Aerial
flights A number of charters are available from Broome that cater for trips
across the Buccaneer Archipelago and into the Gorges along the Mitchell Plateau
and Gibb River Road. For more information call Seair Broome (08) 9192 6208 or
Derby Air Services 1800 1800 75
Anastasia's
Pool: Located at Gantheaume Point this almost perfectly round pool was hand
built by a former lighthouse keeper for his wife, Anastasia. She was crippled
with arthritis and found relief in the pool.
Art
Galleries: Broome is home to a vast array of art galleries specialising in
local and indigenous art.
Bedford
Park: Situated overlooking beautiful Roebuck Bay on Hamersley Street is the
site of Broome's War Memorial. The park features an array of memorabilia, including
a replica of one of explorer William Dampier's sea chests and an old train coach
once used on a railway that connected the original jetty at Town Beach to Chinatown.
Broome Bird Observatory:
Located 18 kms from Broome on the shores of beautiful Roebuck Bay, visitors will
share the amazing story of Broome's migratory shorebirds from Siberia. The North
West is regarded as the most significant site in Australia for shorebirds, as
over 800,000 use the area annually. Self interpretive walks. Tours and accommodation
available. Phone (08) 9193 5600 for complete details.
Broome
Brewery: Broome's first boutique brewery opened in 1997 and is situated in
Matso's Gallery. It is the only brewery in the Kimberley and the Brewhouse is
always open for viewing. The ginger beer is highly recommended. Meals are served
all day from 8am. Phone (08) 9193 5811 for complete details.
Broome
Crocodile Park: The park is home to dangerous salt water crocodiles as well
as Australian fresh water crocodiles. Owned and operated by famous Australian
Malcolm Douglas, everything from small babies to massive 5 metre crocodiles can
be seen. Don't miss the afternoon feeding! Kiosk facilities available. Phone (08)
9193 7824 for hours and complete details.
Broome
Golf Club: The only 18 hole fully grassed course in the Kimberley Open to
the public. Spectacular views over Broome. Hire clubs, club house facilities 18
hole competition on Saturdays. Call (08 9192 2092) or fax (08 9192 5192) for information.
Broome
Historical Society Museum: Definitely one of the best regional museums in
Australia - a must see when visiting! The Broome Museum features a display on
pearling and a large collection of photographs and files that piece together the
fascinating history of Broome. Located in the old Custom's House behind the Seaview
Shopping Centre. Phone (08) 9192 2075 for hours and complete details.
Buccaneer
Rock: Broome legend has it that Buccaneer explorer, William Dampier, came
to the present town anchorage, landed a treasure chest of pirated pieces of eight
and buried it at Buccaneer Rock. His ghost is said to be seen there on a misty
night with a lantern looking for the lost loot. A great legend but, alas, the
treasure seems only a often repeated myth. The Rock is located in Roebuck Bay
opposite the Mangrove Hotel.
Bureau
Of Meteorology: Discover the interesting weather patterns of Broome. You may
even witness a data collecting balloon being released. Phone (08) 9192 1211 for
opening hours.
Cable Beach:
Claimed to be one of the most stunning beaches in the world with 22 kilometres
of pristine white sand pindan cliffs and clear turquoise water, Cable beach is
a safe swimming beach with a variety of water sport activities including parasailing
and surfcats. For a unique experience join the sunset camel rides that operate
daily along the beach. Due to the possible presence of box jellyfish and stingers
in tropical waters during November to April, precautions should be taken. Great
location to enjoy a beautiful Broome sunset. North of the vehicle access ramp
is a declared nude beach. Cable Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, picnicking
and relaxing.
Camel
Rides A popular tourist attraction on Cable beach is taking a sunset camel
ride. It offers a sense of adventure as the "ships of the desert" sway
up the sand in a long line. Most of the camels have once been wild but were easily
tamed.
Captain Gregory's
House: Built in 1917 for Captain A.C. Gregory, who operated one of Broome's
most successful pearling businesses. A fine example of early Broome architecture
and has now been converted to an art gallery. Situated on the corner of Hamersley
and Carnarvon Streets in the same grounds as Matso's Gallery and Broome Brewery.
Phone (08) 9193 5811 for opening hours and exhibition details.
Chinatown:
A delightful reminder of the early multi-cultural mix of people in Broome. Take
a wander through the original commercial centre of Broome, which was once the
bustling hub of pearl sheds, billiard saloons, entertainment houses and Chinese
eateries. Chinatown is now home to some of the worlds finest pearl showrooms,
along with a variety of retail outlets. Sidewalk cafes add a splash of colour
to the pavements.
Chinese
Cemetery: The resting place for members of Broome's Chinese community, situated
on Port Drive.
Courthouse
and Courthouse Markets: Built in distinctive "Broomestyle" architecture,
the courthouse was the original Cable House, where the Broome end of the oceanic
telegraph cable terminated. Browse through the gardens or visit the popular Courthouse
Markets held on Saturday mornings from 8am - 1pm all year. Located on the corner
of Frederick and Hamersley streets.
Cultured
Pearling Monument: Mr. Tokuichi Kuribayashi, originally from Nippon Pearl
Company, Tokyo, Mr. Hiroshi Iwaki and Keith Francis Dureau from Pearl Prop. Ltd.
were pioneers in the cultured pearl industry in Broome. The three lifesize statues
are now on display on the grassed area of Carnarvon Street in Chinatown.
Dampier
Peninsula: The Dampier Peninsula is a unique area north of Broome featuring
spectacular red pindan cliffs, azure waters and an amazing variety of flora and
fauna. Several Aboriginal communities offer bush tucker walks and mud-crabbing
tours. Access is by 4WD only. A variety of day tours are available from Broome
- contact Broome Tourist Bureau for details.
Deep
Water Port: Broome's water link to the world. Built to replace the old jetty
near Town Beach, this massive structure can accommodate large cargo and cruise
ships at any tide (which can run 10 metres!) The wharf is a popular fishing spot
and is open to the public except during cargo operations. Located at the end of
Port Drive. Kiosk facilities available.
Dinosaur
Footprints: Dinosaur footprints over 120 million years old can be seen at
Gantheaume Point at very low tide. As the reef area is very fragile, care must
be taken when exploring this area. For the benefit of visitors, a plaster cast
of the tracks has been embedded at the top of the cliff.
Diving:
Beneath the sparkling tropical waters that surround Broome is a diverse aquatic
habitat that is fast developing a reputation as a unique diving experience. Half
day, full day and extended dive trips are available. Charters are also available
to the Rowley Shoals. Situated approximately 260 kilometres west of Broome on
the edge of the Continental shelf, the Rowley Shoals is one of the best diving
areas in the world where the magnificent coral gardens, giant clams and large
reef fish astound visitors.
Fishing:
Broome waters boast an abundance of different varieties of fish including the
elusive sailfish. Full, half day or extended fishing charters available and tournaments
are held annually. For a list of fishing charter operators, check out the fishing
section in the Tours & Activities page or contact the Broome Tourist Bureau.
Flying
Boat Wrecks: These wrecks remain as evidence of the flying boats sunk by the
Japanese air raid on Broome during WWII. Located approximately 1 km offshore from
Town Beach and visible only on minus tides. Check with Broome Tourist Bureau for
tide times and viewing information. For insight into Broome's wartime experiences,
check out the History and Pearling page. Flying Boat wrecks
Seen on negative
low tides reveal the corroding hulks of flying boats sunk in the Japanese air
raid of March 1942. At the time there were 16 flying boats at anchor in Roebuck
bay. Approximately a 1 km walk out to the wrecks.
Gantheaume
Point: Located approximately 6 km from town, this is a scenic area with red
cliffs and turquoise water. In the sandstone at the water's edge petrified dinosaur
footprints over 130 million years old can be seen (when tides are less than 1.5
metres). Take care while exploring as the reef area is fragile. For the benefit
of visitors a plaster cast of the tracks has been embedded at the top of the cliff.
On the north side of Gantheaume point is Anastasia's Pool, a small man
made rock pool built by a former lighthouse keeper for his wife Anastasia who
was crippled with arthritis.
Hard
Hat Diver: This life size statue of the Hard Hat Pearl Diver adjacent to the
Cultured Pearling Monument in Chinatown, was erected in 1999 to pay tribute to
the role that the Hard Hat Diver played in establishing Broome as the centre of
the world's pearling industry in the early 1900's. These early Pearl Divers came
from diverse cultural backgrounds, and this resulted in Broome being exempted
from the White Australia Policy, making the town a pioneer of multiculturalism
in Australia. Around 50 of these divers along with many of their ancestors still
reside in Broome today.
Hovercraft
Spirit of Broome Hovercraft Flights available with sunset and sunrise options.
A truly unique and must do experience. Air-conditioned comfort exploring beautiful
turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay.
Japanese
Cemetery: Balancing the memory of those who died in the air raids, Broome's
Japanese cemetery is a poignant reminder of the Japanese contribution to Broome
and pearling. The cemetery is the final resting place for over 900 Japanese pearl
divers. Large sandstone rocks have been used in the headstones and inscribed in
Japanese. Situated on Port Drive.
Library:
Broome boasts a modern library situated in the Civic Centre gardens on Hamersley
Street. Visitors welcome to borrow books. Open hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 10am-5pm; Tue/Thu
10am-7pm; Sat 9am-12noon; Closed Sunday.
Lions
Pioneer Park: Located at Town Beach (end of Robinson Street). This is a pleasant
picnic and recreation area, and a great spot to watch the Staircase to the Moon.
Kiosk facilities available.
Matso's
Gallery And Coffee House: Matso's Gallery houses the largest and most diverse
collection of artwork in the Kimberley. The Gallery has a wide range of Aboriginal
art and artifacts with artwork from all of the major art communities in the Western
Desert. The Coffee House serves a range of light meals and drink throughout the
day from 8am. A range of boutique beers is also available from the Broome Brewery
which is also located in Matso's Store. Phone (08) 9193 5811 for complete details.
Pearl Shops: As the
home of some of the most precious pearls in the world, Broome has a good selection
of pearl shops catering to all budgets. For the complete history of Broome's pearling
industry and a list of pearl shops, check out the History and Pearling page.
Pearl
Luggers: Experience more than 140 years of Broome's unique maritime heritage.
Take an historical journey through the life and times of the pearl divers on two
of the last surviving perfectly restored pearl luggers. Brought to life through
1 hour guided tours. Phone 08 9192 2059 for tour times and details.
Riddell
Beach:
A spectacular stretch of beach is an ideal area to observe the
red pindan cliffs of the Broome peninsula. It was named after Captain Riddell
who was murdered by his crew after a mutiny in 1899. A great spot for swimming
and picnicking.
Rowley
Shoals: Situated approximately 260 kilometres west of Broome on the edge of
the Continental shelf, Rowley Shoals is one of the best diving areas in the world
where the magnificent coral gardens, giant clams and large reef fish astound visitors.
Extended dive charters are available. For a list of dive operators, check out
the diving section in the Tours & Activities page or contact the Broome Tourist
Bureau.
The Shell House
Of Guy Street: A museum and retailer of seashells, shell products and mother
of pearl. Handcrafting of pearl shell carried out on the premises. Phone (08)
9192 1423 for opening hours. No entry fee.
Staircase
To The Moon: This natural phenomenon is caused by a full moon rising over
the exposed mudflats of Roebuck Bay at extremely low tides, creating a beautiful
optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon. Occurs March to October
for 3 nights every month. Great locations to view the Staircase include the outdoor
bar at the Mangrove Hotel and Town Beach. Staircase Markets take place during
most staircase dates at Town Beach, and feature a great selection of foods and
crafts.
Streeter's Jetty:
The original jetty for the pearling luggers based in Broome. The jetty is still
used to support vessels for modern day pearling and the occasional lugger. Located
on Dampier Terrace, at the end of Short Street.
Sun
Pictures: Officially opened in 1916, it is believed to be the oldest operating
picture garden in the world. This unique indoor/outdoor theatre has withstood
the ravages of war, cyclones and king tides. Housed in the foyer is an excellent
display of movie memorabilia. Taking in a movie under the stars at Sun Pictures
is a must do when visiting! Located in Chinatown. Current movies are shown every
night. Phone (08) 9192 3738 for features and show times.
Tesling
Tropical Fruit & Mango Wine: An innovative new wine producer, Mango Wine
of Broome has enjoyed rapid expansion to meet the growing demand from locals and
visitors alike, eager to tantalise their palate with the unique blend of succulent
flavour contained within the Kensington Pride Mango. Situated 19 km from Broome.
Tasting available for small fee. Phone (08) 9192 1433 for open hours and details.
Town Beach: Ideal
relaxing picnic and swimming spot located at the end of Robinson Street. Cafe
facilities available. Also a great spot to watch the Staircase to the Moon and
enjoy the Staircase Markets.
Willie
Creek Pearl Farm:
This
Pearl Farm lies 38 km north of Broome, off Cape Leveque Rd. It offers a rare chance
of visiting a working Pearl Farm and is worth the trip. Tours of the farm are
given daily so check the tour time before you leave as the owners will only show
you the farm during these open times. The managers of the pearl farm demonstrate
the intricate process of cultured pearling, including live oyster seeding. A great
educational demonstration for those interested in the pearling industry. Their
showroom houses an extensive display of locally handcrafted jewellery and loose
pearls for purchase at very competitive prices. Self drive tours available times
vary depending on the season. Phone (08) 9193 6000 for tour times and details.
Bookings are essential.
Windrider
Safaris A unique experience, sail up the beautiful Kimberley coast in a trimaran.
They are simple and safe and no experience is required. The tour leaders boat
accompanies you at all times with the food and drink so you can relax and enjoy
the scenery. The trip finishes at Cable beach day trips finish at sunset.
Copyright
© 2007 BroomeHolidays |