Broome lies in Roebuck Bay, on the far north coast of Western Australia, 2175 kilometres from Perth. It is the largest town in the Kimberley region, with approximately 14,000 inhabitants. It is world famous for its pearling industry, which over the years has created the most multiculturally diverse town in Australia, with 80 nationalities represented in the community. Broome is also famous for its proximity to Cable Beach, thought to be the most stunning beach in the world with 23 kilometres of pristine white sand, backed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
With the pearling industry, an exciting, richly varied local culture and the attraction of the beach, tourism is a big and growing industry for Broome!! The local economy is actually based on mining, tourism, aquaculture and agriculture, with tourism making up an estimated 20%, which means the population doubles during holiday season!!
The cultural richness of the population is reflected in the many varied musical and theatrical activities, and no visit is complete without taking in some of its many galleries, indigenous art and the legendary Sun Pictures. Sun Pictures is the oldest open air cinema in the world, having been started in December 1916!! Wandering around China Town you can discover the best of Broome’s pearls, and culinary delights of Asia, and sample just a little of the attractions of Broome!!
In the centre of Broome you can see the Broome Court House, which has great historical significance for the town. Cable House as it was originally named, was built to house the equipment and staff for the telegraphic service. The building was constructed in Glasgow, Scotland, made of ironwork frames as a kit, to assemble in Broome. The ship carrying the frames had a short stay in Singapore, where it uplifted teak panelling for ceiling and internal walls, plus teak floor boards, and the workers to assemble the building. The structure is an excellent example of colonial architecture, with wide verandahs, polished wooden floors, iron roof, overhead fans and an elegant, heavy, iron stairway!!
The best time to visit Broome is during the dry season, late May to October, it’s warm, it’s sunny, it’s stupendous!! Have a great time, and don’t forget to have a camel ride!!
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