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Broome is the gateway to the Kimberley region and as such, is the start of our northern sector of WA . A bustling multicultural town that's very popular during the winter months due to it's pleasant average temperatures of around 30 degrees. Over 100,000 people a year flock to the town to escape the cold wet winters of the south.
Broome:
The town boomed at the turn of the century due to the pearling industry and in those early days, Broome produced 80% of the world's Mother of Pearl shell. The advent of the plastic button in the 50's sealed the fate of the shell industry. The industry was soon revitalised with the cultured pearl and by the 1970's was producing up to 70% of the world's large cultured pearls.
Broome now has a bustling tourism industry and there is lots to do and see in the town. Chinatown , the main asian/colonial styled shopping precinct, boasts an array of speciality shops, restaurants and Pearling outlets. There is enough here to keep everyone busy and entertained and is an enjoyable, but expensive stay. There's just too much to do and too much to spend money on.
Broome's Cable Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, then there's the Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon that appears on certain nights, the Sun Picture House and so the list goes on and on. The coastline offers some of the world's highest tides, often reaching 10 meters between low and high tide
Cable Beach at Sunset:
It's become a tradition for the locals and tourists to converge on Cable Beach at sunset in their 4WD's for a sundowner and they line the beach for as far as the eye can see. The sunsets are amazing and the camels and luggers silhouetted against the sunset adds to the spectacle.
Unfortunately the council is trying to ban 4WD's on the beach and the town is divided with very heated debates going on as soon as the subject is mentioned.
Willie Creek Pearl Farm:
The guided tour was a real eye opener. The history of pearling in the area is fascinating and the surgical precision and care required to culture a pearl is unbelievable, now I know why they are so expensive. Also did a helicopter flight around the area and the scenery, mangrove inlets and beaches are stunning.
Horizontal Falls:
Heard so much about the Horizontal Falls but couldn't really get that excited about it, after all, water flowing through a gap can't be that exciting can it? It's not as if it's pouring over high picturesque and colourful cliffs.
WRONG again. Chose the half day jet prop seaplane tour that lands in, or should I say flys into a spectacular seaplane landing on the majestical waters of Talbot Bay @ $595.00 per person. Once again, Marlene won't fly so I'm on my own with three thrill seeking ladies who were good fun and out to enjoy themselves. We were quickly transfered to a luxury catamaran where the tour guide went through the days activities and safety procedures over a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits.
We then board the custom built, twin engine 300hp cruise vessel. It's all tame as we leave the catamaran and start cruising towards the falls and then:
hang onto your seats and hats as the pilot opens the throttle and takes us for a thrilling ride through the bay heading towards the falls
the boat ride is an adventure in itself and a real adrenalin rush as we weave and twist our way towards the falls.
arrive at the falls and can see the water gushing through, then he starts reversing the boat in so that we're going against the flow ?????
then opens up the throttle so that we're standing still in the fast flowing water that's dropping into the next bay and it's heart pumping adrenalin stuff
THEN, full throttle to get out of the flow, a quick left turn and straight back into the falls weaving left and right fighting to keep control of the vessel
WOW..... is all I can say and the video footage is awesome, including getting a good soaking, camera and all.
When you see the Horizontal Falls in action and feel the power of the huge volumes of water that flow through, you soon realise why it's such a popular attraction.
Glad I did the landing and boat ride option as I don't think you can appreciate the Falls from the air.
The return flight included areal views of Cape Leveque, Beagle Bay and Cable Beach.
Absolutely awesome and highly recommended
Other attractions:
Gantheaume Point boasts some amazing rock formations, Anastasia's Pool and the prehistoric dinosaur footprints. There are just too many tours and attractions to list them all, but we really enjoyed all the attractions and the tours.
Life on the Road:
Had to book in advance and wait a few days before we could get into Broome as every caravan park was booked to capacity, as were all the overflow parks. We were really looking forward to having the new air con unit fitted as the temperatures were creeping up to the 30's.
Marlene needed to fly back to Perth to see a specialist (infection which started at 80 Mile Beach) and after a day in hospital, all is well so back to Broome.
Can't believe our eyes, the caravan park is half empty?? Temperature has hit 34-35 degrees and the nomads have headed south to find cooler weather. Every park in town is the same, even the shopping centre and coffee shops etc are looking quiet. It was just strange to see so many people clear out of town in just a few days.
Marlene is still suffering withdrawal symptoms as we haven't been able to find a decent bakery for months and has had to settle for the odd chocolate mud cake and cream doughnut from the local supermarkets.
Been in Broome for much longer than planned and it's time to move on and start exploring the rugged outback Kimberley.
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Our Trip 
