Around and about Broome 29th July 2009

BROOME- 140 kms N of Port Smith and 221 kms SW of Derby.Town Population 13717. However about 100000 tourists visit each year.

William Dampier being the first European to visit the shore in 1688 and named Roebuck Bay after his ship. It took another 200 years before before Broome was gazetted as a town and named after Governor of Western Australia at the time.

Of Course Broome is known for its pearls ever since they were first discovered in the mid 1800’s when the mother of pearl was used for buttons, knife handles, inlays etc etc. It wasn’t until 1952, when it was thought that the industry would die as a result of plastics and polyester being used, that the first cultured pearl farm began at Kuri Bay north of Broome. There are now many pearl farms near Broome and the industry is booming with countless shops and outlets making these unique gems into beautiful jewellery.

This morning we drove into Broome and had a look around Chinatown in the daylight. From what we can remember it has been really upgraded, with wider pavements, centre road angle parking and plants.

Had my haircut again by a young pommy guy who is travelling around Australia and has stopped off in Broome to earn some extra cash. Had a cup of coffee and was entertained by a great guitar and vocals by a local, looked at the bead shop etc etc.

It was then a drive to the port and a walk out on the jetty which is restricted at the end as it is a working port.

However we walked along it and chatted to all the hopeful people with their rods and lines looking for their evening meal. We haven’t ever seen anybody catch any fish of any reasonable size since we have been on our trip. They have been saying that it is very bad this year for fishing right across the top from Cairns to Broome. That hasn’t stopped them going out in their boats or standing for hours hoping that they might get lucky though. We have found the answer by stopping off at the nearby fish wholesaler to buy a couple of pieces of Red Emperor for our dinner. Probably not as much fun as catching it yourself but much easier and a lot quicker.

We then drove off to Gantheaume Point to see the Dinosaur Footprints which are more than 130 million years old and Anastasia’s Pool an almost perfectly rounded pool which was hand built by a former lighthouse keeper for his arthritic wife Anastasia. We were out of luck with the foot prints as they can only be seen at very low tides; however they have very thoughtfully made a concrete replica of some of the prints up on the rocks where they can be easily seen. (We have actually seen the real prints when we went out on a hovercraft when we were on our coach trip some years ago)

Back to the Jayco to have our lunch and then a trip to the famous Cable Beach Club

where Lord McAlpine spent up to $500 million putting Broome on the map and making it a tourist destination., which we couldn’t help agreeing with as it is a great place.

We ventured out onto Cable Beach which stretches for 22 km to see the camels and the rides being set up. With three lots of 16 camels going most of the time it is truly a favourite tourist attraction. Beatrice having had this experience on our previous trip we were just spectators.

This is a magnificent beach with pristine sand and gets its name from the communications cable that links Broome with Indonesia and the Indian Ocean is a a clear turquoise. It comes as no surprise as to why it has been named as as one of the top five beaches in the world.

He didn’t like me taking his photo!

The gathering of the crowds at Cable Beach for the sunset over the ocean were assembling as many set up their tables chairs and drinks to watch this daily event! We must admit it was good especially as it silhouetted the pearl luggers that were out on the sunset cruises.

Home and our fish dinner and a bottle of the local white wine chilled just right!