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Cable Beach, Broome © Tourism WAWestern Australia 

Broome and nearby 

Broome is still relatively small, with a growing population around 18,000 and an international airport. It is a surprisingly sophisticated town and grew up as a result of the Pearl Rush in the 1880s when pearl shells (mother of pearl) were collected as well as the much rarer pearls themselves. This resulted in an influx of workers of various nationalities from Asia, giving the town an exotic reputation. The prosperity faltered during the two World Wars and after World War II the Japanese started pearl farming in the area. English businessman Alistair McAlpine helped to set Broome on its current course when he encouraged its refurbishment in keeping with its exotic past. It has a reputation for being a very relaxing place to live, with its wonderful beaches and warm climate (albeit prone to cyclones in the summer season) and it is growing as an international tourist destination.

Broome has a good selection of hotels and accommodation, including international standard hotels. Roebuck Bay is the favoured viewing spot for the Staircase to the Moon in Broome. This phenomenon occurs at full moon between March and October when the moonlight reflects on the mudflats at low tide to give the appearance of a narrow staircase leading up to the moon.

A number of the major vehicle hire companies operate from Broome. Bear in mind that they insist on hiring 4WD vehicles for driving on unmade roads and also that many roads become impassable in the summer wet season.

Pearling tours and sightseeing tours around Broome are on offer. Numerous local tour operators offer day and longer tours, including aerial trips to the surrounding area which include the Buccaneer Archipelago and the Dampier Peninsula: (including Cape Leveque and the Aboriginal communities of Lombadina and Beagle Bay).

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Great Escape Charter Co Explore one of the most isolated and truly awesome destinations in Australia, the Kimberley Coast and Rowley Shoals - on the MV Great Escape and MV Kimberley Escape

Coates Wildlife Tours The finest birdwatching and natural history tours available in WA and beyond - tours with in depth interpretation of the natural world

Heli West WA's premier helicopter operations and tour company offering scenic flights over Perth, Fremantle, Perth beaches and Swan Valley - tailored extended flights also available

Bayview Coral Bay A year-round holiday oasis at the southern gateway to the superb Ningaloo Reef. Has acccommodation to suit every taste and budget plus activities including whale watching

North Star Cruises Luxury small group cruises for the discerning adventurer on the 'True North', with the Kimberley regions longest established adventure cruise operator.

Alligator Airways Specialists in air tours throughout the Kimberley region. Based in Kununurra, Alligator Airways has been operating in the Kimberley since 1983

Seasons of Perth A boutique hotel with guestrooms that are the largest in the central Perth - receive a warm welcome on arrival, friendly and personalised attention throughout your stay

Wilderness Australia Specialise in personal and exclusive tailor-made safaris throughout Australia’s diverse environment. Travel at your own speed to places off the beaten tourist track

Rottnest Express/Boat Torque The largest and most experienced Rottnest Is. cruise and ferry company, operatoring from Perth and Fremantle and also offer a unique range of day packages to the island

Harbour Town Shopping Outlets Direct brand outlet shopping centres, with premium locations on Queensland's Gold Coast, at West Beach, Adelaide in South Australia, and at West Perth, Western Australia

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Staircase to the Moon, Broome  © Tourism WA
Dinosaur footprint, Gantheaume Point, near Broome  © Tourism WA

Girl on Cable Beach, Broome © Tourism WA
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Camel safari on Cable Beach © Tourism WA

DID YOU KNOW ... A ‘billy can’ is a tin container in which a brew of tea is boiled on an open camp fire.