Home > Our Publications > Australian Outlook> 2004 > May

Catch the winter sun

THE sun is setting over the 22km stretch of white sand that is Broome's Cable Beach. A small crowd has gathered to watch as the sun, now a disc of deep red, sinks into the Indian Ocean.
One or two people linger at the water's edge, refusing to relinquish the day, while a trail of camels stroll along the sand, giving visitors one of Broome's most famous experiences - a sunset camel ride.
Cable Beach is one of Western Australia's most popular beaches and one of the most compelling reasons to visit Broome.
Sitting just 18 degrees from the equator, Broome has a year-round warm and tropical climate, which encourages an outdoors lifestyle.
As the crowds of the winter peak season dwindle and the first rains breathe new life into the landscape in December, at the start of summer, Broome is an exciting and increasingly affordable getaway - and it presents some great opportunities to relax and unwind.
This exotic town was once the pearling capital of the world and drew its population from a range of nations including China, Japan, Malaysia and the Middle East whose people flocked to the shores of Roebuck Bay in the hope of making a fortune. Some did and others weren't so lucky, but this colourful history has resulted in the multi-cultural feel Broome has today.
At Sun Pictures, the oldest operating picture garden, visitors enjoy a movie from a deck chair under the stars. This open-air cinema has withstood the ravages of war, cyclones and king tides to become a distinctively Broome experience.
The climate has played a major role in the architecture of the town. Many of the older buildings have wide verandahs, fine latticework, shutters and corrugated iron roofs to allow cooling breezes to flow through, as well as to cope with heavy rains.
Inland from Broome, the rains provide some incredible natural scenery including the
thundering power of the waterfalls in the east Kimberley, right in the north west of Western Australia.
The cascading waters of the Mitchell Plateau and King George Falls are perhaps best accessed by air. There are several local aviation companies operating from Broome and Kununurra which offer a range of scenic aeroplane and helicopter flights, including tours over the World Heritage listed Bungle Bungle massif in the Purnululu National Park.
A stay in Broome can prove that an adventure holiday doesn't necessarily mean roughing it. Vivid sunsets, a balmy climate make Broome the ideal spot for some serious relaxation regardless of whether you are staying in a backpacker lodge or a five star resort.