Kimberley & Broome
Nestled alongside the Indian Ocean and the shores of Roebuck Bay, Broome is the southern gateway to the magnificent wilderness region of the Kimberley. The coastal township of Broome, is a tranquil tropical spot, its pristine beaches and bays fringed with glistening white sands, craggy red cliffs and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean are just some of its natural wonders. As the summer rains cleanse the land, witness the lush green vegetation, spectacular lightning shows that herald the evening storms, and incredible sunsets over Cable Beach that turn the Indian Ocean into a majestic kaleidoscope of colour. Broome is also world famous for its pearling industry.The first pearl divers were the Aborigines who free dived in the shallow coastal waters. Later on, in the heady pearling years after the introduction of heavy diving equipment and airpumps, over 400 luggers worked the shores of Roebuck Bay. Japanese, Malays and Koepangers made up the crews, while the Chinese became the shopkeepers of the town. Today, remnants of Broome's exotic past are everywhere. The town's multicultural heritage and subsequent cultural fusion has seen an unusual style of Colonial/Asian architecture develop, and this is evident throughout Broome's bustling Chinatown and in many of the residential homes throughout the township. The multicultural society also ensures a wonderful matrix of gourmet cuisine, colourful characters and distinct cultural influences. For anyone visiting Broome, you need to make time to explore and soak up the special feeling this Town by the Bay will give you. The peace and quiet of the spectacular summer season (November to March) or the busy pace of the dry season - the choice is yours. The climate is also something to boast about, with warm sunny days and romantic balmy nights, making it very easy to slip into 'Broome Time' as you find yourself relaxing in the ambience of your surroundings. The Kimberley region in far North Western Australia is one of the world's last unspoilt frontiers. It is an ancient land extending from Broome in the South West to Kununurra and Wyndham near the Northern Territory border. Remote and rugged its landscape is truly spectacular; with wide horizons, ancient gorges, picture-book rock pools and pristine beaches, it is a special place that will linger in your mind long after you have left. Covering more than 420,000 square kilometres (261,000 miles), an area three times the size of England, it is home to only 25,000 people. This means that there are fewer people per kilometre than almost any other place on the planet. Take a trip into Purnululu National Park where you will marvel at the thousands of huge beehive-shaped mounds of the Bungle Bungle. Striped in orange and black colours, these sandstone mounds rise majestically from the red earth and are one of Western Australia's most significant natural features. The Kimberley has a tropical summer and dry winter and this diverse climate changes the landscape from season to season. Whichever season you choose you are sure to agree that Mother Nature was remarkable when she created the Kimberley. The Kimberley coast winds for over 3000km between Broome and Cambridge Gulf. Here you will find huge gulfs, jagged peninsulas and river estuaries verged with mangroves and mudflats, plus 1,000 or so islands that dot the Kimberley Coast and form the greatest mass of islands in Australia which are rarely, if ever, visited. The only way to explore it is by boat, with journeys ashore along the way. Almost totally uninhabited today, you are unlikely to see others at the waterfalls and pristine beaches along the coast. Ancient rock art sites and huge shell middens are the most visible evidence of the Aboriginal peoples who used to frequent these shores. There are many different cruise operators working in this area which offer an wide selection of 5-14 night cruises to suit many different budgets. |
