Western 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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