Broome
Fresh from playing host to Baz Luhrmann’s star studded extraganza ‘Australia, Broome is contiuin to entice tourist and local alike wit its beautiful surrounds.
Located at the very tip of Western Australia, Broome is a popular spot for families and couples alike, providing 'something for everyone'. who could resist the stunning beaches, the heady nostalgia or the abundance of activities?
Visually the area is a masterpiece of colour, renowned for its startling contrasts; the pristine white sand of the beaches seeping into the bright blue waters of the Indian Ocean and set against a backdrop of fiery orange Kimberley soil. The town's distinctiveness is only heightened by the stimulation of the senses.
The delicate perfume of the frangipani, fused with the slightly salty aroma of sea spray provides a fragrance that you will commit only to Broome, whilst the vast array and exceptional quality of the various places to eat and drink will forever leave your taste buds tingling. What is more, the area's gorgeous tropical weather will ensure the sun is forever shining down onto you, warming your skin and giving you that sought-after, radiant, holiday glow.
A popular tourist town for decades and home for centuries of local Aboriginals, today visitors come to relax, revive and to drench the senses in everything Broome has to offer.
Perth Woman recently sent our very own Geoff and Margot to enjoy a weekend away and sample the highlights of Broome's popular tourist attractions. We got all the delicious details on their time spent wining, dining and camel riding...
Bed, Bath and Everything in between...
The ultimate accommodation Broome has to offer is the world class Cable Beach Club Resort; a luxurious destination situated only metres from the beautiful Cable Beach. Effortlessly blending Balinese decor with western luxury, Cable Beach Club Resort sets itself apart with modern Australian artworks, statues of ancient Chinese warriors and antiques from South-East Asia. Combined with gorgeous tranquil gardens and distinct architecture, it is a haven of decadence and serenity.
The choice of accommodation on offer at Cable Beach Club Resort is truly exceptional in both character and style. Ranging from the relaxing, well-appointed villas and the family-friendly and spacious home-like bungalows to the intimate studio rooms which are perfect for couples, there are also the not-to-be missed suites which everyone deserves to try once (or more than!) where colonial meets Asian style and original artwork adorns the walls. Views of the Indian Ocean and butler service come as standard.
Perth Woman: Cable Beach Club is an award-winning resort. Can you describe your first impression of the amazing grounds?
Geoff: The whole resort was absolutely beautiful and a real delight to just stroll around. Lush and tropical, it felt like being in a paradise and yet we hadn't even left WA. Great for a weekend away from Perth, you can fit as much or as little into the weekend as you want and we could quite easily have not left the resort for the whole time we were there! Everywhere you turned there was something new to enjoy and some lovely artwork around. The ponds and water lilies were beautiful.
PW: You both enjoyed the garden view studio, I'm sure you can make us jealous with a description of your sumptuous accommodation!
G: The accommodation was outstanding and the staff at Cable Beach Club made our stay even more enjoyable. We had a gorgeous room situated near the pool with a private outdoor area, as well as a choice of sun loungers which is always a bonus!
If you're exhausted from all the sunbathing and cocktail drinking, Cable Beach Club Resort offers a range of recreational activities. For a truly zen experience, the Buddha Sanctuary hosts tai chi, yoga and meditation classes. For guests who are truly revived there is bocce, golf, mix 'n' mingle tennis, family fun, climate controlled swimming pools and lawn bowls.
PW: In between all of the relaxing and recharging of batteries, did you find any time to try out an activity?
Margot: No time - we were so busy eating, relaxing and sightseeing! There was so much on offer though, a few more days and we would have loved to try something.
PW: We've heard that the resort day spa is really luxurious. Did you find time to pamper yourselves with any treatments?
G: Well, Margot said that no woman in her right mind could pass up a 'mani and pedi', but I'm not sure whether all women need to book in for a manicure, pedicure, body scrub, wrap, massage and facialƒ I think it certainly became one of the trip's highlights! On our next visit I might even be persuaded to try a therapeutic massage after a day of sightseeing...
Offering up a palette of choice, Cable Beach Club Resort caters for everyone, providing a choice of four restaurants situated within the resort's charming grounds. These include the very elegant Club Restaurant which serves such delicacies as pearl meat and barramundi, while the interior boasts objet d'art personally curated by Lord Alistair McAlpine, the Resort's founder. After a day of sunbathing and cocktail drinking, wander down to the relaxed Sunset Bar and Cafe where you can sit back and while away an evening with a drink or meal and soak up the renowned Broome sunset. If you catch Broome in the right season, there is the Thai Pearl, a truly unique experience located beside the Adults' Pool where international chefs prepare mouthwatering Thai cuisine. Nothing beats a traditional Aussie BBQ and in true Cable Beach Club Resort style this one is done with a touch of class. The gourmet carvery and buffet is perfect for couples and families alike, so everyone can unwind by the Family Pool as the sun goes down.
PW: Cable Beach Club Resort boasts a selection of restaurants. How was breakfast at the Sunset Bar?
G: Breakfast was really nice - buffet style but not too crowded. A relaxing start to the day; sitting outside overlooking the ocean, wondering what the poor people in Perth were doing! Over breakfast we had a glance at the lunch time menus and everything looked exquisite. We made a special trip back to the resort for a quick bite and it was well worth it!
Travel in Style...
With so much to discover in and around the town, you'll appreciate having an air-conditioned latest-model car to keep you safe and comfortable. For those wishing to experience the beauty and wonder of Broome but off the beaten track, you can't go past a 4WD self-drive package, enabling you the freedom to explore other popular attractions outside of town, such as Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek.
PW: Broome Broome Car Rentals looked to have supplied you with a car that would have been perfect to zip back and forth from the various spots you visited. Tell us a little about their service and vehicles on offer. Was it a good start to the trip?
G: The staff were very friendly and picked us up without a hitch. The car was perfect and it wouldn't have been the same without a vehicle to run around in for the weekend. Local knowledge from the staff was great and they filled us in on all the places to go and see and suggestions for future trips.
PW: Broome is over 2,000 km north of Perth. How did you get there?
G: We flew from Perth to Broome with Skywest. The flight was only two and a half hours and the crew on board made it a really enjoyable journey so it was pretty easy really.
Fine Dining...
Taking in the beauty of the endless, picturesque Cable Beach is only bettered whilst enjoying magnificent food and cocktails at Zanders Restaurant. Situated across the road from Cable Beach Club Resort, Zanders is renowned in Broome for its spectacular location and delicious food. With restaurateur Stuart Voce and award-winning chef Amine Bouhaddou, a trip to Broome is not complete without sampling their prized pearl meat spoons or tasty gourmet pizzas.
PW: Zanders restaurant is credited as being one of the top five great places to eat in Broome. Did your experience there measure up to expectations?
M: Zanders was lovely, in fact it was so good we went back a second night! The service was quick and relaxed and the quality of the food was certainly of a very high standard.
PW: Describe to us what you enjoyed from the menu? I believe you sampled entree, dinner and their renowned cocktails...
M: The entrees were incredible. We sampled Zanders' award-winning pearl meat spoons which were not only absolutely delicious but beautifully presented. You have to try them! Our mains of threadfin salmon and Moroccan lamb were cooked to our expectations and certainly a good size! They also cater for families and serve casual food, but their fine dining is extra special and worth sampling. We also loved the cocktails. We opted for a tropical Cable Beach Sunsplash (gin, triple sec, sweet vermouth and orange juice) shaken up by the mixologist at the cocktail bar. They went down a little too easily(!) but were a great start to a night out.
Lunch is not complete without good company and a great view. What better to discuss over a tasty dish than the beer brewed on the premises of award-winning micro brewery Matso's.
PW: Matso's Brewery looks to be a unique place for excellent beer and food. Can you describe to me how the beer tasting went and what were some of your favourites?
G: We had a sample of seven different types of beer, the most interesting was a chilli beer and it really did have a bite to it. For me I liked the Hit the Toad lager, although the ginger beer was pretty good too...
PW: Did you sample anything from their fabulous menu whilst you were there?
G: The food was really good and the staff were friendly and informative, with lots of local knowledge to share.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side...
The vibrant and dramatic colours of sunset at Cable Beach is one of the most memorable sights of all in Broome. To make sure it is something you never forget, the sunset camel rides come highly recommended and it is easy to see why. Organised by Red Sun Camels, this tour will take you on a one hour camel ride along the beach, whilst the sun sets. For a truly original experience and one that you will want to repeat, you cannot leave Broome without trying it.
PW: A trip to Broome is not complete without a camel ride. Did you both enjoy that? Tell us a little more about the experience, it certainly sounds different!
M: I was petrified of getting on a camel but was so glad I did; it was really special. I'd been on a stinking one years ago in Tunisia that did nothing but sneeze and snort and my knuckles were white from hanging on for dear life! The tour was very well run and you get a little information on the life story of your camel. We had the choice of a camel each, but I quickly declined! Our camel had supposedly made a star appearance in the movie Australia, but we weren't sure if everyone was told that down the line! [Laughs] It was a fantastic experience and for anyone who doesn't do the ride, they're missing out!
PW: How was the sunset from your unique view point?!
G: Absolutely beautiful! A real highlight of the weekend.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend... until she visits Willie Creek Pearl Farm and delights in the mesmerising beauty of a perfectly formed pearl. Broome's rich heritage and diverse culture stems from the original pearling industry and Willie Creek Pearl Farm preserves that unique time in history, provides tours of their pearl farm and welcomes visitors to their stunning showroom where they display one of the largest selections of pearl jewellery in Western Australia.
Pack your Bags...
Cable Beach Club Resort
www.cablebeachclub.com (08) 9192 0400
Zanders Restaurant
www.zanders.com.au (08) 9193 5090
Matso's
www.matsos.com.au Brewery (08) 9192 7751, Restaurant (08) 9193 5811
Willie Creek Pearl Farm:
www.williecreekpearls.com.au (08) 9192 0000
Red Camel Tours
www.redsuncamels.com.au (08) 9193 7423
Broome Broome Car Rentals
www.broomebroome.com.au (08) 9192 2210
SkyWest provides flights from Perth to Broome daily.
www.skywest.com.au 1300 660 088
Australia's North West Tourism is more than happy to assist you in the organisation of your trip to Broome.
www.australiasnorthwest.com or call (08) 9193 6660
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