your setup. And if your furry family member has come along for the ride, there are pet friendly sites available too. All sites offer power, fresh water and a sullage point for your convenience. The parks two-bedroom, self-contained cabins are perfect for families or groups of friends, and studio rooms make for a comfortable home away from home for
couples or solo travellers. Located just 1km from the Cable Beach Restaurant precinct and a seven minute drive from the town centre, the park allows you to easily access all of Broome’s attractions. The park has all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay. Cook up a storm in the camp kitchen, reset after a long trip at the guest laundry or fillet your catch at the onsite fish cleaning station.
visitbroome.com.au
COMFORT IS KING Take advantage of the central location and comfortable ammenities, whether you're camping, in a caravan, or a cabin.
If you are looking for a night off cooking, Broome offers a wide variety of dining options. Walk across the road for a casual meal at Divers Tavern or treat yourself to beachfront dining at the Sunset Bar & Grill or Zanders on the Beach. Visit Chinatown and immerse yourself in Broome’s cultural
history, whilst you enjoy Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/raccable-beach-holiday-park Planning a road trip across WA? We’ve got nine Parks & Resorts to choose from and RAC members save on accommodation.
Relax and discover Broome your way
Located just a splashing distance from the pristine shores of Cable Beach, RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park combines Broome’s finest location with comfortable accommodation to suit all travellers. Book with us and get that holiday feeling.
The power of membership
Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au R18615
*T&C’s apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details. Image credit: Tourism Australia
18615-Tourism Assets_Broome Visitor Guide 2022 HP-194x138mm.indd 1
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
1/06/2022 12:08:07 PM
Discover
Unbeatable views Roebuck Bay in Broome will soon be home to one of the North West’s premium family-friendly, resort-style holiday parks.
54
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
D
iscovery Parks - Broome is about to transform into one of Western Australia’s best family-friendly holiday destinations. Already a popular camping spot just minutes from the centre of Broome and with stunning views of Roebuck Bay, ongoing developments in 2022 will take the property to a whole new level of comfort and relaxation in the heart of one of Australia’s most popular tourism centres. Improvements will include a soon-tobe-completed resort-style lagoon pool with shaded areas that will overlook Roebuck Bay and create a brand-new focal point for recreation and hospitality. Designed to be surrounded by pool-view studio cabins, this part of the development will become a relaxing hub for families, couples and solo travellers between excursions around Broome.
Another exciting part of the plan is the inclusion of more than 30 deluxe cabins and glamping tents, which should be available to book by March 2023. While these will mean an overall reduction in the number of campsites available on-site, they will enable a whole new audience to experience Roebuck Bay and Broome from an extremely enviable angle. A new camp kitchen and barbecue facilities, new reception, new communal amenities blocks, ensuite sites and improvements to existing camp infrastructure round out a multimillion-dollar investment plan. “The park needed an injection of money to upgrade the amenities, replenish the lawns and improve the reception area,” says Park Manager Margaret Hay. “The campsite has always been quaint, but it was looking a bit worn, so we’re super excited about all the improvements and welcoming visitbroome.com.au
new deluxe cabins and studios, too. “Each one will have its own balcony, so we can already imagine sitting back watching the sunrise with a champagne in our hand!” Located right on Town Beach Roebuck Bay, and formerly known as Roebuck Bay Caravan Park, Discovery Parks - Broome has been the most popular camping spot in Broome for years. These improvements, including an increase in the number of ensuite campsites available to families, are likely to fuel that popularity while adding a touch of luxury to every camper’s experience. “Ensuite campsites on the water’s edge will allow guests their own private bathroom and are sure to be in high demand,” says Margaret. “We’re also building two new amenities blocks and refurbishing the existing two. Everything is being improved!” Despite the changes, one thing that won’t need improvement is the view. “The view here is like no other. The aqua blue seafront takes your breath away every time you see it, so to be able to relax, read a book and watch the hermit crabs walk up from the beach at dusk, it’s just magical.” Work on the new amenities block, new reception, new camp kitchen and barbecue facilities is expected to be finished by the end of this year, while the lagoon pool overlooking Roebuck Bay is already nearing completion. “The resort-style pool is going to be a great refresher in the wet season when the beach sometimes isn’t open for swimming. It’s also going to be a great new spot to hang
out and just enjoy the location. “We expect the views from the pool deck are going to be exceptional, especially at sunset and for Staircase to the Moon.” Close to the centre of town and the convenience of shops and a variety of restaurants and entertainment, the development increases the overall quality and availability of accommodation in Broome. Known as a gateway to the entire Kimberley region and a first or last stop on one of Australia’s most famous road trips, Broome offers so much for visitors, whether you’re going further or not. Worldclass beaches, unique national parks and unforgettable experiences on or under the water are just the beginning. There is also a diverse history of immigration to explore, Indigenous art galleries, and much more. As the only park located on the beach, Discovery Parks - Broome has uninterrupted views of the stunning waters of Roebuck Bay. Walk around the corner to the world-famous Cable Beach and after you’ve discovered Jurassic footprints at Gantheaume Point, take a sunset camel ride, explore incredible dunes, throw out a line or just watch Mother Nature in action – sea turtles hatch their young here between October and March every year. Broome is getting even better. And we’re proud to be a part of it. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ discovery-holiday-parks-broome
SOAK IT UP Kick back and watch the most glorious sunsets from the Discovery Parks - Broome.
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
55
Sunset, Seafood & Pearling Cruise Indulge in a deluxe dining experience on the water with Broome Cruises’ Sunset, Seafood & Pearling Cruise.
A
uthentically West Australian, Broome Cruises’ Sunset, Seafood & Pearling Cruise showcases so much of Broome at its finest. Fully inclusive, this immersive, all-in-one tour blends the region’s seafood and produce with its pearling, culture and iconic sunset – so you truly soak in and experience a sense of place. Wine and dine as you relax on board a 69ft triple-deck pleasure boat for a half-day Kimberley cruise, offering prime views of Broome’s coastline and Cable Beach at sunset. Feast on an exquisite seven-course degustation menu of fresh Western Australian seafood and local produce, prepared on deck by a private chef. The menu features Cygnet Bay Pearl Meat, Cone Bay Barramundi, Abrolhos Island Sea Scallops, Exmouth Prawns, Shark Bay Crab,
Seafood & Pearling Cruise
56
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Coffin Bay Oysters, and more. Sip on complimentary beverages served as you cruise, including premium still and sparkling Margaret River fine wines by Howard Park, local Matso’s Ginger Beer and Spinifex Beer, plus imported bottled beers and non-alcoholic choices. The cruise visits pearl lines of the oldest Australian owned and operated pearl farm, Cygnet Bay, to pull up nets of live pearl oyster shells. See the harvest of a rare pearl, then taste a pearl meat delicacy. The next day, take a guided visit to Cygnet Bay’s stunning exhibition gallery to witness an exclusive grading of the harvested pearl. Return local hotel transfers (both days) are provided, complimentary. This breathtaking journey of the senses is the only one of its kind in Australia – the perfect addition to your next Broome holiday itinerary. Tours operate between May and September. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ sea-west-mandurah-rottnest-broome-southwest-cruises-
broomecruises.com.au 9586 1136
Broome's deluxe dining experience on the water
visitbroome.com.au
Fly High, Fly Broome Be guided from the sky by the experts at Fly Broome and soak in its splendour.
B
roome is absolutely brimming with natural wonders and unique phenomena to take in. With so much to see and do, if a few hours are all you have up your sleeve book Fly Broome’s half day tour, which manages to cover a wealth of impressive attractions. It even makes time for a hot meal, a peek at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s luminous jewels and a quick dip in the resort’s infinity pool. If you have the option, take your time soaking in the sights of this seemingly far away land by opting for the full day tour. Whichever tour option you choose, you’ll be mesmerised by what you see… Horizontal Falls is an attraction that can’t be missed, and there’s no better way to witness it in action than from the sky. An entirely unique phenomena hailed by David Attenborough as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders (and he’s seen a few). In the turquoise water of Talbot Bay, the rapid and immensely high tidal current squeezes through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, spurting out impressive
horizontal waterfalls that reverse and flow in the opposite direction as the tide turns each day. Fly over the falls and witness the worldrenowned spectacle in all its glory. A visit to Broome wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a pearl farm, and Cygnet Bay is one of the most reputable. There you’ll have the chance to indulge in a hot breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of your tour. With fresh, locally sourced barramundi available for lunch, it doesn’t get much more Broome than that. Following your meal, embark upon a Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Discovery Tour if you’ve opted for a half day. Learn about the history of Cygnet Bay and how they culture some of the finest pearls in the world. Once the tour is complete make sure to take some time and enjoy the showroom. If you’ve got the luxury of a full day, you’re in for a treat as you choose your own adventure. Spend two hours embarking upon a Pearl Farm tour, a Sea Safari experience, or discovering ‘Riji – The Art of Carving Shell’ with an Indigenous teacher. The choice is yours!
The attractions don’t stop there. As you explore the best of Broome from the sky, you’ll have the optimal vantage point for viewing Cape Leveque, Beagle Bay, the Lacepede Islands, James Price Point and more. Your knowledgeable pilot will ensure you won’t miss a thing and land with an abundance of new insights and rich experiences to take home. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/flybroome
A WINDOW SEAT TO A LAND LIKE NO OTHER It’s the stuff scenic flights are made of … ancient gorges, horizontal waterfalls, giant tides and extraordinary colours. Welcome to the Kimberley, one of the last true wildernesses and home to the oldest continuous culture in the world. Step aboard and join us for the adventure of a lifetime. Highlights include:
Horizontal Falls: The main event – an entirely unique phenomena hailed by David Attenborough as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders (and he’s seen a few). Fly over the falls and witness the world-renowned spectacle in all its glory. Marvel at the majestic King Sound and Buccaneer Archipelago: Glowing rock formations, striking cliff faces and a thousand islands. Sound like something from another time? Well, it is. Fly over one of the most remote, rugged and untouched regions in the world, and watch time stop still. Hot breakfast or lunch: Drawing inspiration from their pearling history, indigenous ingredients and local seafood, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm isn’t your typical pitstop. Enjoy a hot breakfast or barramundi lunch – it doesn’t get more Broome than that. Dietary options available. Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Discovery Tour: The best way to learn about the history of Cygnet Bay and how they culture some of the finest pearls in the world. Once the tour is complete make sure to take some time and enjoy the showroom at Cygnet Bay. A window seat to so much more … You’ll have the best seat in the house to Cape Leveque, Beagle Bay, the Lacepede Islands, James Price Point and more. Your ever-knowledgeable pilot’s running commentary will ensure you won’t miss a thing. *Note: The Horizontal Falls are tide dependent and the flow of water can change daily. Please contact us for the optimal dates and times.
FULL DAY AND HALF DAY TOURS AVAILABLE.
www.flybroome.com.au | bookings@flybroome.com.au | 0455 502 965 Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
57
Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat
Discover
DAMPIER PENINSULA Stay up to date with activities, accommodation, and access tips for Dampier Peninsula. Images TOURISM WA
N
ortheast (Ardi) of Broome, Dampier Peninsula is the gateway to the Kimberley Coast and a destination ripe for exploring. Begin your journey along the 220km stretch of Cape Leveque Road from Broome. It’s a journey taken by the local people for thousands of years – an experience that connects you with the past, as you begin to unlock the secrets of this ancient place and culture. Thanks to the recently sealed BroomeCape Leveque Road, access has been significantly improved through the Dampier Peninsula to Aboriginal communities, pastoral stations, pearling industries and tourist destinations. However, keep in mind, high clearance, 4x4 vehicles are still needed if you plan to access many of the locations, as the access roads into locations off the road are unsealed. There are so many incredible adventures to have, things to do, and places to stay in Dampier Peninsula that will have you waking up in paradise...
Here are some of our top recommendations: ✔ Natures Hideaway at Middle Lagoon ✔ Smithy’s Seaside Adventures ✔ Mercedes Cove ✔ Beagle Bay ✔ Lombadina Aboriginal Community ✔ Djarindjin Campground ✔ Southern Cross Cultural Walk ✔ Gumbanan Wilderness Retreat ✔ Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery and Aqua Culture Centre ✔ Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
SOME TIPS TO REMEMBER: • The road can be closed after heavy rain so be sure to check. As you travel through this pristine area you are asked to respect the land, culture, and privacy of the local people. • Fuel supplies are limited and only available at certain times. • All visits to Aboriginal Communities require that you check in to the community office and pay a small fee for access to the community. • Please always observe road signs and stay out of prohibited areas. There are several significant sites on the peninsula and fines apply to anyone who disregards signs. • Bookings are essential for all overnight stays and camping. • No free camping or camping outside of designated campgrounds permitted. • No alcohol available for sale – check with your hosts if you can BYO.
Discover more about what to see and do in Dampier Peninsula at, visitbroome.com.au/see-and-do/ dampier-peninsula
Lombadina Community
Sacred Heart Church, Beagle Bay
58
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
PLEASE NOTE When travelling to the Dampier Peninsula, all guests must comply with all Covid-19 vaccination requirements for entry into W.A. and the Dampier Peninsula including tours. Proof of vaccination must be shown on arrival. For updates please check: • visit visitbroome.com.au/info/travel-inthe-kimberley-covid-19 • visitbroome.com.au/see-and-do/ dampier-peninsula
visitbroome.com.au
Camp with Culture Connect to culture through 'Camping with Custodians' at the new Djarindjin Campground.
I
n April 2022, Djarindjin community, on the northern tip of the Dampier Peninsula opened the sixth Camping with Custodians campground in Western Australia, providing campers a unique opportunity to experience Indigenous culture. Located adjacent to the Djarindjin Roadhouse on the Cape Leveque Road, this highly accessible location makes it a welcoming stopover on a Kimberley journey, or a great base to unhitch the caravan and explore the Dampier Peninsula. The peninsula is a stunning place to stay and explore a while, offering visitors a striking contrast of pindan cliffs, white sand and clear turquoise waters. This is the perfect backdrop to the unique cultural experiences that are on offer from local Aboriginal tour operators. With 37 powered sites catering to large RV’s and caravans and an additional 10 unpowered camp sites, Djarindjin Campground is serviced by a range of quality amenities including male and female ablutions, hot showers, laundry, a camp kitchen and a sheltered, landscaped barbecue area. If you like to like to get into the true camping spirit, there’s also the ‘Camping with Custodians’ signature communal fire pit, a place to meet and share stories under the Kimberley sky. The campground is now hosting evening yarns with a local elder several times a week around the fire pit. Camping with Custodians is a uniquely Western Australian initiative where travellers can enjoy a cultural experience with local people while staying on their country. Camping with Custodians campgrounds are owned and operated by the local community who offer a variety of cultural experiences to guests, from campfire yarns to tours of local caves or coastal areas, and all have consistent standards of high quality campground amenities. Djarindjin Campground joins the network of Camping with Custodians campgrounds spread across the North West of the state, including Imintji on the Gibb River Road, Mimbi, to the west of Fitzroy Crossing, Violet Valley and Doon Doon in the east Kimberley, and Peedamulla, near Onslow in the Pilbara. In 2023, Lombadina Community, also on the Dampier Peninsula, will welcome its own campground. A number of Aboriginal experiences can be booked from the Djarindjin Campground office, including Hunters Creek Tagalong Tours run by Djarindjin Chairman and tour guide Brian Lee, and Bundy’s Cultural Tours, led by Bardi elder, Bundy Chaquebor. Brian and Bundy are Bardi men, proud saltwater people. The tours allow them to share their country and unique Aboriginal perspective with visitors. They live a contemporary but traditional Aboriginal lifestyle and culture is very much a part of their life. Tours provide the opportunity for visitors to learn about this
ancient culture, stories and knowledge, enjoy the spectacular coastline scenery and even try their hand at catching a fish! “Camping with Custodians is a great way to make a real and personal connection to Aboriginal people and their culture,” says Brian Lee. “Sitting down and sharing time together in a relaxed and friendly way is perfect for fostering understanding between people.” Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/djarindjin-campground
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
59
Tour the Town
Broome and Around offers a chance to experience some of Broome’s standout experiences, in just a few hours.
W
Australian operators to be included – so it’s clearly a standout. Candy says it’s their goal to share insights into why Broome is the Broome it is today, because discovering its heritage and culture is as stunning as the spectacular natural beauty of Broome. “We are excited to share Broome’s rich, diverse history and having the locals’ knowledge of Broome is priceless,” says Candy. Broome and Around is exceptionally proud of its team and their unwavering commitment to delivering the best customer experience. Gabby Ochtman, one of its outstanding local guides, shares why she’s so passionate about showcasing Broome to others. “Broome has become an extraordinary place to me as I discovered its uniqueness and interesting stories,” says Gabby. “When people visit this amazing town, it can be tricky to know what to do, how to get the best out of your holiday and who can help you. That’s why I love my role, sharing my passion for this town guiding our “Broome and Around” visitors to help them enjoy Broome’s best.
Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ broome-and-around-tours
IMAGES Abby Murray Photography
hen Candy Roberts and Rod Evans moved to Broome four years ago, they fell in love with the its beauty and wanted every visitor to explore the best of this special place – so they took on Broome and Around Bus Charters and Tours. Having purchased the 16-year-old business, they put their energy into revitalising its tours, which they're forever improving upon. Take the Broome Panoramic Town Tour for example. This 90 minute tour explores the stunning sights, culture, history, and extraordinary landmarks around Broome. Hear all about Broome’s diverse pearling history from your expert guides, along the way. It’s not just us who think the Panoramic Town Tour is the crème de la crème of town tours. It was recently recognised in the 2022 Viator Experience Awards, having ranked in Australia and New Zealand’s Top 20 Tour Experiences. To put this into perspective, Viator Experience Awards 2022 recognised only 220 experiences, tours and activities in 11 geographic regions, and Broome and Around was proudly one of two Western
“We visit our favourite places, Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point and Beach, Entrance Point, Simpson Beach, Japanese Cemetery, Town Beach, Chinatown and many more secret spots! We share our diverse history, depth of culture, wildlife and ancient geology, and how Broome became a booming tourist town. “I’d love you to enjoy our thoughtful and interesting commentary in a pleasant, comfortable way to orientate yourself in this lovely town and explore how you can spend your precious holiday in Broome. The most common feedback I hear is it’s a must-do tour, and to do it as early as possible when you arrive in Broome. “We have other fantastic tours if you’re ready to keep exploring with us. The 3-in-1 Iconic Afternoon Tour, Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park Tour and my favourite, the Flavours of Broome Tour. You can even create your customised private tour of Broome. “Whether this is your first-time visiting Broome, your tenth, or even if you live here, our team are committed to ensuring you have the best experience of Broome.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BROOME TOURS Town Tours
60
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Croc Park
Food & Drink
3-in-1 Tours
Transport
visitbroome.com.au
Broome
Image courtesy of @4boysandacaravan
Cool off in our new Resort Style Pool and take in the magnificent, uninterrupted view of Roebuck Bay at Discovery - Broome. Image courtesyParks of @4boysandacaravan
BOOK ONLINE NOW
or contact 08 9192 1366 to secure your spot in our new Deluxe and Studio Cabins at
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022 Discovery Parks – Broome
61
FLY THE
Kimberley Take an award-winning scenic flight with Air Kimberley to explore ancient cultures, beautiful landscapes, and stunning natural attractions.
T
ourists arrive in Broome for many reasons, but for some, there’s just one thing on their mind: sightseeing the Kimberley’s incredible landscape from the skies. From April onwards, the spectacular scenery of the Kimberley region begins to take centre stage, and few are better placed to appreciate it than Air Kimberley. “The Kimberley has some unique and spectacular scenery,” Ash Munn, owner of
62
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Air Kimberley, says. “Flying to some of the most wild and remote destinations of Australia’s North West, our tours offer more than just a scenic flight. Our guests experience an educational journey of discovery and adventure. “Our unique and authentic scenic adventure flights are the best way to explore these amazing sights and experience the dramatic and beautiful landscapes of the Kimberley.” Air Kimberley’s tours include flying over the Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls, with a stopover at Ardyaloon to visit the Trochus Hatchery and Aquaculture Centre. Visit Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and experience the world’s largest tropical tides. Experience Bardi-Jawi culture with a visit to Sunday Island, fly, hike and heli to the majestic Mitchell Falls, visit the spectacular Bungle Bungles or explore ancient gorges at Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek on their one-day explorer tours. Air Kimberley’s tours also include their
overnight air and land adventure safaris to the Bungle Bungles, Geikie Gorge, Mimbi Caves, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Karijini National Park, exploring every angle of the Kimberley and Pilbara region. “All our tours include the ground components offering authentic Indigenous experiences and remote air, land and sea adventures providing an unforgettable tour experience,” Ash explains. “All our pilots and staff are highly trained to ensure the passengers enjoy their scenic adventure with personalised services, comprehensive and informative insight into Kimberley knowledge, complimentary transfers, and souvenir gifts to remember the experience. Our well-maintained, high-wing aircraft have wide passenger windows for optimum viewing.” It is Air Kimberley’s pilots who make the tours so unforgettable. “We handpick our pilots to make the tour memorable for the customers and to provide that high level of customer service,” he says. “Our pilots make the customers feel very welcome and safe, and provide them with a lot of information, answering any questions along the way. They have a great understanding of the Kimberley and are trained as tour guides as well as pilots.” visitbroome.com.au
Air Kimberley offers visitors to the region the opportunity to see the Kimberley at its untouched best. “Our passion is to connect people to the Kimberley and to share the world’s oldest
living culture through unforgettable guest experiences,” he says. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/airkimberley
MAXIMISE ADVENTURE Fly to some of the most wild and remote destinations of Australia’s North West with Air Kimberley.
Fl�th�
Kimberle� BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
Horizontal Falls | Cygnet Bay | Cape Leveque | Bungle Bungles | Windjana Gorge | Cockatoo Island | Mitchell Falls Fitzroy Crossing | Mitchell Plateau | Tunnel Creek | Karijini | Geikie Gorge | Mimbi Caves | Buccaneer Archipelago or charter your own destination
airkimberley.com.au �y@airkimberley.com.au | (08) 9193 7155 | Broome International Airport Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
63
Journey Roads Less Travelled Embark on Kimberley Safari Tours’ newest tour and discover the splendour of Broome to Perth.
P
ut on your hiking shoes, have your swimming gear handy and get ready for breathtaking Kimberley and WA scenery, endless gorges and Aboriginal culture as you tour with Kimberley Safari Tours – the specialists in the Kimberley and Gibb River Road Tours. Kimberley Safari Tours has recently added an extra tour date for its latest safari experience between Broome and Perth, to keep up with demand for this incredible opportunity, which is already proving popular with Western Australian locals. The 14 Day Tour in a comfortable 4WD coach departs Broome on August 26th, 2022 and travels into Karijini National Park and back to Exmouth, Coral Bay, Shark Bay Kalbarri among more sensational spots. Enjoy comfortable camping on your adventure, all-inclusive meals, camping and entrance fees and wealth of experiences
64
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
that showcase the beauty of Broome and it’s incredible environment. Some of the highlights that will make the tour a once in a lifetime experience include whale watching in Exmouth, a coral viewing and snorkelling tour in Coral Bay a space centre experience in Carnarvon, a harbour cruise around the huge iron ore ships of Port Hedland and a tour the Ocean Park Aquarium in Shark Bay. Looking ahead to 2023, Kimberley Safari Tours has several other exciting tours that take in the famed Gibb River Road and some of the most rugged and remote parts of the Kimberley, including the Mitchell Plateau, the Bungle Bungles and Wolfe Creek Crater. There is also a Perth to Perth Tour in September 2023 that includes Karijini the Coral Coast and Mt Augustus and an Esperance and Goldfields Tour in late 2023. Whichever part of Western Australia takes
your fancy, we recommend booking in advance as tourism picks up. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ kimberley-safari-tours
visitbroome.com.au
“
Iconic Camels, Cruise the Coast Camel riding along Cable Beach is an iconic Broome experience for good reason. Find out for yourself when you book Broome Camel Safaris.
R
iding a camel along Cable Beach is something that should be on everybody’s bucket list,” says Alison Bird, one of Broome’s most respected camel handlers. “There’s something special about camels. Their personalities seem distinct, wise, playful and engaging.” Alison first encountered these fascinating creatures while working on a cattle station in the East Pilbara. “The station next door accidentally mustered a camel with the cattle,” says Alison. “I went to have a look at him and it was love at first sight. I had my hands on the railings of the yard when the camel came over and gently nibbled my fingers. “I bought him and slowly got to know him and train him, all by trial and error.” It was the beginning of a lifelong love affair between Alison and these magnificent animals. After arriving in Broome, in 1994 with just three camels Alison started Broome
Camel Safaris. She has slowly grown her herd, collecting and training camels that were rejects, orphaned, unwanted or mishandled, which now happily carry her customers on Cable Beach. As they watch the stunning colours of the setting sun, the shadows from the camels create a masterpiece on the sand.
It’s the kind of magic that causes thousands of photos to be taken and many Instagram accounts updated – this is one of those moments that will never be forgotten. Enjoy a pre-sunset or sunset camel tour along the iconic Cable Beach. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ broome-camel-safaris
QP Broome Camel Safari
0419 916 101 | bookings@broomecamelsafaris.com.au | www.broomecamelsafaris.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
65
Excitement at the Races A trip to the beautiful Broome Turf Club deserves a space in your calendar, with the 2023 season to commence in June.
T
he Broome Turf Club is carved out of bush land at picturesque Gantheaume Point, just a stone’s throw from world famous Cable Beach. This idyllic location perched on the Broome Peninsula is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and benefits from the constant cool breezes, which are a welcome relief in the hot and humid climate of the Kimberley. In fact, so unique is this location that the Broome Turf Club was rated by punters.com. au in the their top ‘10 Stunning Racetracks You Have to See Before You Die’. Today the Broome Turf Club has transformed from its rustic ‘pindan’ roots into a relaxing, shady oasis. A day at the Broome races is an experience unlike most others, and one that many international tourists seek to
2 0 2 3 66
repeat. A highlight of the tourism calendar in Broome, it is a place where members of the multi-cultural community mingle with visitors from far and wide. Thoroughbred horse racing in Broome has evolved out of the dust and the Broome Turf Club has arguably become one of the most progressive race clubs in Australia, whilst still retaining a well-loved country picnic atmosphere. The main attraction is competitive
racing on the firm dirt track, which is well complimented by the highly social and community aspects of race days. A joyful and colourful scene, the clubs hospitality is enhanced by local and imported entertainment throughout the day and evening. Set amongst the balmy tropical climate, the post race party extends well into the evening with patrons reluctant to go home. A good time is had by all who try their hand at tossing the coins in the uniquely Australian game of two-up, or for those who choose to dance the night away to the sound of great live entertainment. The race season commences on Saturday, June 3, 2023 and culminates in the highly anticipated Broome Cup on Saturday, August 19. A vibrant Ladies Day will be hosted on Tuesday, August 15 and to close off, the sensational Broome Cup always leaves punters yearning for the next year’s season. Everyone who has ever had the pleasure of experiencing the Broome races always returns, for this is truly ‘the winter racing alternative’.
RACE DATES
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
The Winter Racing Alternative
The Winter Racing Alternative
JUNE
Saturday 3rd Saturday 10th Sunday 25th
JULY
Saturday 1st Sunday 16th Saturday 22nd – Derby Friday 29th
AUGUST
Saturday 5th – Kimberley Cup Tuesday 15th – Ladies Day Saturday 19th – Broome Cup
www.broometurfclub.com.au visitbroome.com.au
Broome’s destination shopping venue
�Located in iconic Chinatown �Huge Variety of Eateries �Outdoor Alfresco Colonnade �Inside Airconditioned Atrium �Free Undercover Parking/Lift access �Open 7 days a week, 7am to 9pm �Coles, Best & Less, Australia Post, and over 25 speciality stores �Tanaka Lane �15 - 17 Carnarvon St, CHINATOWN, Broome
food
fashion
lifestyle paspaleyplaza.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
67
IMAGE Jordan Edmeades
Reach for the
stars
Thanks to the Kimberley’s spectacular, pollution-free, clear skies and Broome astronomer Greg Quicke, you can embark on your own journey through the heavens - without ever leaving the ground.
G
reg Quicke’s destiny was written in the stars. And not in any wishy-washy astrological sense either; it was the intergalactic stuff that has helped shaped Greg’s life. After arriving in Broome from southwest WA, Greg became a pearl diver, a tough job made even trickier by the Kimberley’s massive tidal fluctuations. And since the cycles of the moon govern the tides, Greg could only dive on the smaller tides. Gradually he not only came to learn the precise tidal movements based on the moon, but developed a “connection” between himself and the cosmos. And it was a connection that only deepened when Greg took on work as a mechanic, working at inland cattle stations around the Top End and the Kimberley. He spent many a night in a swag under a staggering canopy of glittering stars; a cosmic light show that lit the spark for Greg to get his teeth into astronomy, a passion that burns bright to this day. Since 1995 Greg has been spreading that passion with Broome locals and tourists, the wide open spaces and dazzling night vista (Broome has more than 300 clear nights a year) providing the perfect stage for his Astro Tours. And what a stage it is. “Broome is located perfectly on our planet to see the best of both the Southern
68
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere sky,” says Greg. “We have the two best globular clusters in the sky, with millions of stars packed into each, we have two galaxies clearly visible to the naked eye and we have the best and brightest parts of the Milky Way galaxy displayed beautifully overhead all through our best stargazing season (April through November).” It’s the wonder of the experience that has many on the tours coming back time and time again, with Greg’s line-up of specialist telescopes – some of these are seriously big telescopes requiring a ladder to get to the eyepiece; others look like they are suitable for launching small children to the moon – and 50mm fully mounted binoculars providing awe-inspiring “windows” to the heavens. “We have a lot of regulars on the Astro Tours,” says Greg. “People keep coming back during the ever-changing year, as well as year after year. With an ever-changing sky tuning in is a lifetime task. It is a real joy to watch people develop their own understandings and to see the stars shining out through them.” Greg’s fame has spread well beyond Broome and the Kimberley; since 2017 he has been the ‘practical astronomer’ in the BBC/ ABC show Stargazing Live with none other than “rock star” scientist Brian Cox. It was a smash, with social media going wild over Greg (and his flowing, silver beard) which
earned him the nickname #spacegandalf. “The opportunity to hang out with Professor Brian Cox on Stargazing Live and to share my passion with a much larger audience is certainly gold in my life,” says Greg. “The response of people on my live shows is awesome and the feedback from the BBC audience in Britain and the ABC audience across Australia with twitter, Instagram and Facebook is equally palpable.” Based on his first book, Greg’s own multiaward winning ABC TV series was released in 2018 and is available on IView. ‘A Stargazers Guide to the Cosmos’, takes us on the ultimate guided tour of the southern sky revealing unseen connections between the everyday world around us and the stars above. For Greg, giving people the chance to observe the cosmos in pollution-free, awe-inspiring surrounds is but one step in encouraging them to forge the same “connection” with the universe he himself has found. “Coming out with us once will give you a snapshot in time of our continuous journey through space. Coming regularly will build on this and reinforce what we started together while adding in other elements that really can be gained only by you experiencing them through the passage of time. “To consciously experience this journey will literally take you ‘time’. Every year is different. In 2022, all of the visitbroome.com.au
planets are in the morning sky. Watching the moon dance through them every month is a real treat for the early risers. By 2023, we will have some planets in the morning and some in the evening.” Taking pictures of their interactions over a period of months, Greg uses social media to keep us all in touch with where to find them for ourselves. “The monthly cycle of the moon as it passes each of the planets in turn is one of the cycles that is particularly easy to tune into in Broome with our big tides easily illustrating its effect,” he says. Greg is reluctant to pick a single cosmic “favourite”. “Every star has its own character; they are unique as you and I. When you add to the feeling you get from them, their distance and their relative brightness, you can begin to appreciate our place amongst them. This feeling is one of peace, and wonder, and awe. “Naturally, I have a few favourites; Arcturus is the fourth-brightest star in the sky and at 37 light years away (light travels at 300,000km per second, so light years are used to measure the vast distances in space) is a reasonably close neighbour of ours. It is also one of the fastest moving stars in the sky relative to the other stars - although you won’t see any of this movement in your whole lifetime.” With his fame now international, and the Penguin Random House publication of his second book, ‘Is The moon Upside Down?” in 2020, Greg has certainly come a long way from when he started “tuning into” the tidal movements for his job as a pearl diver. “My books are a response to the thousands of people who have been asking for a follow-up journey they have begun with us at Astro Tours. It is a practical manual that
you can use to see the very real movement of the Earth through space for yourself and make this journey real in your life. ‘Why didn’t anyone show us this before?’ is one of the most common questions we hear at Astro Tours,’’ says Greg. “Showing people from all over the world our world-class Kimberley skies is such a pleasure, with no need to tell them anything at all for them to be blown away by the sheer beauty. Watching peoples’ reactions is my favourite thing in the whole world and this is even before I tell them anything about what they are looking at.” Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ astro-tours
STAR MAN Greg Quicke has become something of a legend in the Kimberley, thanks to his encyclopaedic knowledge of the night sky.
'Broome's Astronomy Experience' or 'Quickies Cosmic Tuneup', is a 2 hour educational and entertaining mind bender using big telescopes, lasers and fun under some of the best stargazing skies on the planet. From April to October when the skies are clear! Bookings essential! Check the online schedule and book at
www.astrotours.net greg@astrotours.net 0417 949 958
@GregQuicke #spacegandalf
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
69
THREE WHEELING THRILLS Take a tour on the back of Roger Hockey’s trike and you’ll see the town from a whole new perspective. By TOM DE SOUZA.
V
vvvvrumph. 2000ccs of SCAT motor roars out of the Broome Visitor’s Centre car park and out onto Hammersley Street. A cool breeze whips beneath my helmet. Roger Hockey is in the driver’s seat of this custom-built trike, and he glides around the corner and down to Chinatown. Roger is guiding me around the Broome Peninsula on a Broome Trike Tour. He’s driving a Harley Davidson hybrid, customised to carry three passengers. The third wheel adds a degree of stability and safety to an electrifying mode of transport. We exit the roundabout and turn onto Carnarvon Street. Roger shifts down a gear and accelerates out of the corner. To his amusement, I reach for one of three hand rails running along the edges of the trike’s cushioned rear end. “See those,” Roger says. “They’re nicknamed the ‘oh shit’ bars. Just quietly, these trikes do
70
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
awesome wheel stands too.” The trikes are a novel and exhilarating way of experiencing Broome. There are no glass windows or steel separating the view from the outer surrounds, and the life and breath of Broome whistle in the wind. Slowing up to enter a bustling Chinatown, Roger launches into a recital of old Broome’s colourful history. Roger is well-versed in the town’s historical and cultural knowledge, and sprinkles quirky anecdotes and jokes – some inappropriate for publication – amongst well researched fact. “See that Thai restaurant there, that was once the biggest brothel in Broome,” he says. “Still today, the ladies do a wonderful job of servicing their clientele . . . with delicious Thai food!” An eccentric businessman, Roger relocated from Perth to Broome in 1999 following a failed ostrich farming venture. He drove a selfbuilt trike nearly 2,500km and after acquainting himself with the history of Broome, launched the first Trike Tour 23 years ago. Since then, Broome Trike Tours have traversed over half a million kilometres. Maintaining the trikes is no easy feat, and Roger’s been through five engines, three gearboxes, and relicensed unapproved modification on a limo trike – an eight seat motor coach kitted with a jarrah bar, champagne cooler, and surround sound stereo system – which is now back on the road. We breeze pass the old boat building sheds – a relic of past prosperity – and head around the corner, past the homesteads of the old white pearling masters; Broome’s only Aboriginal community; and the ancient shell middens on Kennedy Hill. Roger effortlessly navigates around all the roundabouts. Riding motorcycles is second nature for Roger; he grew up on a property in Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island, and for as long as he can remember he’s been surrounded by motorcycles. “I reckon I was conceived on a bike,” he says. “I grew up on 10 acres; my dad had a bike and we used to rip around the 10 acres. I bought my first bike when I got my licence at 16, and I’ve had a bike ever since. I’ve had 20 bikes over the years and I’m now into my fourth trike.” Two hours after we set out, Roger concludes the tour beneath a shady boab back from Gantheaume Beach. He wanders around to the back end of the trike, lifts up a lid, and pulls a mysterious box from the rear cavity. Inside the box are four bush tucker liqueurs. Each is made from a native tree – boab, white currant, gubinge, rosella – and distilled by Roger in his own backyard. Aside from the Broome Peninsula Tour, Broome Trike Tours operate numerous other sightseeing tours. You can wine and dine at the croc park; learn about bush tucker from native trees; or take a sunset tour of Coconut Wells, and he guarantees me each tour is as eccentric and unpredictable as the next. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/broome-trike-tours visitbroome.com.au
Helping you find your perfect pearl
Exquisite jewels from the experts Anastasia’s of Broome boasts the finest jewellery, reflecting the beauty of the region, thanks to the expertise of owners Peter and Jill Hansen.
72
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
S
tarting from humble beginnings as a modest shell and bead shop along Dampier Terrace back in the ‘80s, Anastasia’s of Broome has boomed and blossomed into the impressive family jewellers it is today, thanks to owners Peter and Jill Hansen’s vision for excellence. Now located on Carnarvon Street, Jill’s expert eye has led to the creation of top pieces of jewellery, worn by stars at the Oscars to homemakers with exceptional taste. “We are not just another pearl shop,” says Peter. “We focus very much on stocking unique and bespoke jewellery hand-crafted here in Broome or WA as well as an extensive range of quality European designs. We are also continuing to expand our watch range and will soon have an iconic Australian brand, Adina.” Peter says the new range will perfectly suit the sometimes wild conditions of the Kimberley.
“Our exquisite range of South Sea pearls are sourced by Jill, who has had over 25 years experience in the pearling industry, having experienced most aspects of this unique industry. “There is probably no one more qualified who is working as a sales person in Broome,” says Peter. As a family-owned and operated business, Jill and Peter have bought their own unique flair to the Anastasia’s brand and have introduced into Broome their own internationally trademarked “Lust” pearl jewellery. It’s jewellery that has caught the eye of the A-list, with some items worn at the Oscars, having sold into the USA market for the last 15 years. As pearl traders, Jill and Peter attend auctions overseas to buy the vey best pearls available in the market at the very best prices. “This includes Australian pearls which are sold in Japan and Hong Kong at large visitbroome.com.au
IT’S JEWELLERY THAT HAS CAUGHT THE EYE OF THE A-LIST, WITH SOME ITEMS WORN AT THE OSCARS
international “invitation only” auctions,” says Peter. “We also attend the world’s largest bulk South Sea pearl sale trade fairs held in Hong Kong.” As the first business in Broome to adopt the Customer Service Code of Excellence, Peter and Jill are passionate about going that extra mile for the customer to ensure that they have an amazing experience when visiting the store. “We want you to select your perfect piece and will be here to help and guide you in your choice,” says Jill. “Being pearl traders also means you can choose a unique pearl just for you. We invite customers to select a pearl from our extensive range of loose stock and you can also go through our large range to find the design you want. We can then put it all together for you.” Customers will receive a comprehensive description including the grading, the source, the size, and the shape so you can ensure your pearl is insured to the most accurate standard. “Our promise to each and every customer is that we provide them with the best value pearls in Broome,” says Peter. Visit their store and keep an eye out for special events, which Anastasia’s will be
holding throughout the year. These special events are all about educating, informing and entertaining, with limited offers on their exquisite jewellery sometimes available. You will hear about Anastasia's Of Broome each day on the local radio during your stay, as they are frequently sharing information about seasonal specials. Shop 1 Johnny Chi Lane, 21 Carnarvon Street, Broome Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
73
Goolarri Media presents ... Goolarri Media presents an exciting array of arts and cultural events throughout the year, hosted across its two distinct venues and hotspots of Broome.
A TASTE OF BROOME Thursday to Saturday, August 25-27, 2022 In its 10th year, A Taste of Broome is set to return in 2022 with an epic three-day cultural festival that showcases the unique Indigenous multiculturalism within Broome and surrounding communities. It will delight your senses and entertain the entire family. Festival goers will get a real taste of Broome’s best local food, culture, art, music and film across three main events in addition to a series of smaller and more intimate events created for an all-inclusive Broome experience. Events will be a fusion of Australia’s rich cultural diversity and artistic wealth featuring music concerts, traditional and contemporary dance, film showings, cooking classes, Indigenous experiences, puppetry, cultural tours and much more. The festival will open on Thursday night with the centrepiece of the festival, A Taste of Broome Music and Picture Show. Under the Kimberley stars in the Goolarri Amphitheatre, the Music and Picture Show is a unique experience. This award-winning, multi-arts 74
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
performance is not to be missed if you’re wanting to immerse yourself in the rich history of Broome through song, stories, pictures and people. A smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country will be followed by “Nurlu”, traditional and contemporary Indigenous dance. This will be followed by a true Broome visual feast – the official Music and Picture Show featuring a wealth of musical talent from around the region. Celebrate Broome’s identity and meet the locals as they share their history and heritage with you during this unique festival that cannot be experienced anywhere else but right here in Broome. Visit goolarri.com/atob/ to purchase tickets.
KIMBERLEY GIRL AND PILBARA GIRL 2022 Heats Event, Friday, September 30 Finals Event, Friday, October 7 Every year, under the stars at the Goolarri Amphitheatre, guests gather to celebrate the achievements of our young First Nations women with two spectacular contemporary events. Music, lighting, set design, online streaming visitbroome.com.au
and special effects all focus on one thing – these brave participants who are part of an innovative program of self-discovery known as Kimberley and Pilbara Girl, now respectively in their 19th and 13th years. Each year Kimberley and Pilbara Girl takes young women from regional towns and remote communities around the North West of Australia, through a journey of a lifetime, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential. Beneath the glitz and glamour of these renowned catwalk showcase events lies weeks of personal and professional development workshops for Indigenous women from the ages of 16 to 25, from a diverse range of backgrounds. Workshops give participants the courage, confidence and ability to overcome some of the challenges that life may bring them in the future whilst forging positive pathways and relationships. These young women stand up in front of each other during workshops, facing some of their biggest fears before getting on stage during the heats and finals events, proudly showcasing their unique heritage. In addition, the audience get to know them personally as they talk about their dreams, aspirations and future vision in prerecorded video montages. These exciting events will inspire you and these young leaders will be forever imprinted in your memory before they go back to their communities as a voice for change. Tickets will be on sale from September 5, 2022.
BROOME cc a a a rrr c
ee ntals ntals ntals rrr e
Broome Car Rental
Visit events.humanitix.com Goolarri Amphitheatre, 3 Blackman Street, Broome.
CINEFESTOZ BROOME Thursday to Sunday, November 3-6, 2022 The first CinefestOZ Broome Film Festival is being held from November 5 at a variety of fabulous venues around Broome. It will be a friendly and flamboyant celebration, curated specifically for the unique social and economic landscape of Broome. Spread over four days, it will be Western Australia’s first international Indigenous-focused film festival, spearheading the telling of Indigenous stories of Broome, the Kimberley and beyond. CinefestOZ Broome will bring people together through Indigenous film, media, music, art and culture. The Film Program
We Weare areaalocally locallyowned ownedbusiness businesshelping helpingvisitors visitorstotothe theKimberley Kimberley We are a locally owned for business helping visitors to the Kimberley forover over25 25years. years. for over 25 years. Choose Choosefrom fromthe thelatest latestmodel modeltown towncars, cars,4WD's 4WD'sand andscooters. scooters. Choose from the latest model town cars, 4WD's and scooters.
PHONE {08) 9192 2210 PHONE {08) {08) 9192 9192 2210 2210 PHONE
www.broomebroome.com.au www.broomebroome.com.au www.broomebroome.com.au Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
75
will attract audiences from throughout Australia and involve strong schools and community-based elements. A free Community Day with IndigifestOZ will be held on the Saturday of the festival at the Broome Civic Centre. Further information regarding the film program is made in the lead up to the festival dates. CinefestOZ Broome is a joint initiative between Goolarri Media Enterprises, a wholly owned and run Indigenous enterprise, with CinefestOZ Film Festival, a nationally recognised community based regional arts organisation. We encourage you to enjoy this new festival being held in our quieter time for tourism, and to book flights and accommodation in advance. Keep up with festival announcements @CinefestOZ Broome on Facebook. Goolarri Amphitheatre, Gimme Club, Sun Pictures and Broome Civic Centre, Broome.
KULLARRI NAIDOC FESTIVAL 2023 Friday 23 June to Sunday 9 July Over June and July each year, Goolarri Media and the NAIDOC Working Group present a
76
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
to share a wide array of cultural experiences showcasing their products, services, culture and lifestyle. Highlights of the festival include traditional food tastings, a “Reconciliation Walk” through the old streets of Broome, culture sharing activities, traditional dance, contemporary music among many other spectacular free events for the entire family. Experience the region’s unique culture and celebrate the resilience and strength of the people.
distinct festival which showcases the unique cultural heritage of the Indigenous people of Broome and surrounding communities and highlights the diversity and excellence of the local culture. The 2023 Kullarri NAIDOC Festival will be held from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, July 9 with this exciting celebration presenting elements of tradition, ceremony, history, literature, visual art, music, dance, storytelling, cuisine, sport and much more. The Kullarri NAIDOC Festival draws upon the region’s diverse Indigenous organisations, businesses and communities
NAIDOC Festival will be held across various locations around the Shire of Broome. Visit goolarri.com/naidoc
EXPERIENCES TO REMEMBER Watch a major production under the starry skies of Broome at the Goolarri Amphitheatre, a 680-capacity outdoor venue. Or enjoy a stunning performing arts or theatre performance at the Gimme Club, seating up to 252 people indoors in the comfort of airconditioning.
visitbroome.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
77
IMAGE Abby Murray
Experience
SHINJU MATSURI
Celebrate culture and captivate your senses at Shinju Matsuri, the Festival of the Pearl – sight, sound and especially taste.
T
he longest running festival in regional WA, Shinju Matsuri, is the highlight of the end of the busy dry season in Broome. What once started as a week-long festival, organised by a group of spirited locals back in 1970, is now a jam-packed 16-day event program, attracting visitors to the Kimberley from all over Australia and the world.
aug 20 - Sept 4 2022 aug 26 - sept 10 2023 A MUST-DO EXPERIENCE FEATURING SOME OF WA'S MOST EXCLUSIVE EVENTS:
IMAGE Abby Murray
Taking influence from Chinese, Japanese, Malay and Indigenous cultures, the festival pays tribute to the early pearling days of Broome and is a reminder of the rich and fascinating history of the region. Every year the program celebrates this heritage via a series of unique events, from gourmet dining experiences, cultural tours, art exhibitions and a variety of performances by local and touring performers. The highly anticipated Sunset Long Table Dinner on spectacular Cable Beach, is the most renowned event on the program. The event is a sell out every year, with foodies from all over rushing to secure a coveted spot at one of Australia’s most exclusive dining tables, with the high demand resulting in a second dinner being added to the festival program for the first time in 2022. Those lucky enough to score a seat at the table are treated to an indulgent menu, curated by some of Australia’s biggest names in the food industry, with past headliners including Masterchef alumni, Adam Liaw, Brendan Pang and Dianna Chan. Other premium experiences include popular dining events the Chinatown Feast and Jetty Gala, as well as the stunning Floating Lantern Matsuri, a cultural experience with dining elements, on Gantheaume Point. Community events that showcase and celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of the Broome community are always a hit with attendees of all ages. Highlights of the community program include the LiveLighter Float Parade and Mardi Gras, which take over the heart of Chinatown with a colourful celebration, put together by local performance groups, schools, businesses and community groups. Shinju Matsuri dates vary each year depending on tidal movement and moonrise. The 2022 festival will take place from Saturday, August 20 – Sunday, September 4, with the 2023 program scheduled to take place between August 26 – September 10. Visit shinjumatsuri.com.au for more information and to purchase tickets.
SUNSET LONG TABLE DINNER FLOATING LANTERN MATSURI CHINATOWN FEAST ...AND MORE!
SCAN HERE FOR EVENT DETAILS & TICKETS
78
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
BROOME’S ULTIMATE FISHING ADVENTURE with Absolute Ocean Charters
Our 65ft vessel is perfect for expert fishers, amateur fishers, families, single and group bookings!
Spend an action packed day fishing the pristine waters of Broome on a Full or Half Day Reef Fishing Charter. Catch quality table fish for dinner or earn bragging rights landing a great fighting sport fish. All fishing gear, food and non-alcoholic beverages are provided including air-conditioned transfers. All you need is a camera!
absoluteoceancharters.com.au facebook.com/AOCharters
0427 798 155 Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
79
All aboard for
memories
If you love fishing, want to spot a snubbie or humpback whale, are looking for an intimate, tailor-made charter experience, or just love a day on the ocean; Absolute Ocean Charters (AOC) is your go-to expert.
A
bsolute Ocean Charters has worked hard developing a reputation as the ‘go to’ marine charter company in Broome. AOC owners and founders Kelly and Michael Woodley and their committed crew have developed a range of refined marine tours, offering something for everyone, with a particular focus on excellent customer service across all experiences. “2022 marks our thirteenth season and over that time, we have successfully completed more than 4,000 charters and have
80
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
had the privilege of welcoming over 65,000 passengers onto our vessels,” says Michael. “What has kept us at the top of our game for the last decade is the drive to send our customers home with big smiles on their faces. We believe the ocean is yours to enjoy and experience, but also to care and nurture. We absolutely love our job and everything we do reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction. “Our small family business has grown from strength to strength over the years and we now operate the largest, fastest, most well-equipped and comfortable day charter vessel offering tours from Broome. Life is about making memories not money, so we recommend you just get out there and do it.”
ROEBUCK BAY ECO SNUBFIN DOLPHIN CRUISE AOC’s Eco Cruises first began eight years ago, after the humpback whale season had finished and visitors were eager for another
coastal experience. “We had many customers wanting an eco-style cruise and we had the tour guides, marine biologists and crew in place to showcase our amazing coastline and unique wildlife,” says Michael. So, the Eco Cruise was founded and has been an exceptionally popular experience since. The tour begins at Gantheaume Beach or Entrance Point (depending on time of year) and heads around the coast and into Roebuck Bay. AOC’s expert guide takes guests through the history and landmarks of the area’s coastline, such as Gantheaume Point, Reddell Beach, Entrance Point and the Marine Park and RAMSAR listed biodiverse tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. Look around and a range of wildlife can be spotted while cruising this area such as turtles, sea snakes, dugong, sharks, rays, many different species of birds and of course the dolphins including the rare Snubfin dolphin. visitbroome.com.au
With a marine biologist on board to educate you with interesting facts about the wildlife that you observe, you’ll have the most interactive experience possible, making it one to remember. For some, the wildlife takes second place to a relaxing afternoon on the boat, sipping a drink and enjoying a few gastronomic treats prepared by the friendly crew. Guests can BYO drinks or use the convenience of the onboard licensed bar. “The afternoon tour concludes with a famous Broome sunset over the Indian Ocean, the atmosphere is serene viewing the colours that are thrown into the sky after the sun goes down,” says Michael. To spot the Snubfin dolphins and learn about the biodiversity of flora and fauna in Roebuck Bay, join a morning tour from 9am to 12pm, or a sunset tour from 3pm to 6pm.
guests is the Spanish mackerel. “Spanish mackerel are a spectacle to catch,” he says. “We deploy hard bodied lures a short distance behind the boat and troll in areas where we know the mackerel school up. “The hard-hitting macks will try to rip the rod from your hands as they smash the lures, often getting airborne while doing so. It’s usually a quick fight using maximum drag to steer the fish to the boat before the sharks try to muscle in on dinner. “When they are on the bite it’s not uncommon for everyone to land one. Our best effort one day was 20 fish in 20 minutes. They
“In fact, we are so confident we can find you a humpback whale that sightings come with a money back guarantee,” says Michael. Abating afternoon winds usually means glassy calm conditions, perfect for spotting and viewing the whales, and on some occasions it seems the whales like to do a fair bit of people watching too. “We have over 12 years’ experience doing whale watching charters from Broome and have built up a vast knowledge and respect for the whales and wildlife in our area. Our tour guides and marine biologist will keep you well informed on the behaviours, sights and sounds
are a delicious table fish eaten fresh and a great way to mix up a day of reef fishing.” Half day and full day charters are on offer and AOC welcomes all levels of fishing ability. “Whatever you want to catch, we have the experience and the expertise to make it happen.”
SAFE HANDS You're guaranteed a good day for the whole family with AOC's experienced crew leading the way.
FISHING CHARTERS If you have ever wanted to try offshore fishing, Broome is the place to give it a whirl. “We consistently have excellent weather through the dry season and Broome is geographically placed in a position where we don’t really get any swells offshore,” says Michael. “The easterly trade winds often blow a little in the morning before dropping out to make way for glassy calm conditions in the afternoon. If the perfect weather won’t tempt you to come and enjoy a day out, maybe the fishing will!” The reef fishing offshore can only be described as amazing, says Michael. “We target species for the table such as red emperor, coral trout, blue line emperor, golden snapper, saddletail perch, rankin cod and many more. “On average we land around 16 different species of fish per day and in over 12 years of fishing the Broome waters, we have recorded 82 different species landed so there is no shortage of variety.” If you’re in it for the fight, there are plenty of fish to push you to the limits. Golden trevally, giant trevally, chinaman fish and cobia are a few that will test man, woman or gear. “We are really lucky to have an abundance of bait fish that congregate in close proximity to Broome,” says Michael. “With the smaller fish come the big pelagic predators that cruise the waters hunting down unsuspecting schools of baitfish. I definitely would not like to be a baitfish in these waters!” You can expect to catch tuna, queen fish, sail fish and marlin which are some of the pelagic suspects, but the one that holds the most interest for Michael and many of his
HUMPBACK WHALES For three months of each year (July to October) the coast around Broome is graced with the presence of the humpback whale. Not much leaves people in awe like these fascinating creatures and Broome is lucky enough to have one of the largest migrations of humpback whales in the world, travelling up the west coast of Australia to bask in the warm waters over the winter months.
of these majestic, prehistoric mammals.” Whale watching tours operate daily from the start of July to the end of September. Choose from a morning tour 9am to 12pm, an afternoon tour 1pm to 4pm, or capture the whales at sunset on a sunset tour 3pm to 6pm. “Whichever Absolute Ocean Charters tour you choose, you can be confident that we will do our very best to make sure your experience is enjoyable, professional, and positively memorable,” says Michael. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ absolute-ocean-charters Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
81
SIGHTS FROM THE SKY Blessed with pindan red earth, brilliant turquoise waters, and clear blue skies – what better way to view the full spectrum of Broome’s rich and diverse palette than from the air.
K
AS Helicopters has been showcasing the best of Broome from a unique aerial perspective since 2007. With its fleet of pilots being residents who call this spectacular place home, their knowledge of the area and live commentary of the impressive sights is second to none. Broome base manager and pilot Hilary Wilkins says some of KAS Helicopters’ most popular flights include the 30 minute ‘Colours of Broome’ tour and the ‘Pearls and Coast Flight’, which lands at Willie Creek for an interactive Pearl Farm Tour. “On our ‘Colours of Broome Tour’, you’ll see all of the Broome Peninsula right up to Willie Creek pearl farm, including Town Beach, Broome Port, Gantheaume Point and all 22km of Cable Beach,” says Hilary. “The colours are just incredible – azure blue waters, white sandy beaches, green mangroves and stunning red rocks and cliffs.” Expect similar breathtaking schemes of colour and remarkable textures on the ‘Pearls and Coast Flight’, with the added bonus of landing at Willie Creek Pearls to experience its multiple awardwinning pearl farm tour, which shares unique insights into the world of cultured pearling. Keep an eye out and you might just spot one of the creek’s three saltwater crocodiles, too. If you have the luxury of more time up your sleeve, make the most of it and opt for one of KAS Helicopters’ lengthier tours. The ‘Montgomery Reef Discoverer’ tour is a chance to view one of the country’s most remarkable natural wonders, Montgomery Reef – the largest inshore reef in Australia. Or choose the six-hour ‘Dampier Peninsula Discoverer’ (two hours and 40 minutes in flight) and experience an amazing scenic flight to Cygnet Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a wealth of inspiring activities. Enjoy a pearl farm tour, witness the spectacular power of the giant tides or waterfall reef on a Sea Safari boat ride, have a delicious seafood lunch, or even embark on a private boat transfer to Shell Island for a few hours of sheer isolation. With the help of KAS Helicopters, Broome is your oyster! Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/kas-helicopters
82
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
VANTAGE POINT Experience all the colours of the Kimberley from the sky.
SCENIC FLIGHTS | CUSTOM CHARTERS
Kimberley Helicopter Specialists
BOOK TODAY
1300 40 55 45
bookings@kashelicopters.com
kashelicopters.com.au
visitbroome.com.au
A PIECE of HISTORY
Embark on an experience to remember as you sail the seas, and absorb the history of Broome, with Willie Cruises.
W
illie Cruises offers a a little peak into the legends of the past, as it takes passengers on a journey sailing the blue waters of Broome in Australia’s North West. ‘Willie’, is one of the last operating pearl
luggers in Australia, often photographed against the backdrop of the iconic Broome sunset silhouette. This 1967 Gaff Rig Schooner, modelled on the designs of early 1900 pearl luggers, was built to fish for mother of pearl shell Pinctada maxima, and put Broome on the map shaping the history of the region. ‘Willie’ poised on the horizon is synonymous with the days of old. In her time, ‘Willie’ has been chartered to search for ship wreckages, collect mother of pearl shells and was even used by the National Geographic team for its coverage of northern WA in 1989. From 2004, ‘Willie’ began hosting sunset charter trips along the waters of Cable Beach, which is where she began her long industrious career as a sunset cruiser. After a few years spent adventuring abroad in South East Asia, now with her new owners and a refreshed look reinstating her former glory, ‘Willie’ returned to Broome in 2019 with her sights set for the calm waters of Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay.
PH: 0476 660 770 www.kimberleypearl.com.au booking@kimberleypearl.com.au
Get on board a
Sailing daily between Roebuck Bay and the idyllic Cable Beach, ‘Willie’ allows its patrons to experience how a traditional gaff rigged sailing vessel operates, with all sails heaved up manually, just as our forefathers did. Whilst this is taking place, patrons can take in the beautiful sunset and nestle into the comfortable seating options aboard. With an experienced and friendly crew onboard, patrons can completely relax and hear stories of the rich history and culture of the area. Enjoy complimentary canapés served throughout the afternoon and access to the open deck bar where chilled beverages are available for purchase. Expect a fun and exhilarating journey as well as memorable moments, as you sail away and experience wistful reflections on the past. ‘Willie’ sails daily from April to October in Broome. During the summer break, she sneaks away to sail in Geographe Bay. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/williecruises
PH: (08) 9358 7799 www.williecruises.com.au bookings@williecruises.com.au
Sail on a
KIMBERLEY CLASSIC
BROOME ICON
Your cruise will show you the unique rugged landscape of the Kimberley coast, amazing wildlife, ancient rock art, fabulous fishing, bushwalking, swimming under spectacular waterfalls and much more!
Learn about Broome’s rich pearling history and enjoy a unique afternoon of fun and relaxation sailing aboard Willie, a genuine Broome icon.
Experience the stunning beauty, adventure and history of the Kimberley coast, one of the last great frontiers aboard a fully renovated Pearling Boat.
Join us for an afternoon cruising the calm blue waters off Cable Beach aboard Australia’s last operating pearl lugger.
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
83
Join the awardwinning family-owned Kimberley Wild team for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of this magical land.
FAR AND WILD
I
f it’s value and excellence you’re after, the award-winning 4WD tour company Kimberley Wild Expeditions is your go-to operator. Family-owned and operated, the tour company scooped the Best Major Tour Operator and prestigious Sir David Brand Award in the 2018 WA Tourism Awards, followed again by the Best Major Tour Operator award in 2019, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re the only camping tour operator to own their own Bungle Bungles safari camp, right in the heart of the beautiful Purnululu National Park. “This allows guests to really get to know the land in an intimate way that other tour operators aren’t able to offer," says Kimberley Wild’s Jen Bird. “We explore the Kimberley with small groups in comfortable custom-built vehicles." With various tours available, from Broome Day Tours to the unforgettable overland Kimberley Expeditions, travellers will be immersed in local knowledge and real
BOOKINGS 9193 7778
passion from their tour guides who call this beautiful part of Australia home. “We are the only company to offer accommodation choices on our extended itineraries so that travellers can opt for a comfort level that suits you personally, yet still enjoy the grass roots experience that Kimberley Wild can provide,” says Jen. They have a unique approach to creating a friendly travelling group too. Thanks to their excellent network of relationships within the Kimberley, any issues that arise during a trip can be resolved quickly with minimum disruption to their guests. For the past 21 years, Kimberley Wild has built a successful and award-winning reputation for excellence, investing in the region with its safari camp and lodge, which acts as an adventure hub in Broome. As a result, guests who join a Kimberley
Wild tour can expect a high quality, immersive and memorable trip for their dollars. “Our travellers tend to be like-minded and our groups are a bit like travelling with friends,” says Jen. “We offer comfortable adventure and the chance to get off the beaten track and experience the region at grass roots level, with the comfort our larger 4WD vehicles, infrastructure of private camps and the network of support service providers.” There are a variety of tours to choose from, including day trips from Broome, short breaks and longer adventures throughout the Kimberley. “Highlights include treks into rugged Kimberley gorges, swimming in waterfalls, campfires under the stars, ancient landscapes, cultural experiences and more. We can also offer a variety of special private charters on request,” says Jen. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ kimberley-wild-expeditions-tours
DAY TOURS
Short Breaks & Extended Tours
DAMPIER PENINSULA WINDJANA GORGE GIBB RIVER ROAD CYGNET BAY BROOME ...and more!
www.kimberleywild.com.au 84
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
Timeless DESIGNS Lush Designs has blossomed from a small market stall back in 2006, to an iconic jewellery designer producing precious, timeless pieces.
O
riginally a veterinarian, Julie Nicholas arrived in Broome in 2000, in search of something spectacular. Julie fell in love with the stunning Kimberley landscape and spent her first year on the ocean exploring the Kimberley and its northern coastline. It was spending time appreciating the ocean that brought on her fascination and admiration for its precious, natural gemstone, the saltwater pearl. Delving into the world of jewellery design,
Julie quickly progressed from showcasing her pieces at a small table at the Broome. Courthouse in 2006 to annually attracting a flock of tourists to view the new designs for the year at her established business, Lush Designs. Julie focuses on designing timeless jewellery pieces with modern bohemian inspiration, sourcing pearls and gemstones from around the world. Larimar and pearls have been used extensively in this year’s designs reflecting the stunning blue ocean
colours and white sand of Broome Lush Designs’ first flagship boutique is open seven days a week right in the heart of Chinatown, next door to the original Sun Pictures. True to Lush Designs’ origins, you can also find Julie’s beautiful pieces at the Broome Courthouse markets each weekend. If you are not fortunate enough to visit Broome as quickly as you’d like one of her pieces, you can have them delivered from the online store. Visit lushdesigns.com.au
Affordable pearl boho-luxe jewellery
JEWELLERY
Designs
LUSH
Shop 2, 10 Carnarvon Street, Broome Broome Courthouse Markets www.lushdesigns.com.au lushdesignsjewellery lushdesignjewellery
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
A Luxury
Adventure
Experience the untouched areas of the Kimberley region and uncover its most glorious secrets on a luxury Ocean Dream Charters cruise.
86
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
A
n adventure in the remote, untouched wilderness of the Kimberley doesn’t mean you have to “rough it”. Let Ocean Dream and her crew show you the wonders of Australia’s North West in luxurious comfort with world-class service. Picture this, you wake up to a spectacular sunrise and with a freshly brewed coffee in hand before making your way onto the bow to admire the vast horizon and spectacular scenery around you. Following breakfast, it’s onto the tenders to spend the morning exploring the coastline. Race through the mangroves, shower under waterfalls, seek out ancient rock art sites and take a dip in a fresh-water swimming hole. Enjoy a delicious lunch back onboard before you’re off again, on the hunt for the elusive barramundi. End the day relaxing with a well-earned glass of champagne or a cold beer on the bow at sunset. Ocean Dream Charters’ chef prepares
your catch of the day for dinner, before you drift off to sleep in your comfortable bed, preparing for another day in paradise. The luxury vessel is purposely built for navigating the water passages in the Kimberley. Twelve guests can be comfortably accommodated aboard Ocean Dream in six elegant staterooms, all with private ensuites. The open deck spaces and saloon are designed for comfort and create the perfect environment for relaxing and watching the world go by. The Ocean Dream experience offers an intimate, personalised cruise with a focus on the finer details, ensuring guests are well accommodated and receive a top level of service by the friendly, experienced and knowledgeable crew. Six, eight and thirteen night cruise itineraries are available in the Kimberley and all are designed to provide an experience which focuses on the highlights and hidden gems along the coastline.
visitbroome.com.au
The north Kimberley coastline is best visited early in the season if you are keen to see the iconic waterfalls at their most abundant. The most impressive and well known of them all is of course the twin falls or King George Falls. The northern cruises also include excursions to see ancient Gwion Gwion rock art galleries and the warmer weather ups the chances of catching a barra! A cruise along the south coastline not only includes a visit to the well-known Horizontal Falls and the spectacular Montgomery Reef, but also visits some equally spectacular, lesser-known locations where you’ll likely have the place to yourselves. For the seasoned adventurer and those seeking the full experience, the 13 Night Kimberley Dream Cruise covers the Kimberley coastline between Broome and Wyndham and is highly recommended as the perfect, once in a lifetime cruise experience. There are plenty of opportunities for the ocean to plate experience and the on-board chef will serve gourmet meals for lunch and dinner with a focus on the freshly caught fish, crab or oysters you collect along the way. Dietary requirements and requests are catered for, including requests to celebrate a special occasion with a dessert or cake.
When planning your cruise, the friendly and helpful office staff are a phone call away to assist with recommendations for anything from accommodation, flights and additional tours to general advice on anything else you would like to know. They offer a high level of service from the time of booking through to the completion of the cruise. The beauty of the Ocean Dream experience is that with such a small group, you will feel like you are on your own private tour with no queues, no crowds and world
class, personalised service from the incredible team. She’s the perfect luxury vessel for a couple or family holiday, fishing trip or small group getaway. Private charters are also a popular choice and can be customised to suit the interests of the guests. For the ultimate personalised Kimberley experience, get in touch with the Ocean Dream Charters team today and start planning the holiday of your lifetime. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ ocean-dream-charters
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
87
Cruise the Coast Let Australian Pinnacle Tours take the wheel as you explore the Kimberley region in style.
S
it back, relax and allow local experts Australian Pinnacle Tours to show you the best of the Kimberley region on your journey north. Specialising in luxury coaches and 4WD services with state-of-the-art facilities, they take all the hassle out of the adventure, so you have more time to experience the highlights. Australian Pinnacle Tours invites you to experience tours from Broome, which visit the beautiful white sands of Cable Beach, the breathtaking Windjana Gorge, the rugged Dampier Peninsula and much more. The sights to see on each tour will stay with you for life. With over 40 years experience in the industry, Australian Pinnacle Tours’ guides are brimming with local knowledge, fun facts and an understanding of the area’s culture and history, so be sure to take the
opportunity to soak it all up while you travel in comfort and style. Experience ancient landscapes, unique wildlife, picture perfect coastlines and towns steeped in history. Australian Pinnacle Tours will show you the ‘must see’ highlights and reveal little-known gems that make this region such a popular destination.
THE MUST-DO TOURS Australian Pinnacle Tours offer a range of sightseeing experiences. Enjoy a halfday Broome Afternoon Tour, taking in the highlights of Broome with an epic finish at the renowned Cable Beach to watch the sunset as you enjoy nibbles and drinks. For the more adventurous, embark on a full-day journey with Australian Pinnacle Tours to the tip of Dampier Peninsula. This
day tours
tour covers more than 200km of the region to experience the remote coastal wilderness at One Arm Point and local Aboriginal Communities at Cygnet Bay. Amplify the adventure by upgrading your tour with an exhilarating two-hour Sea Safari on the Buccaneer Archipelago or include a scenic flight back to Broome and marvel at the spectacular Kimberley coast. On a tour with Australian Pinnacle Tours you will enjoy informative commentary about the destinations you visit and delve into the history and culture of the places you explore. There is no shortage of incredible adventures, amazing deals and epic tours with Australian Pinnacle Tours. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ australian-pinnacle-tours
Half & full BOOK NOW
Windjana Gorge | Dampier Peninsula | Gantheaume Point One Arm Point | Cable Beach | Willie Creek
BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW!
(+61) 8 6270 6060 australianpinnacletours.com.au
88
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
Get Around with Broome Explorer Bus
BUS TIMETABLE Shaded times operate May to mid-Oct only. Shaded times operate all year round. Between mid-Oct and 1st May, Sunday and WA Public Holiday services begin at 10.53am. NO SERVICE CHRISTMAS DAY OR GOOD FRIDAY
SERVICES TO CABLE BEACH
Bus departs at minutes past the hour.
Don’t have a car? Getting around Broome by bus is easy.
T
ravelling with the Broome Explorer Bus is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to see Broome. It conveniently runs services seven days per week, all year round; with bus stops near to all major accommodation on its way through Town Beach, Chinatown, Boulevard Shops and Cable Beach. Broome Explorer Bus also offers reliable and professional bus transfers and coach charters for all groups around Broome. See the timetable (right) or visit bebus.com.au
Forrest St Town Beach Club Village Town Beach / Museum The Continental Hotel Matso's / Moonlight Bay Mangrove Hotel CHINATOWN - Dampier Tce CHINATOWN - Visitor Centre Courthouse Boulevard Shops Broome-Time Resort Cnr Cable Beach Rd and: - Reid Rd or Charles Rd - Gubinge Rd RAC C'van Pk / Murray Rd Cable Beach
7.23am to 7.10pm
8.53am to 6.40pm
.23 .24 .25 .26 .27 .28 .30 .32 .33 .35 .37
.53 .54 .55 .56 .57 .58 .00 .02 .03 .05 .07
.38 .39 .42 .45
08 .09 .12 .15
SERVICES FROM CABLE BEACH
Bus departs at minutes past the hour. Cable Beach Cable Beach C’van Pk Mantra Frangipani / The Pearle Oppo OAKS Cable Beach Blue Seas / CB Backpackers Willie Creek Pearls Divers Tavern on Murray Rd Bali Hai / Kimberley Sands Cnr Cable Beach Rd and: - Gubinge Rd - Charles Rd or Reid Rd Broome Aquatic Centre Boulevard Shops Courthouse / Kimb Travel Lodge CHINATOWN - Carnarvon St Mangrove Hotel Matso's / Moonlight Bay The Continental Hotel Town Beach / Museum Town Beach Club Village Forrest St
.45 .47 .48 .49 .50 .51 .52 .53
.15 .17 .18 .19 .20 .21 .22 .23
.54 .55 .56 .58 .00 .03 .05 .06 .07 .08 .09 .10
.24 .25 .26 .28 .30 .33 .35 .36 .37 .38 .39 .40
Full timetable available at www.bebus.com.au
FARES & PASSES
BROOME
ALL TICKETS Shaded times operate May-mid Octo AVAILABLE FROM Shaded times operate all year round OUR FRIENDLY Between mid Oct and 1st May, Sund DRIVERS! begin at 10.53am
Value Added passes also come with special CABLE BEACH offersTO from local Broome Bus departs minutes businesses! Seeatour pastforthe hour: offers! website current
Forrest ADDED St (Fong’s) VALUE Town Beach Club Vill. 24 HOUR PASS
Town Beach / Museum ADULT $15 Mercure Inn CONCESSION $12 Matso’s / Moonlight Bay Mangrove Hotel VALUE ADDED CHINATOWN 72 HOUR PASS - DAMPIER TCE ADULT $35 Visitor Centre CONCESSION $30 Court House Boulevard Shops MULTI-RIDER Bme-Time Accm & Art 10 Cable RIDES Cnr Beach Rd & ADULT $38 - Reid Road CONCESSION $20 - Charles Road
7.23am- 8 7.10pm 6 .23 .24 .25 .26 .27 .28 .30 .32 .33 .35 .37
.38 .38 .39 - Gubinge Road ONE-WAY Murray Rd .42 SINGLE FARES .45 CABLE BEACH ADULT $4.50 CB Caravan Park .47 CONCESSION $2.50 Frangipani Resort .48 CHILD (U16Oaks w/Adult) FREE Oppo Cable Beach .49 Blue Seas/CB Backpackers .50 *Concession fares are avaliable .51 Willie Creek Pearls to holders of Australian Pension – Murray or SeniorDivers cards, Tav WA Health CareRd .52 & WA Student Cards. Present card on each boarding. ALL BUSES GO TO First bus from May-mid October exten walk along Cable Beach (app GANTHEAUME POINT MORNING WALK - 5KM
FULL TIMETABLE AVAILA
1st May to mid-October. 7 days a week. The first service of the day ONE WAY FARES only extends out to Adults ......$4.00 Gantheaume Point. There no return service. Child is........$2.00 Please take hat & water bottle.
Conc. ........$2.00
CONCESSION FARES Available only to 08 9193 6585 • INFO@BEBUS.COM.AU Australian Pension & WWW.BEBUS.COM.AU • FACEBOOK.COM/BROOMEBUS Senior Cards, WA Health and Student Cards. Present when boarding.
HOP ON HOP OFF
See onboard or bebus.c
SERVICING ALL MAJOR ACCOMMODATION, FROM CABLE BEACH TO TOWN BEACH 7 DAYS A WEEK Look for our timetables at your hotel reception or simply head to bebus.com.au
www.bebus.com.au
Don’t forget to check out our VALUE ADDED passes for exlusive deals around Broome!
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
89
M
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B
GULLY
90˚
RESIDENCE
LIGHTHOUSE
GANTHEAUME POINT
CAST OF DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS IN CONCRETE
H HIG
DE
SLIPPERY ROCKS TIDE
TI LOW
CLIFF
80m
17m
THE ROCKS
NUDE BEACH
DOG BEACH
Broome owes its early beginnings to the discovery in 1861 of the giant pearl oyster Pinctada Maxima which led to the establishment of Broome’s pearling industry.
7
SURF CLUB
BEACH ACCESS
8
MINYIRR PARK
MURRAY RD
YARRI WY
HOWE DR
WINCKEL CT
GIBSON
HARMAN RD
DOLBY
FOX
T
A CT
ENN
McK
IN C
RUB
OOK RR N MAGU
GULWAL LINK
D
RR
LO TAY
DR
KOOLAMA DR
SUNSET PARK
T
ENA C
R
CHALLENO
SA
D ROA ARY NCTU
RAC CABLE BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
CABLE BEACH CARAVAN PARK
TARANGAU CARAVAN PARK
9
IGN A CT TIUS
MACKIE PL
GAI WON
WUDARR
BA
AVE NU
AR
ST LES
P
LOO
RD
MA
B
D DR
D LR
D
SR
GIL
N PL IGA
REI
RD
A CT
ALM
EAS T
WAY
WKES PL N STAINPTOL
FONG WY
GLENISTER
MO R CT GAN
OAD
HR
EAC
LE B
NORTH REGIONAL TAFE BROOME CAMPUS
AD RO
CAB EW
MA TTH
GU
E ING
R
GD
PA N
KA
Y
AW
AN RIT
PAN G Y DR
KA W NA CITA
11
CAJUPUT CR
ST MARY’S COLLEGE PRIMARY
D
ISHII LINK
TANAMI DR BROOME NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
SARIAGO TCE
EYE HON
BROOME
R ATE
T DR
IKEE LOR
T EL S TER KOEL WY
KASSIM ST
LP
BLACKMAN ST
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
ROEBUCK PRIMARY SCHOOL I D E R AV E WALLABY WY
A R GL
KERR ST
MILLAR WY
PIGGOT WY
PRYOR DR
ING
BETTONG
ORR ST
TALBOYS PL
MALE CT
BARDWELL ST
MARTIN CR
COX PL
STRACKE CV
OVAL
BROOME HIGH SCHOOL
FREDERICK ST
PADDY
PUERTOLLANO PL
PLACANICA PL
BOULEVARD SHOPPING CENTRE
GA TERMINAL
ST
SIN G
IONA LINKCROS
PLANIGALE LP BILBY WY
SWIFT WY
BOWERBIRD
RD
SANDPIPER AVE
NARBELEK ST
GUY ST
TANAMI DR
HATAYAMA VIEW
GOD WIT
BRONZE W
KNOT GR WHIMBREL ST
CORELLA
KASSIM ST
ST
15 FAIRWAY DRIVE
TOKUMARU
HANOE CT
SPOONBILL AVE
UG
14
BARGAS LINK
LAPWING LP
YAKO MALL NAKAMURA AVE
WING PL JAPANESE CEMETERY TOLENTINO ST CHINESE CEMETERY ELLIES CT BROOME CEMETERY
ST MARY’S COLLEGE SECONDARY
D
RUBBISH TIP
LEYS R BUCK
IONAL AI RPORT
INTERNAT
SANDPIPER AVE
DOT
BEND
BROOME RECREATION & AQUATIC CENTRE SEKO PL WAK TAMAKI ME SASAKAWA CL R
TAIJI R
TOMARITO CR
13
CABLE BEACH
CT
BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY
CARMODY CT
RIVERGUM AVE
PL
McPHERSO N
WATTLE DR
BROOME CARAVAN PARK
18
TO DERBY PORT HEDLAND PERTH
ST
BROOME PRIMARY SCHOOL
COURT HOUSE
TCE
CHINATOWN
GRAY ST
PEARL LUGGERS PARKING IN CHINATOWN
STREETERS JETTY
SEAVIEW SHOPPING CENTRE
ROEBUCK BAY
A.C.
POLICE STATION
NAPIER
AL OV
SHIRE OFFICE LIBRARY HAAS ST
SSJG HERITAGE BARKER ST CENTRE
STEWART ST
T GO BA
SHORT ST
PASPALEY PLAZA SHOPPING MALL
POST OFFICE
1 Hamersley Street, Broome (first roundabout as you enter town) T: +61 8 9195 2200 E: enquiries@visitbroome.com.au W: visitbroome.com.au
17
BROOME VISITOR CENTRE
LOUIS ST
MARY ST
ST
AIRPORT
GUS WIN CKEL RD
GUY ST
ANNE ST
L.I.A.
DAWNWY
MINILYA RD
16 TO CRAB CREEK & CAPE LEVEQUE TURNOFFS TO DERBY, PORT HEDLAND & PERTH
RD
MINILYA
12
CAJUPUT CR
LOTTERIES HOUSE
CABLE BEACH PRIMARY SCHOOL ST CRY DAKAS ER CT LEE CT CT R TE FORS M DRUM CR ES PL O TORR DOBSON DR D L R AL TING NIGH RODRIGUEZ RD CRAWFO ST REID RD PL DO RD S I B O SA HOWA RD PL E
K TAC CL
D
NR
DJIA GWE E
CH
CLEO LANE
10
GHW AY
6
BROOME PEARLING HISTORY
UNMARKED WALKING TRAIL
ROCKY OUTCROP
CABLE BEACH
5
One of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world. Cable Beach takes its name from the cable which linked Broome with what is present day Indonesia. Stingers may be present during the months from November to May. Always check by asking the Broome Visitor Centre before swimming.
DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS
4
RD ING TON
E ROAD
E HI
BRO OM
A
3
115˚
2
300m
AN RD
MIL L
GUBIN G SMIRNOFF PL
WIRL BURU GDNS
117˚
HARM CT
MULGRUE CT
BARRGANA RD
SOL WAY
RD
RT RD
HAY GUNIAN BLVD
IE KE
PHILLIPS CT
EDGAR CT P SO LW AY LO O
NZ
RHAT
NAR
BER
1
AS
DA K
DR
CR
R DR
DR
FF
CLI
E DR
DEP CT
HOW
MARUL RD MA NG GA LA
B ST
Mc REID RD
PRYO
LKWA Y-
DW Y
SUL TAN
SIR WY IUS
R GD K
S PL HA IDD LE
D
WY
CT DIE GOL
NUS R PAND A
BEND
DR
L
ER
ING
SAN D
CT
LGA
BRO CR
APA N LOOP
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022 CORPUS CT RAHMAN WY
AR
I RD
WY
M DE RD CHI
RCH
GE
OND PL
ROAD WEST RD
MA
LED
CK ER
FUCHSIA ST
CABLE BEACH TER SLA
DE
PORT DR
LUYER PL
PL D’ANTOINE ST
IVY CT
RON LYONS ST
PAROO PL
CHA TANG ST
CT GON GOR PL
EEC CN T MA
DE P
MILNER ST
RA A CT
TAIJI RD
ORMAN ST
AR
LP
ON SAY A MIN
MATSUMOTO PL
P
C AYAM A
DORA ST
KYB RD
JIGAL DRIVE
BOAB CT LEICHHARDT
VE LULLFITZ DRI D E R ELEAN AR LAW TIC CEL P L QUOLL WY
PELICAN GDN
DE L OR
BANDICOOT LP
DURACK CR
FA E AVE
ST
RIV
D AY IRW DUNNART CR
EURO WY
HERBERT ST
I DR
IBASCO CR FLYING FOX
HERBERT ST
SAID GREBE WY SHELDUCK WY WY LP PLOVER LARK SONG
S
ST
POVAH RD
MONJON LP
COGHLAN
HUSSEN WY GREENSHANK DR
DALGYTE DR
WALCOTT ST
AN NGIP
YAMASAKI VISTA IBIS WY
WALCOTT ST
TOMARITO CR ANEA BR SHEARWATER CR
SANDERLING DR
ROBINSON ST
NISHIOKA WY
PIPIT LOOP KESTREL PL
GOSHAWK LP
WELD ST
PARRIS WY CURLEW
CR
LE
GARFU LINK
ST SILT CT
ERS
HIN WY
SHINGORO FLOWERDALE RD SAMESHIMA GDNS OKU WY SHIOSAKI BR DALMATIO ST MAGABALA RD
HAM
GWENDOLINE
HAMERSLEY ST
FRA
FOY WY
OLD BROOME ROAD
YS T
NISHIJI VISTA
WY CHAPPLE ST
TOMARITO CR LOPING PASS MASTAPHA ST ANTHEOUS
OAD
CARNARVON ST
HARRIET RD
OLD
DAMPIER TCE
90 CLEOPATRA ST
ER
OM BRO ST LEY ERS HAM ELINK R T N CE
visitbroome.com.au
BLICK
JON E
SALLEH ST
BEND YANB
M
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
1
0
200
1000
3
4
5
6
7
8
IR
9
D
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
2
METRES
Minyirr
800
10
11
Boat launching area
12
ENTRANCE POINT
Provides anchorage for visiting ships
13
PEMBROKE RD
Y
ROEBUCK BAY
BROOME BIRD OBSERVATORY
MALCOLM DOUGLAS CROCODILE PARK
BROOME HW
BROOME’S GATEWAY CARAVAN PARK
0
HERN GREAT NORT
Kms
10
LAKE EDAR
HWY
20
A natural phenomenon caused by the full moon reflecting on the mudflats of Roebuck Bay at low tide.
STAIRCASE TO THE MOON
TOWN BEACH
HISTORICAL MUSEUM
14
15
16
17
The details contained in this map are provided as a guide only. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however road changes, closures and realignments are beyond the control of the Broome Visitors Centre.
DISCLAIMER
R
ENTRANCE POINT
BROOME
WILLIE CREEK
A RI
DE
ROEBUCK BAY CARAVAN PARK
N
600
KIMBERLEY COLLEGE OF TAFE AQUACULTURE PARK
MAN S T
DEEP WATER PORT
ST
R OD MC
PCYC SCOTT ST
ROBERT ST
COVERLEY CNR
CATALINA PL
WY
400
REDDELL POINT
ST
HUNTER ST
ON CLEMENTS
LIVINGSTONE ST
DICKSON DR
HOPTON ST
BRAY PL
SAVILLE ST
NH
Z
Lurujarri
Tourist attraction
Nagula
SELF-GUIDED WALKS
Unsealed road
Staircase to the Moon viewing point (March to October)
Shopping centre
Roundabout
STILLA
L RD DE CA
AN
Racecourse
Sealed road
A spectacular stretch of beach named after Captain Reddell who was murdered by his crew in 1899.
REDDELL BEACH
RAK
Public toilets
Post office
Police station
Parking
Museum
Jetty
Information
Hospital
Golf course
Fuel
Dump point (free)
Drinking water available
Disabled toilets
WARD ST
MU
Y
X
W
V
W
Caravan park
GOLF COURSE
BLACK BLACKMAN ST
L.I.A.
FARRELL ST
GREGORY ST
FORRES
D
Camel tours
H.I.A.
BROOME VACATION VILLAGE CARAVAN PARK
PISTOL CLUB
PL
ORD WY
OWENS ST NORMAN DR ST
MOSTYN PL MA N
U
McDANIE AN ST
MORG
N DAN
YU CT
TO DEEP WATER PORT
SA
HAYNES ST ROBINSON ST
EAT
Bus stop
KA VIT ER D
ER ST
ARCH
ROAD GR
Boat launching
Airport
LEGEND
BROOME TURF CLUB
CONKERBERRY
T
S
LIGHTHOUSE
E GUBING
R
GANTHEAUME POINT
BEACH ACCESS
WARINGA
WN CT BRO PL COTTER NA N CT HA
ON S AAR
DR
Q
EA
NTH
B
PL
DS
GA
RR R T
LILA
R
EY
SL ARN
IK A
SAL
O WO
P
T
OIN
P ME
AD RO
RD
BIN
ROE PL
O
TO GANTHEAUME POINT
U LN
URR
GUN LAR LINKJA
PORT D
STREETER AVE
GULARR ST
RRI WY PALME R RD
R
N
Believed to be those of a carnivorous species that lived 120 million years ago, the tracks are embedded in sandstone at the base of the cliff and can only be seen at low tides of 2.16m for one set of prints and 1.46m or lower for three sets of prints. PLEASE TAKE CARE AS YOU DO NEED TO CLIMB DOWN THE CLIFF FACE TO VIEW THE FOOTPRINTS. DORA ST
D ALL PL ND
DR
DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS FREWER AVE
WO O
PPI
PORT
N RAIBLE RD
BAN ST
PORT D
CHI
LUCAS ST
L CAPE LEVEQUE RD
K KILTO RD
ES P ER
TH OR
91
18
Z
Y
X
W
V
U
T
S
R
Q
P
O
N
BVC MEMBERS ACCOMMODATION BACKPACKERS & HOSTELS Beaches of Broome Kimberley Travellers Lodge Roey Backpackers CARAVAN PARKS & CAMPING Broome Bird Observatory Broome Caravan Park Broome’s Gateway Broome Vacation Village Cable Beach Caravan Park Discovery Holiday Parks RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park Roebuck Roadhouse Tarangau Caravan Park
E9 J16 I18
A18 Q10 D9 O16 F9 C9
GUESTHOUSES, BED & BREAKFASTS, HOTELS, MOTELS, RESORTS & SELF CONTAINED Bali Hai Resort Bayside Holiday Apartments Blue Seas Resort Broome Beach Resort Broome Holiday Homes Broome Lagoon Broome-Time Accommodation Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa Cocos Beach Bungalows Eco Beach Resort Habitat Resort Kimberley Sands Resort Luxury at Oaks Resort Cable Beach Mantra Frangipani Moonlight Bay Suites Oaks Broome Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary Roebuck Bay Hotel and Motel Seashells Resort Broome The Billi The Mangrove Resort Hotel The Pearle BROOME & BEYOND DAMPIER PENINSULA Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery & Aquaculture Centre Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm & Accommodation Djarindjin Campground Gumbanan Wilderness Retreat - Accom Lombadina Aboriginal Community Lullumb Southern Cross Cultural Walks Mercedes Cove Nature's Hideaway Middle Lagoon Smithy's Seaside Adventures TRAVELLING NORTH APT Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge APT Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventure APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge Artlandish Aboriginal Gallery Birdwood Downs Bungle Bungle Caravan Park Bungle Bungle Guided Tours Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge Derby Lodge Derby Visitor Centre Discover Windjana and the Tunnel Discovery Parks - Lake Kununurra Drysdale River Station Dumbara Buru Caravan East Kimberley Charters Ellenbrae Station El Questro Wilderness Park - Accom El Questro Wilderness Park - Tours
F9 L17 E9 F9
K12 E8 D9 T10 F9 D9 B9 L17 M16 D9 J18 E9 D10 K17 C9
Fitzroy River Lodge Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments Girloorloo Tours - Mimbi Caves Hoochery Distillery Kununnurra Hotel Kununurra Ivanhoe Village Caravan Park Kimberley Coastal Camp Kimberley Fine Diamonds Kimberley Hotel Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park Kimberley Naturally Kimberley Outback Tours Kununurra Country Club Resort Kununurra Cruises Lake Argyle Cruises Lake Argyle Resort & Holiday Park Lake Argyle Tours and Boat Cruises Mornington Wilderness Camp Mount Elizabeth Station Stay Mount Hart Homestead Mowanjum Art and Cultural Centre Munurru Campground Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corp. Roebuck Roadhouse Sacred Earth Safaris Pty Ltd Savannah Way Spinifex Hotel Spirit Safaris The Berkeley River Lodge The Kimberley Grande Resort Triple J Tours Uptuyu Aboriginal Adventures Waringarri Aboriginal Arts Willare Bridge Roadhouse TRAVELLING SOUTH Abrolhos Adventures Archipelago Adventures Barn Hill Station Stay Big4 Taunton Farm Margaret River Coral Bay Ecotours Eco Beach Resort Exmouth Dive Centre Exmouth Whaleshark Centre Karijini Eco Retreat Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours Mackerel Islands Ningaloo Reef Resort Onslow Beach Resort RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Sail Ningaloo Pty Ltd Three Islands Whale Shark Dive Warrawany Cultural Tours COMMUNITY SERVICES Broome Chamber of Commerce Broome Civic Centre Broome Public Library Broome Recreation & Aquatic Centre Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Fisheries) Diocese of Broome Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) Department of Transport - Marine Safety DPIRD - Kimberley Development Commission Kimberley Ports Authority Nagula Jarndu Designs Northern Regional TAFE Nyumba Buru Yawuru Regional Development Australia Shire of Broome
J15 K17 L17 K12 R10 K16 O15 J17 J18 Y11 N13 J11 M10 L17 L17
EVENT SERVICES A Taste of Broome Broome Turf Club Mowanjum Art & Culture Centre Sun Pictures The Roey Events Tura New Music HEALTH & BEAUTY Bali Hai Day Spa Kimberley Eyecare Kimberley Wild Gubinge JEWELLERY & PEARL SHOWROOMS Allure South Sea Pearls Anastasia’s of Broome Artissimo Cygnet Bay Pearls Galwey Pearls Jewels of the Kimberley Kailis Australian Pearls Lush Designs Paspaley Pearls Willie Creek Pearls - Showroom LOCAL BUSINESS Andimaps Australia's North West Toursim Broome Dental Clinic Broome Laundromat Broome Vet Hospital Broome Weddings Buru Energy Commonwealth Bank Cruise Broome Inc First National Real Estate Broome Flourish Admin Footprint Cleaning H&M Tracey Hutchinson Real Estate INPEX MGIB Financial Services Moontide Distillery Nila Janyba Horizon Power Broome Experience Centre Northern Cleaning Specialist Northern Protective Services Pearl Sea Dry Cleaning & Laundromat Sandy Desert Services Shell Australia - Broome MAINTENANCE, HIRE & SUPPLIES Allvolts Power Solutions AutoPro Broome Broome Auto Excellence GN Mechanical H&M Tracey Construction Keshi Storage & Containers MG Tyres Bridgestone Service Centre Minshull Mechanical Repairs Overall Constructions & Caravan Maint. MEDIA SERVICES Broome Advertiser Destination Broome Goolarri Media LizArt Productions (Uniquely Broome) Taryn Yeates Photography MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Artlandish Aboriginal Gallery Broome Gallery Broome Historical Museum Broome-Time Art Gallery Emma Blyth - Black Stump Gallery Krim Benterrak Art Studio Mowanjum Art & Culture Centre
DISCLAIMER: No responsibility is accepted by the Broome Visitor Centre, Designer and/or Printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements. Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the act rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement.
92
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
M12 R4 J17
F9 J17
J18 J18 J18 J18 J18 I18 J18 K17 J18 J18
J17 K17 M16 K12
K17 J17
O13 J17 J17 C15 I17
C14
N12 P12 O13 O13 O13 N12 T9 M13
J18 I18 M12
J18 N16 K12 K18 E10
NEED TO BOOK? Broome Visitor Centre (08) 9195 2200 J18 K16 J10 J18 N17 F9 J17 J17 F9 J17 F9 J17 I17 J17 J17 J17 L17 J17 J17 D19 J17 T15 D9 N17 E8 J18 K16 I17 N13 C15 J17 I17
Kimberley Pearl Charters Kimberley Quest II Lady M Cruising Ocean Dream Charters One Tide Charters The Great Escape Charter Company True North Unreel Adventure Safaris LAND BASED TOURS Astro Tours Bilingurr Transit Broome and Around Tours Broome Bird Observatory Broome Camel Safaris Broome Dinosaur Experience Broome Transit Broome Tramway Co. Broome Trike Tours Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tours Kimberley Cultural Adventures Kimberley Wild Expedition Tours Mabu Buru Tours Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park Narllijia Cultural Tours Pearl Luggers Red Sun Camels Salty Plum Social Small Bar Walking Tour Sundowner Camel Tours Uptuyu Aboriginal Adventures Warrawany Cultural Tours Willie Creek Pearl Farm WATER BASED TOURS Absolute Ocean Charters Archipelago Adventures
J18 J18
Broome Adventure Company (Turtle Kayak) Broome Billfish Charters Broome Dinosaur Adventures Broome Tours Broome Whale Watching Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Tours Seawest (Broome Cruises) Ultimate Watersports WA Fishing Charters West Kimberley Fishing Tours Willie Cruises TRANSPORT SERVICES Bilingurr Transit Broome & Around Bus Charter Broome Explorer Bus Broome International Airport Pty Ltd Broome Private Taxis Broome Taxis Chinatown Taxis Derby Bus Service Greyhound Australia Integrity Coach Lines Tata Ride VEHICLE HIRE Britz & Maui Australia Broome Broome Car Rentals Europcar Northside Rentals Thrifty Car Rental (NT & Kimberley) WEDDING/CONFERENCE Broome Convention Centre Chinatown
J18 J18
O12 U15
J17
T15 J18 J18
S14
W9
O12 J14
J17
O13 J17 J15 J12 J15 J17
J14 J17 O12 J17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery & Aquaculture Centre Cygnet Bay Pearls Cape Leveque Djaradjin Campground Sunday Island Gumbunan Wilderness Retreat 4 Lombadina/Djaradjin 2 1 One Arm Point Cygnet Bay Mercedes Cove Lombadina/Djaradjin 5 3 Mudnunn Natures Hideaway at Middle Lagoon Smithy’s Seaside Adventures
J18
Beagle Bay
I14 J14 J16 I14
J14 I14
MANARI RD
Coulomb Point James Price Point Quondong Point
King Sound
Beagle Bay Community
Barred Creek Willie Creek
CAPE LEVEQUE RD
J17
Highway Sealed road Unsealed road 4WD required
Pender Bay 6 7 8
DAMPIER PENINSULA
WY RN H R T HE O N T GREA
DERBY
FITZ ROY
BROOME O12
Roebuck Bay
DISCLAIMER The details contained in this map are provided as a guide only. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however road changes, closures and realignments are beyond the control of the Broome Visitors Centre.
R RIVE
Sobrane SSJG Heritage Centre Suzy French Art Yane Sotiroski Photography RESTAURANTS/FOOD OUTLETS 1861 - Oaks Broome Anu Creations Bali Hai Restaurant Bluey’s Place Fish and Chips Bushy's Pizza Cable Beach General Store & Café Cairo Café Divers Tavern Dragonfly Café Ginreab Thai Green Mango Café Land of Pharoahs Little Indian Restaurant Matso’s Broome Brewery McDonald’s Roebuck Roadhouse Sweets and Koh Sydney Cove Oyster Bar The Aarli The Mango Place Wharf Restaurant Wildflower Broome Zanders At Cable Beach Mr Saigon RETAIL/SHOPPING Broome Courthouse Markets Broome Thyme Eclipse Computers Hidden Valley Broome Magabala Books Paspaley Plaza Primewest Broome Boulevard Shopping Centre Tackle World Broome The Station Store Three Angels Broome TOURS & ACTIVITIES 4WD TOURS Adventure Wild - Kimberley Tours Australian Pinnacle Tours Instyle Adventures Kimberley Expedition Tours Kimberley Safari Tours Kimberley Wild Expedition Tours Outback Horizons Sacred Earth Safaris Spirit Safaris Uptuyu Aboriginal Adventures AIR TOURS & SERVICES Air Kimberley Aviair Broome Aviation Fly Broome HeliSpirit HeliSpirit - Bungle Bungles HeliSpirit - Dampier Archipelago & Karratha HeliSpirit - Mitchell Falls Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures KAS Helicopters Kimberley Air Tours Kingfisher Tours Northwest Regional Airlines EXTENDED CRUISES Coral Expeditions Eco Abrolhos Kimberley Expeditions
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
93
REASONS TO PUT KUNUNURRA ON YOUR 2023 BUCKET LIST
K
ununurra is known as the ‘gateway to East Kimberley’ for good reason. It is the perfect base to discover some of Australia’s most remarkable natural attractions such as the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park and the beehive shaped Bungle Bungle Range. In a rush to see it all, it’s easy to be tempted to skip through the start of your Kimberley journey if you aren’t familiar with what’s what and where to stop. So you don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique outback town, we’ve detailed the five top reasons to put Kununurra on your bucket list for your next Kimberley trip.
2 | FRESHWATER EAST KIMBERLEY
3 | GATEWAY TO THE
If there is one place to stay in Kununurra, it is Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments. Located amongst lush tropical gardens, Freshwater provides the ideal relaxing environment for your stay in this incredible location. The fully self-contained apartments with modern fittings and décor, large balconies and resort-style pool will allow you to experience life in the beautiful Kimberley climate. Spend your day exploring the area and then come home to Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments to refresh and recoup for your next adventure.
Located in the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle Range is a must-do when travelling through the Kimberley. The park is accessible by air or land, with options to fly into the park on a scenic flight with Aviair before joining a guided walk tour. Or for those keen to take on an adventure, the 53km track into the park is suggested only for the most experienced four-wheel drivers. However you decide to make your way into the park, one thing we can guarantee is once you are there you will be in awe of it all
APARTMENTS
BUNGLE BUNGLE RANGE
1 | BIG WATER
According to the Mirima Language Centre, the name Kununurra is based on the Miriwoong word ‘Goonoonoorrang’, meaning big water. Once you have visited, you will understand why there has never been a more apt name for a town. Kununurra is surrounded by water. The vast Lake Argyle, the magnificent Ord River and the many gorges and waterfalls are just waiting to be explored. Hire a barbecue pontoon for the afternoon to meander up Lake Kununurra, join a sunset cruise on Lake Argyle, or simply head to Swim Beach to watch the sky turn into a kaleidoscope of colours. Whatever you adventure you decided to take, just make sure you add water! 94
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au
– from the bee-hive domes in the southern end, to the towering rocky chasms of the northern end. The walks into Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm are must-do highlights when you visit the park. For those who are wanting a delicious chef-prepared meal and a comfy bed at the end of day out exploring, Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge is the ideal place to rest and recuperate before another big day in the park. And, if you still haven’t got your scenery fix after your walk through the park, we suggest a scenic helicopter flight with HeliSpirit to really top your visit off. The views cannot be beaten.
4 | EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE MITCHELL FALLS
The Mitchell Falls are undeniably amongst the most stunning and renowned waterfalls within the Kimberley. For the ultimate Mitchell Falls experience, you can’t go past Aviair’s Mitchell Falls Discoverer Tour. Departing from Kununurra, this tour starts with a scenic aeroplane flight to the Mitchell Falls, giving magnificent views of the Ord River Irrigation Area, Carlton Hill
yourself in the surrounding natural splendour of this place. Once at the falls, the views are even better. Here you can take the time to marvel at their beauty, take a swim in the Mitchell River above the falls and admire the fascinating flora and fauna of this area. You will be transferred via helicopter from the top of the falls back to the airstrip, where you will board your return scenic flight to Kununurra.
5 | ORD VALLEY MUSTER
Station, Wyndham and the Cambridge Gulf, before reaching the coast. Once reaching the falls, your plane will land at the Mitchell Plateau Airstrip where you will be met by a HeliSpirit helicopter. This helicopter will fly you to the start of the hike into the falls – you will disembark here and either take a scenic hike into the falls, or helicopter straight to the top. Both options are incredible opportunities to immerse
The Ord Valley Muster is the event not to be missed in the Kimberley. Spread over 10 days, this annual event features over 30 events such as a rodeo, comedy nights, cultural performances, floating yoga boats and the highlight of the muster, the Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience. The Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience is the ultimate party in the Kimberley and we can’t wait for the event to be back bigger than ever in 2023. Find featured experiences to book at visitbroome.com.au/members. For more insights into what to do in Kununurra, visit the Kununurra Visitor Centre at 75 Coolibah Dr, Kununurra.
HPH Kimberley experiences
Broome Visitor Guide | 2019/20
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS Offering a touch of luxury in the Kimberley, APT’s exclusive wilderness lodges are an experience in their own right. They are set in prime Kimberley locations, so guests can spend less time travelling and more time exploring.
D
iscover APT’s three Wilderness Lodges and select the one that best suits you, or explore them all...
BELL GORGE Two hundred metres off the Gibb River Road, the lodge offers easy access to Bell, Windjana, Galvans and Barnett River Gorges, and Tunnel Creek. This Lodge is fresh from a major redevelopment in 2021, and is the perfect base for exploring the western Kimberley.
BUNGLE BUNGLE Located in the heart of Purnululu National Park, the lodge offers brilliant access to the famous beehive striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, Piccaninny Creek, Echidna Chasm and the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge.
MITCHELL FALLS The Wunambal people welcome visitors to Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau). This lodge is a 96
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
TOUCH OF LUXURY Rest your head in breathtaking, remote locations like nowhere else and explore the best of the Kimberley in style.
stunning example of APT’s ‘touch of luxury in the wilderness’ philosophy. You’ll also enjoy the sophisticated, yet informal, setting at the Ungolan Pavilion. With APT, guests can venture off the beaten track on a Kimberley adventure into one of the world’s most isolated destinations. visitbroome.com.au
OTHER FEATURES Dedicated Lodge Hosts APT’s friendly on-site lodge hosts make your stay all the more memorable. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice their incredible level of personal service and care. Exceptional Dining in Exceptional Settings Dining at APT lodges is sure to be one of the highlights of your adventure. What the chefs can create in the remotest of settings is nothing short of extraordinary – think fresh Cone Bay barramundi and locally inspired delicacies. Each night, indulge in a superb three-course dining affair, followed by a freshly cooked breakfast the next day. Private Tented Luxury APT’s secluded lodges allow you all the comforts of home, while still having access to some of the Kimberley’s most impressive highlights right on your doorstep. After each day of exploring, enjoy the amenities of your tented cabin, including a spacious ensuite, hot shower and private deck. As the pioneers of Australian adventures for over 50 years, APT is committed to setting the benchmark for delivering the very best experiences for guests in the Kimberley. Book through visitbroome.com.au or call (08) 9195 220
Kimberley Wilderness Lodges F O R S E L F - D R I V E T R AV E L L E R S Boasting the best locations and offering a touch of luxury, APT’s unmatched network of private wilderness lodges are the perfect indulgence in the Kimberley. • Located at the Bungle Bungle Range, Mitchell Falls and Bell Gorge • Includes full breakfast, three-course dinner and spacious tented cabin with private ensuite and front deck • Lodges are open seasonally from May to September Ask about our special deals
ROC RESPECTING
OUR CULTURE
APT-350
APTOURING.COM.AU/LODGES CALL 1800 240 504 OR SPEAK TO YOUR TRAVEL AGENT
certified
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
97
BECOME IMMERSED IN THE KIMBERLEY
T
he attractions to see throughout the Kimberley region are endless, so it’s important to engage an expert to maximise your time and experience the best of what it can offer. The female owned and family operated Kingfisher Tours, based out of Kununurra, will guarantee you an adventure to remember. Mother and daughter team Rosie Sandover and Ioli Fitzgerald have made the Kimberley their home for the last 30 years, so they know it well. For the last decade they have been sharing their local knowledge and
98
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
Image: Tourism Australia
Explore the chasms, gorges and wonderful lifestyle of the Kimberley with the local guidance of Kingfisher Tours.
highlight experiences with guests visiting the region, so they too can be immersed in the magic of the Kimberley. A community conscious employment model keeps the Kingfisher team local to the region, with 50 per cent of the company being Indigenous custodians for country. This close-knit team have an emphasis on having fun whilst experiencing the majestic places
they traverse. From Kununurra, join Kingfisher on an immersive experience flying out to Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) to meet local Aboriginal guides who will lead you through spring country whilst regaling tales of country and culture. This day includes flights to and from Mitchell Plateau, a 4WD journey through the ancient Livistona Estonii Palm forest, a heli over the falls and an adventurous 4.5km trek. This is a level five walk with four obstacles that require some fitness and mobility for rock clambering, plus two river crossings. If rock climbing isn’t for you, you can board the plane to Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) to meet the head guide Rebecca Sampi, a Gija Wola woman who will welcome you to her magnificent country and share hilarious anecdotes with you as she guides you through spectacular chasms and gorges, with the other local guides. Kingfisher also offer packaged air safari’s hosted by Rebecca, taking you on a five day journey from the south east Kimberley to the north Kimberley, staying at the APT Wilderness Lodges in Purnululu and Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls). The ‘Iconic Kimberley Safari’ experience offers you the opportunity to really sink in to the lifestyle of the Kimberley region, including great meals, sunset drinks, catch and cook opportunities along the King Edward River, damper making and tasting, and so much more. Kingfisher offers bespoke packages including air charter and 4WD options along the Gibb River Road and up the Kalumburu Road. Get in contact with the friendly team today to discuss options for your Kimberley adventure. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ kingfisher-tours
visitbroome.com.au
BOOK YOUR TOURS, ACCOMMODATION, EXPERIENCES, SCENIC FLIGHTS & CRUISES ALL IN THE ONE PLACE!
Camels at sunset on Cable Beach, Broome Photo: Tourism Western Australia
The Broome Visitor Centre can create an unforgettable holiday or short-stay. It can be hard to know where to start. We provide local information, booking services and suggestions on things to do in Chinatown, Cable Beach, Dampier Peninsula and beyond. The Broome Visitor Centre has over 45 years of local history and personalised booking services are free to use.
< SCAN QR CODE FOR OUR CURRENT OPENING HOURS
Call us on 08 9195 2200 Email: enquiries@visitbroome.com.au
Book online, anytime at www.visitbroome.com.au Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
99
Pearls
Pearling Tours
Camping and Glamping
Cultural Experiences
Sea Safaris
Dining
Immerse yourself in the story of the Australian Pearl Day trips available – visit us via land, air or sea. Visit our Australian family-owned pearl farm at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, one of the last pristine and remote marine wilderness frontiers in the world. You are invited to explore the epic story of the Australian pearl from its indigenous beginnings through to the four generations of the Brown family who have been pearling and living here since 1946.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm | Cape Leveque Road, Dampier Peninsula 100
Visit our Showroom while in Broome | 23 Dampier Tce, Chinatown Broome www.cygnetbaypearlfarm.com.au
Broome Visitor Guide | 2022
visitbroome.com.au