Lonely Planet reveals the world's best sunrises and sunsets

#5

CABLE BEACH, BROOME, AUSTRALIA
Red from the pindan (the rust-coloured dirt), the aquamarine of Roebuck Bay and the pearl white of Cable Beach’s sands - this improbable combination of colours makes Broome’s landscape one you’ll never forget.

Drowsing on this beach and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean is one of life’s great treats. There’s generally a crowd for the sunset show but with 22km of beach to choose from, you won’t have to try hard to find your own private vantage point.
It’s hard to beat lying on those silky sands but if you want to mix it up, try sunset from the back of a camel.
Tip for visiting:
The luscious, Zen-styled
Cable Beach Resort
has the best address in town - it’s right on the beach.
Picture: Flickr user Piesgardiner

Broome celebrates its big pearl

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm's biggest Pearl
NSW has the big banana, Queensland has the big pineapple and now Broome in Western Australia has its own 'big thing' to draw in the tourists.

(Cygnet Bay Pearls)

Located in one of the town's pearl shops, it is the world's largest fine quality round pearl.

It was grown on the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm about two-and-a-half hours drive north of Broome.

Farm manager James Brown says the pearl is over 22 millimetres in diameter, but unfortunately it's not for sale.

Shire of Broome Election Results

Last weekend Shire election produced a very close result with only 358 votes separating all eight candidates with only 40.03% of eligible voters recording their vote, up some 9% on the last shire election.

BROOME WARD


Vacancies (4) Councillors - Expiry of term 17 October 2015

Turnout rate 40.03%

Candidates                       Votes            Percentage           Expiry of Term

MANADO, Mark            1,246              12.3%               17 October 2015

POELINA, Anne             1,270              12.54%             17 October 2015

LANDER, Robert            1,208              11.93%             Unsuccesful

CAMPBELL, Graeme     1,359              13.42%             17 October 2015

MITCHELL, Chris          1,491              14.72%             17 October 2015

MAHER, Chris                1,133              11.19%             Unsuccesful

GALLUS, Stuart              1,237              12.22%             Unsuccesful

CURRAN, Kandy            1,182             11.67%              Unsuccesful

Total valid votes              10,126             100.00%

World's Greatest Shave & Colour

      Thanks to all my & my Team Mates sponsors for their support and donations that enabled us all to have a cracking afternoon shaving and colouring our hair in support of Leukaemia Foundation. In total we raised a little over $2500 as a team, which for 8 or 9 aging souls wasn't a bad result at all. Power to both you girls that were brave enough to shave your heads however the end result was that you both looked absolutely stunning. As for my appearance after the event well the less said the better. All in all a great afternoon for a great cause and a fantastic end result. Let's start planning for next year. In the interests of my own vanity I have withheld all photos.

Qantas to fly direct to Broome from Brisbane

Qantas passengers will be able to fly direct from Brisbane to Broome from Sunday.


The four hour flights will operate between the destinations each Thursday and Sunday.

The Broome International Airport Chief Executive Nick Belyea has asked Qantas to keep the fares competitive and hopes it will boost tourism.

"I've spoken to people in Queensland and they say Broome's a destination we haven't been to but gee it's a long way and it takes a long time to get there," he said

"So this will hopefully change their minds and [they will] think well ok we can handle a four hour flight to Broome and go and see the Kimberley."Source http://www.abc.net.au/ direct link http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/31/3178622.htm

Jewels of the Kimberley unearth a gem of shop

      

Jodi Penfold of Jewels of the Kimberley has relocated to

Shop 2-3, 20 Dampier in Pearlers Row, Chinatown.

Call in and see Jodi in her beautifully refitted Showroom.

Call 9192 8207 

Horizontal Falls back on the itinery

Horizontal Falls flights back for 2011

Half & Full day flights to the Horizontal Falls start late March from Broome & Derby. This is one not to be missed adventure.

Ask you Hotel Reception about availability & Booking.

or call direct 9192 1172

Aero Blue Helicopters have recommenced for 2011 season

Aero Blue relaunches in 2011

Murray advises he is back in the air after the Wet Season.
15, 20 & 30 minutes Joy Flights & Charter Flights.

Enquire at your Hotel Reception or view his website online here http://www.broomedirect.com.au/what_do_scenic_flights.html

Murray 0447 744 040

Azuki Japanese Fusion Reopens for 2011

 

AZUKI JAPANESE FUSION REOPENS

LUNCH Monday - Friday 11am - 2.30pm

DINNER Monday - Saturday 6pm - 9.00pm
                                                           
Rani & Scotty are back and open so head on down to Shop 1, 15 Napier Tce, Chinatown and hello and grab a great feed. Here's http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/ review on Azuki.

"A Japanese fusion eatery known for its clever and inventive take on traditional Japanese Bento boxes. Azuki - under the creative genius of chef Scott Thorpe - aims to offer diners a culinary path less travelled. Aside from classic Bento-style eats, there are many more Japanese tastes on the menu: all of which are given a bit of a Western interpretation. Located near Broome's famous Chinatown, diners are invited to sit outside on a warm evening and sample something refreshingly different."


Call Rani 9193 7211 for reservations & enquiries

Broome Motel checks out of Accommodation market

The Broome Motel has been sold to the WA State Government and has now permanently closed its doors to the travelling public.

I personally would like to wish owner Don & Managers, Maria & Peter the very best in their next venture Retirement.

Broome's 4th biggest hotel when completed now closes as Broome's 8th biggest hotel, calculated on room numbers, 55 budget rooms within walking distance of Chinatown are lost to the local tourism industry

Broome's Rare Snubfin dolphin

Picture: Deborah Thiele


I know this story is old (July 2010) but I just love these kooky looking things.

The link @ http://www.thewest.com.au/ appears to have disappeared but here's what they printed then:

MICHAEL BENNETT, The West Australian July 30, 2010

Recreational fishermen and scientists have called on the State Government to fast-track marine protection over a section of Broome's Roebuck Bay after evidence that its rare dolphin population is suffering devastating wounds from boats and fishing gear.

In a report to be released tomorrow , WWF Australia says 60 per cent of snubfin dolphins examined in the bay have wounds or scarring from human interaction as a result of boat strikes or fishing gear.

The report comes as Environment Minister Donna Faragher said the State Government would commit nearly $30,000 for further research on the snubfin dolphin.

The three-year analysis of Australia's only endemic dolphin species, indentified for the first time in 2005, shows that in some cases dorsal fins are mutilated or completely sliced off.

The report found the high rates of injuries, greater than any other group of cetaceans ever studied, is likely the result of a clear overlap between snubfin foraging and socialising areas of the bay with high vessel use and fishing areas.
While many of the injuries are not life threatening, it said the high incidence and severe nature of some of the injuries indicated some deaths must occur.

Scientist Deborah Thiele, commissioned by the WWF to study the dolphin population, said the group was pushing for tighter guidelines regulating the use of the bay by boats and fishermen. There were hopes the area would be covered by declaration of a marine sanctuary outlining restrictions in the near future.

WWF marine species manager Lydia Gibson said an assessment process and consultation with community groups were essential.

"We need to be proactive so we don't run the risk of losing the species for ever … so often protection is ramped up when an animal is at the brink of extinction," she said.

Recreational fisherman Jason Fowler, a member of the Roebuck Bay working group, said he wanted 30 per cent of the bay protected by a marine sanctuary.

Ms Faragher said the Yawuru indigenous land agreement signed earlier this year included an opportunity for a marine park at Roebuck Bay.

Save 15% off all Australian Adventure Travel 2011 Tours - ex Broome

The Mitchell Falls

2011 Kimberley Earlybird Special!

Book & pay 20% deposit on any 2011 Broome departure and receive 15% discount off your tour!

You can save a huge $1048.50 per couple off our extremely popular 14 Day Kimberley Explorer tour.

Hurry as some tours have less than 4 places left!

Bookings must be made by 31st December 2010.

Offer is valid for direct bookings through the Australian Adventure Travel office only.

No further discounts apply.

Australian Adventure Travel are proudly 100% West Australian owned and operated.

AAT are one of only a few remaining operators that still travel up to the Mitchell Plateau. Experience the Kimberley the only way you should – under the stars! Visit timeless locations such as Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Bells Gorge, Galvans Gorge, El Questro, Mitchell Plateau & Falls, Home Valley, Kununurra, the Bungle Bungles and more! Our 4WD camping tours only have a maximum of 16 people on them so you can be guaranteed of a great small group experience.

Contact Australian Adventure Travel now for more information – hurry as places are very limited!

Freecall 1800 621 625 or email info@safaris.net.au or our website http://www.safaris.net.au/

Broome looks to Singapore for International flights

Broome's International Airport chances of recommencing International flights has been boosted with Australia's Northwest and Broome Gateway Committee to jointly receive $15,000 from Shire of Broome to assist with travel costs for members of the Gateway Committee to visit airline and Government representatives in the eastern states, in order to negotiate for international flights between Broome and Singapore.

The Shire of Broome September minutes go on to say;

"The abovementioned Gateway Committee is comprised of:
Hon Chris Ellison – Chairman, Australia’s North West Tourism and Broome Gateway Committee
Kelvin Barr - Deputy Director, Kimberley Development Commission
Nick Belyea - GM Broome International Airport
Rick Thomas - Executive Director, Aviation Development, Tourism WA
Vaughan Davies - Regional Manager, Tourism WA
Graeme Campbell - Shire President, Shire of Broome
Robert Banfield - Managing Director, Willie Creek Pearls
Bernard Whewell - Managing Director, Broome and The Kimberley Holidays
Glen Chidlow – Chief Executive Officer, Australia’s Northwest Tourism
Ron Johnston - Chamber of Commerce and Aviation Professional

ANW and the Broome Gateway Committee have been working on this particular project for some time. It has the capacity to provide a significant boost to the local economy, both from a tourism and commercial perspective, and open up Broome and the Kimberley to the international stage.

The introduction of international flights into Broome will also provide a wonderful opportunity for Broome and regional residents who may wish to travel internationally.

ANW and Broome Gateway Committee enthusiasm on this project has gained confidence and momentum especially since the recent State Government announcement in a Tourism WA newsletter dated May 2010, stating that Tourism WA is creating a new Infrastructure and Investment Division, focussing on developing significant projects having the biggest impact on tourism growth. One of the division’s key priorities will include the development of Broome as a genuine international aviation gateway.

The Shire of Broome generates an annual income of $315,000 from the Tourism Differential rate. Of this, in the Shire of Broome 2010/2011 Budget, $285,000 is distributed between ANW($175,000), and the Broome Visitor Centre ($110,000). An additional amount of $30,000 is included in the budget and set aside for other tourism expenditure, which is not yet specified"

Click here to read the full minutes; http://www.broome.wa.gov.au/council/pdf/minutes/2010/20100930om.pdf

2010/2011 Turtle nesting season in Broome & The Kimberley

Cable Beach Closed to traffic every night 8pm to 6am

and when tides reach 9 metres plus closed 2 hours each side of high tide time

1 October 2010 to 28 February 2011

The Broome Shire Council, at its September meeting, agreed that the closure of the Cable Beach access ramp for vehicles at the Cable Beach amphitheatre during turtle nesting season 1 October 2010 to 28 February 2011 should be:

1. Between 2000HRS (8PM) and 0600HRS (6AM) each day.

2. During the two (2) hours both sides of high tide where the tide is 9.0m or higher.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Click here for the September 2010 council minutes http://www.broome.wa.gov.au/council/pdf/minutes/2010/20100930om.pdf

12 Day Kimberley Safari Special

2011 Early Bird Special
12 Day Broome to Broome Kimberley Safari in 2011
Normally $2800 - Early-bird price $2750
Valid for bookings made prior to 31st Dec 2010

http://www.adventurewild.com.au/

Adventure Wild Premium Camping tours of 'The Kimberley' depart Broome every fortnight during 'The Dry' season. We travel The Gibb River Road visiting Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Bell Gorge, Galvan's Gorge, Adcock Gorge, Manning Gorge, Drysdale Station, King Edward River, Home Valley Station, El Questro Station, Kununurra, the Bungle Bungle and Geikie Gorge

Our guests sleep in comfortable swags and dine at a table under the stars.

Eco Beach to appear on Getaway Thursday 21st October 7.30 pm on WIN

Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat will be featured on Getaway this Thursday night, details are as follows:
Thursday 7.30 pm 21st October, 2010 WIN Television or Channel 9 in other areas

Broome's WA's Top Tourism Town for 2010

Broome has won WA's 2010 top tourism town which means we will be promoted across the state on GWN. It's the first time since 2002 that Broome has received the award.

Congratulations to everyone involved at the Broome Visitor Centre on a job very well done.

Check out the full story here. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/18/3041179.htm

Willie Pearl Lugger 2010 season ends

Willie Pearl Lugger Cruises have finished for 2010 and will resume Sunset tours in May 2011.

Azuki Japanese Fusion Restaurant

Scott & Rani advise that they will closing Friday 29th October 2010 for the wet season and will be reopening in March or April of 2011.

Scott & Rani would like to thank everyone for their patronage in 2010 and look forward to seeing you all again in 2011.

Happy holidays everyone.

Red Dirt Photography 2011 Tour season brochure

Nigel & Helen from Red Dirt Photography have released the 2011 season tour brochure.

Click here to check out next years itineries and scheduled tour dates. http://www.broomedirect.com.au/what_do_sightsee.html

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures 2010 Season closes

Horizontal Falls Seaplane advises that they have finished all tours for 2010 with the final flight being Friday October 15th, 2010.

Tours will recommence in March 2011, weather permitting.

Gecko Gallery "Tradition & Vision" Exhibition Oct-Nov 2010

Hello World

Hello World

Welcome to our brand new blog on Broome & The Kimberley.

Broome & The Kimberley is a unique destination that simply offers something for everybody.

Our tropical climate makes Broome the perfect option for those who seek relaxation in the sun all year round. With 22 kilometres of pristine white sandy beach, Cable Beach is firmly entrenched in the top 5 beaches in the world for very good reason. Our nightly sunset rivals the very best available, anywhere in the world.

For those more adventurous the waters off Broome are teaming with fish that could have you catching Reef, Game or Sports fish, diving with sharks, cruising at sunset or watching the migrating whales frolic.

With all this seafood and the unique cultural mix of people the food is something to behold.

Experience the breathtaking gorges of The Kimberley, immerse yourself in Australian Indigenous culture, travel the outback, cruise our stunning coastline or the Rowley Shoals.

If you have never been to Broome we hope to see you soon and to those who have we know we will see you again very soon.

Our website will be launched in February 2010 and will provide the most comprehensive guide to air travel, accommodation, tour options, Restaurants, Shopping and attractions all at your finger tips.

Until then I wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Safe and prosperous New Year.

Signing Off, Regards Glenn