Located 2,240 kilometres from Perth, Broome makes for an ideal destination if you’re on a tour up the west coast. If you don’t know why this town is so special, here are just a few things that set it apart from everywhere else.
Camel Riding on Cable Beach
Cable Beach is Broome’s iconic beach, with sparkling white sand stretching over 22 kilometres against the Indian Ocean. You can tread the sands of this beach on the back of a camel, riding along as the sun sets, turning the sky into a breathtaking burnt-orange backdrop. After your camel experience, sit down at one of the beachside bars and have a cocktail with the stunning sky in sight.
The Pearl of Western Australia
Broome is home to world-famous pearls, which has been the central element of the town’s economy for over a century. In the north of Broome is the award-winning Willie Creek Pearl Farm, where you can get an insight into how these beautiful gems are made and processed, and treat yourself to a few pearl jewels fresh from the farm.
Birds of Paradise
The Broome Bird Observatory is dedicated to the conversation of over 300 bird species in the region and more shorebirds than any other place on Earth. The observatory has several subsections, the most famous being Roebuck Bay where you can get close to native seabirds. In the mangroves-covered sections, you can also see the birds interact with other animals such as crabs and frogs.
The Staircase to The Moon
If you’re visiting this winter, make sure you don’t miss the Shinju Matsuri Pearl Festival, which celebrates Broome’s early days of being a world-renowned producer of South Sea Pearls. People come from all over to witness a phenomenon which happens about two days either side of the full moon - when there is a low tide the rising moon is reflected off the rippled tidal mudflats, creating the illusion of a brightly lit staircase up to the moon. Make sure you catch this as Broome really comes alive for this natural event with extra markets and activities.
Wandering in the Wilderness
Untainted natural beauty is the biggest treasure around Broome, and an adventure around the diverse natural sites is definitely a must. Cape Leveque boasts striking red cliffs and unpopulated beaches, and Windjana Gorge is home to freshwater crocodiles within its spectacular 100-metre-high rock walls.
Article courtesy BBM Live Magazine