Natural & Local Attractions
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
If you like to unwind, Broome is your ideal holiday. Stroll on the world famous 22 kilometres of pristine white sand that is Cable Beach, and let the clear warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean refresh you.
Visit Gantheaume Point, home of the 130 million year old Dinosaur Footprints which can be seen at very low tides. While there, marvel at Anastasia’s Pool, 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. For tide times please contact the Broome Visitor Centre.
On negative tides, the Dutch Flying Boat wrecks are visible. These wrecks remain as evidence of the flying boats sunk by the Japanese air raid on Broome during WWII in March 1942. At the time there were 16 flying boats at anchor in Roebuck Bay. Located 1km offshore from Town Beach the low tides reveal the corroding hulls of flying boats. Please check tide times with the Broome Visitor Centre.
Relax on Town Beach and witness the spectacular “Staircase to the Moon”, a natural phenomena caused by the rising of a full moon reflecting off the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. (Only visible during the months of March – October for 3 nights per month). Markets are held on the first 2 nights, to coincide with this event – a great place to absorb in the atmosphere. Please contact the Broome Visitor Centre for “Staircase” times or check the Events page.
At the intersection of Short Street and Carnarvon Street a sculptured bronze commemorative plaque has been erected in honour of the lives lost when Japanese Navy Aircraft struck the Flying Boats at anchor in Roebuck Bay on 3rd March 1942.
Four life size statues are placed on the grassed area in Carnarvon Street – The Cultured Pearl and Hard Hat Diver Monument. The statues pay tribute to their involvement in establishing Broome as the centre of the world’s pearling industry in the early 1900’s.
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. Reflect on the dangers of the early days of diving, the final resting-place for over 900 pearl divers.
For those who enjoy bushwalking, the Minyirr Park has a number of self guided colour coded walk trails to offer. Stroll through the bush and on to the beach and enjoy the cooling breezes and panoramic views of Minyirr (Broome).
Be amazed by the ever-changing colours created by the ebb and flow of the tide in Roebuck Bay. The scenery is spectacular. Find a cool place to sit back, relax and … let yourself go.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Soak up the laid back atmosphere of a town with no traffic lights. Treat your taste buds to the eclectic east meets west cuisine, and at the end of the day, why not take in another glorious sunset.
Wander around Chinatown, once the bustling hub of pearl dealers, billiard saloons, entertainment houses and Chinese eateries. Discover the unique character of Broome and the distinctive iron buildings, some dating back to the 1880’s. The finest pearl showrooms, galleries, retail outlets and sidewalk cafes will provide you with a great shopping experience and time to immerse yourself in the charm of old and new Broome.
Check out the history of pearling in Broome, cruise the bay on a Pearl Lugger or be whisked back in time to the high seas and drama of the early days of pearling. Ask the Broome Visitor Centre about tour options.
Meander through the famous Courthouse Markets on a Saturday morning held in the grounds of the Old Courthouse built in 1888. Enjoy a tasty bite to eat as you make your way through the amazing collection of local produce, arts, crafts and mementos.
Learn of the unique role the sea and river systems of the Kimberley have played in the life of the Aboriginal people at an Aquaculture and Discovery Centre.
Go with friends for a leisurely camel ride along Cable Beach at morning, twilight or sunset. Or you can just watch them come up from the beach across the grassed amphitheatre after sunset, a delightful sight.
Have the adventure of a lifetime and escape with an extended Cruise along the Kimberley Coast or perhaps a 4WD Safari into the rugged and majestic beauty of the Kimberley Gorges and Dampier Peninsula.
Sit back in a deck chair and enjoy the new release movies at the oldest operating outdoor picture gardens in Australia (90 years old). Daily tours are run as well as nightly picture shows of this Guinness Book of Records holder.
Roam through the Broome Historical Society Museum; explore the fascinating pieces of history. Other historic sights include the Australian and Allied War Memorials in Bedford Park on Hamersley St. Also in the park is Dampier’s Chest and several other plaques regarding Broome.
Venture out to the Broome Bird Observatory, on the shores of Roebuck Bay. This area is regarded as one of the best locations in Australia to view some of the 310 species of migratory wader birds that arrive each year from the breeding grounds in Siberia.
The fishing is great in Broome so board a fishing boat and go catch your dinner off the shores of Roebuck Bay or Cable Beach. Or try your hand at landing a big one from the Port of Broome’s Deep Water Jetty.
Play a round of golf at the Broome Golf Clubs fully grassed 18-hole course and take in the awesome view from the Club-house.
Browse through one of the many Pearl Showrooms or Art Galleries offering unique local and indigenous works of art, handicrafts and artifacts. The variety on offer is stunning. Grab a detailed list from the Broome Visitor Centre.
View some of the largest Crocodiles in captivity and witness their true nature during crocodile feeding tours.
Let the serenity of Buddha’s Sanctuary invigorate you. Enjoy the ornamental gardens, pavilion and the magnificence of a crystal Buddha measuring nearly 4 metres. Reflect, meditate, read or simply … let yourself go.
|
