About Broome

Broome is a unique, exotic town that is the southern gateway to the wilderness of the Kimberley region. Broome owes its beginnings to the ‘Pinctada Maxima’, the giant North West pearl oyster discovered in Roebuck Bay in 1861. This shell was much larger than oyster shells found in other parts of the world, so Broome soon became the major world supplier of M.O.P (Mother of Pearl). By the early 1900s, Broome supplied 80% of the world’s Mother of Pearl that was used for buttons, pistol grips, brooches, ornaments etc.

Broome boasts a multi-cultural population made up of the many nationalities that flocked to the shores of Roebuck Bay in the hope of making their fortune from the pearl shell industry.

As a result of this mixture of cultures, an unusual style of Colonial/Asian architecture has developed and this is evident in Broome’s Chinatown.

The invention of plastic in the 1950’s made Mother of Pearl worthless overnight. However, cultured pearls secured Broome's future. The ‘Pinctada Maxima’ responded to culturing so by the 1970’s, Broome supplied up to 70% of the world’s large cultured pearls.

Today Broome is reliant heavily on tourism and during the dry season (April – November) thousands of travellers flock to see the Pearl town of the Kimberley that glows with culture.

Tropical vegetation contrasts with the red soil (pindan) and magnificent beaches stand out against the turquoise ocean, while wildlife is prolific with migratory shore birds arriving annually to spend their days feeding on the beach.

Broome’s unique beauty needs time to explore. Pristine beaches, including the famous cable beach, red cliffs and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean are some of the wonders of this coastal delight.

With friendly people, a very relaxed leisurely lifestyle, great fishing and round the year swimming, you will soon wish that your holiday was just a little longer.

Weather to Smile About

Broome offers unique weather all year round. The months April – November are the most popular as sun seekers from the south follow the warmer weather. The wet season (November – March) offers the opportunity to see a greener, more tropical Broome.

The average maximum temperature is 32c, with a minimum of 21c. Average rainfall is 566mm, with most of this occurring in heavy down pours in the wet season.

The 1980’s saw the beginning of the tourist in earnest in Broome which was due to Lord Alistair McAlpine. The tourism trend has continued, and looks to strengthen in the future with the continual expansion of the town itself and the construction of the new Broome International Airport.