Travel information for Broome, Western Australia

Broome is the capital of The Kimberley region in the north west of Western Australia. It is the heart of the accommodation and touring industry for the Bungle bungle ranges, the northern pearling industry and the magical cruises and fishing charters that originate from Broome and take passengers to see the spectacular gorges, island archipelago’s, rivers and estuaries and magnificent coastline and wildlife that are the most important attractions in the Kimberley region.

Broome has a permanent population of about 15000 people and is easily reached by air from Darwin in the north or from Perth to the south. When you get there you will find an array of superb accommodation in the town and right along the cable beach frontage. Broome has a colourful history and in this region, the Australian pearling industry was born. In the old days, timber pearling luggers took divers out into the surrounding seas to bring back the large oyster shells in which the natural pearls were found. Divers wearing hard hats and heavy dive suits were sent overboard, many to their deaths, to gather the pearl hosting shells. Little was known in these days about the dangers of diving, especially in deep water, and many succumbed to “the Bends” before it was understood. There is a Japanese cemetery in Darwin that you can visit and see the many tombstones of the Japanese divers who succumbed in this way. Today, the pearling industry is alive and well in the region and cultured pearls that are reputed to be the best in the world are produced in a number of pearl farms near Broome.

The most important industry in the Kimberley now is tourism and Broome is the hub of this activity. There are so many things to see and do around the district. Fishing charters lure overseas sport fishermen to the pristine rivers and estuaries where large crocodiles abound to hunt the mighty Mangrove Jack and Barramundi. Cruise ships and white boats run regular itineraries into the remote bays and gorges of the region to see the wildlife, waterfalls and spectacular coastline and tours operate into the inland regions to see fantastic natural attractions like the Bungle Bungle ranges and the surrounding deserts. Air tours are extremely popular as the region is vast and most of the best attractions are well away from made roads and other facilities like accommodation and restaurants. You can stay in comfort in the wilderness at resorts like El Questro Station or in total luxury in town in places like the Cable Beach Club and take the mandatory camel ride along the beach at sunset.

Broome is on of the most important tourist towns in Australia. It is remote and the region is unspoilt which helps to make it one of the countries must see destinations. If you are planning to include the Kimberly region on your holiday itinerary then book your Broome tours and accommodation early and avoid disappointment.