During the 1880s, Broome became heavily involved in the pearling industry and is known fondly as the “pearl of the north.” People from around the world migrated to Broome in order to engage in the dangerous occupation of pearl farming, particularly South Sea pearls. Japanese, Filipino and Malay pearl divers found their fortunes in the city and brought with them their distinct cultures, blending with the European settlers and the Aboriginal people.
Broome is located on the northwestern coast of Australia and has rich history with plenty for visitors to do and to explore. It is one of the most culturally unique areas of the country with some of the most stunning scenery that the Kimberley region is known for. The city is situated on a north-south peninsula so there is water on both sides and beautiful beaches that can be visited by car hire.
Accommodations in Broome include everything from low-budget hostels to high-end eco-retreats. The city really does have something to offer everyone, whether you are an avid shopper or nature lover. Take a cruise to a pearl farm and buy South Sea pearls as well as pink diamonds or spend a relaxing day at Sun Pictures, the oldest outdoor cinema in the world. Nearby there are also art galleries that merge both Aboriginal and contemporary art.
Cable Beach is famous for its pristine white sand, bright blue waters of the Indian Ocean and contrasting red cliffs, which you can see from the back of a camel if it suits you. This includes the astonishing sunsets Venturing out to sea at Gantheaume Point off of Cable Beach there are ancient dinosaur footprints that can be viewed during low tide. The footprints date back to around 130 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. The lighthouse on the point is also a great locale for whale watching.
Roebuck Bay is home of the “Staircase to the Moon.” This is one of the most amazing phenomenon to witness and can be seen between March and October. It occurs when a full moon rises over the mudflats at low tide, creating an illusion of a stairway leading up to the Moon. The bay area is also known for its visits by a plethora of migratory shorebirds.
Nearby is the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, easy to reach with a car hire. Within the park are the mysterious Bungle Bungles as well as the Horizontal Falls. The Bungle Bungles are strange rock formations that are shaped like beehives and the Horizontal Falls are another astonishing natural phenomenon unique to the region. They are not falls at all, but a fast-moving tidal flow between Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago with the appearance of a horizontal waterfall.