By Sarah Megginson
Australia Travel Expert, about.com
When you think of iconic Australian places, Western Australia’s Broome may not be at the top of your list. But, sandwiched between the red sands of the outback and the deep blues of the Indian Ocean, Broome boasts some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and offers a serious adventure for those who are wiling to take the challenge!
Here’s our list of 9 reasons to explore this almost-overlooked Aussie gem.
1. See the staircase to the moon[post_ads_2]
Best
seen from Roebuck Bay, this naturally occurring phenomenon only happens
between March and October. On the two to three days a month when the
moon is full, a staircase-like path is illuminated across the mudflats.
This spectacular scene, which was aptly named the Staircase to the Moon, can be enjoyed while visiting the Staircase Night Markets.
2. Take a Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure
For the adrenaline junkies, there’s Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure
tours – with a number of tours to choose from, all with hair-raising
activities that are sure to get your heart pumping, you can explore the
Kimberly, take a jetboat ride through white water or see the scenery
from above.
Bookings are essential.
3. Hunt for dinosaur footprints
When
Gantheamune Point is at very low tide its ancient secret is revealed –
130 million year old dinosaur footprints! Wear sturdy shoes and trek
across the rocks, spotting where the ancient Stegosaur, Saunropod,
Wintonpus, Theropod and Megolosauropus Broomensis stepped and stood.
If
you don’t manage to catch the tracks at low tide, there are land-based
plaster casts of the prints set in sandstone rock formations around the
area.
4. Go on the road less travelled in a 4WD
Arguably the best way to experience the outback is in a 4-wheel-drive. Tackle the wilderness on an InStyle Adventure
– take a tour around Broome, or travel out to the Kimberly for some
breathtaking natural scenery. With tours ranging from half-day to
multiple-day tours, there’s something for every level of adventure.
5. Camel ride through Cable Beach
Cable Beach is famous for its sunsets and what better way to watch the sunset than with a desert animal? A camel, that is! Sunset camel rides
depart daily on Cable Beach, excluding Christmas day, so it’s a treat
you can enjoy again and again. Trust us, you’ll never tire of sunset on
camel-back!
5. Watch the whales migrate[post_ads_2]
Throughout
the year, whales migrate down the western coast of Australia. In
Broome, the best time to catch them is between July and October so take a
charter with Broome Whale Watching and enjoy spending an afternoon with the humpback whales and the occasional pod of dolphins.
6. Learn to produce cultured pearls
Thanks
to the discovery of the pinctada maxima pearl shell, Broome is renowned
for harvesting some of the most beautiful pearls in the world. In fact,
in the early 20th century, it was the world’s most important pearling town. Today, you can visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm – around 38km from Broome – to see for yourself why these pearls are desired the world over.
7. Visit Matso’s brewery
For beer lovers, a stop at the Matso’s Brewery
is a must. Housed in the building that was originally home to the first
bank of Broome, Matso’s is now a café, gallery and shop – selling some
of the most delicious beer combinations around. Be sure to try the mango
and ginger beers, as well as the Desert Lime and Wild Ginger Cider and,
of course, the Pearlers Pale Ale.
8. Hook a Barramundi
There’s not much that can top the thrill of reeling in a big fish – better yet, when you can eat that fish for dinner! Slim’s Barra Charters
offer half-day and full-day fishing trips, chasing the highly sought
after Barramundi. The catch-of-the-day may vary, but you’re guaranteed
some beautiful scenery while you’re waiting for a bite.
9. Go bird watching[post_ads_2]
Nature enthusiasts will find it hard to go past the Broome Bird Observatory.
Roebuck Bay, around 25km from Broome, has the greatest diversity of
shorebird species anywhere in the world, with over 150,000 birds
visiting the beach annually. In a bid to protect this diversity, the
Broome Bird Observatory was set up, making Roebuck Bay a hotspot for
bird-lovers and beach-lovers alike.
