| Broome
- Broome enjoys wide beaches, turquoise water and a
warm, sunny climate. Closer to Bali than to Perth, and with
a major airport, the town is lively and cosmopolitan. The discovery
of pearling grounds off the coast in the 1880s led to the foundation
of the Broome township in 1883. By 1910 Broome was the world's
leading pearling centre. The industry suffered when world markets
collapsed in 1914 but stabilised in the 1970s as cultured-pearl
farming developed. With increasing tourism, Broome is again
rapidly expanding. Self -guide heritage trail (2km) introduces
buildings and places of interest md.: Chinatown, with Pearl
Emporium, a reminder of Broome's early multicultural mix; Historical
Society Museum, in Old Customs House, Saville St; Library, Haas
St. In Hamersley St: Captain Cregory's House, now art gallery
(access through Matso's Store); Bedford Park, relics of Broome's
history; Courthouse (former Cable House). Crocodile Park, Cable
Beach Rd. Shell House, Guy St, contains one of largest shell
collections in Australia. Sun Pictures, Carnarvon St, opened
1916 and believed to be oldest operating outdoor cinema in the
world. In Dampier Tce, restored original pearl luggers; former
divers conduct maritime history tours daily On Port Dr.: Chinese
Cemetery; Japanese Cemetery (graves of early Japanese pearl
divers). Pioneer Cemetery in Lions Pioneer Park. Market, each
Sat. at Courthouse. Easter: Dragon Boat Regatta. Apr.: Pentathlon.
June- July: Race Round (horseracing week). Aug.: Opera Under
the Stars. Aug.-Sept.: Shinju Matsuri (Festival of the Pearl,
recalls Broome's heydayl. Oct.: National Indigenous Art Awards.
Nov.: Mango Festival. In the area: Beaches ideal for swimming
and shell-collecting; good fishing all year. Staircase to the
Moon: natural phenomenon, visible at most full moons during
dry season (Apr-Oct., dates and times from information centre);
markets often held on town beach, Robinson St, at these times.
Hovercraft Spirif of Broome visits local beaches. Safaris, cruises,
scenic flights, short tours. Floatplane scenic flights over
Buccaneer Archipelago. Charter boats: 6- to 10-day Kimberley
expeditions to coral reefs, Rowley Shoals, Prince Regent River
and waterfalls at Kings Cascades. Day tours to: former Lombadina
Mission, 200 km NE; Cape Leveque, 220 km NE. Cable Beach, 3
km NW, is 22 km long, named after underwater cable linking Broome
to Java; camel rides. At Gantheaume Point, 5 km SW, giant dinosaur
tracks believed to be 130 million years old; seen 30 m from
cliff base at very low tide. At Roebuck Bay 18 km E: Buccaneer
Rock, at entrance to Dampier Creek, landmark to Capt. William
Dampier and HMAS Roebuck; Broome Bird Observatory. Willie Creek
Pearl Farm, 35 km N, tours available. Visitor information: cnr
Bagot Rd and Broome Hwy; (08) 9192 2222. Web site www. ebroome.com/tourism |
