Tropical Summer in Broome

Broome

For the savvy sun-seeker who wants a memorable holiday without all the expense, a summertime escape to Broome has everything you could wish for, and more. Broome - where the outback meets the sea - is considered the gateway to the Western Kimberley, and a true gem of Australia. From the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay to the rich pindan soil that collides with the brilliant white sands of Cable Beach before tumbling into the cool blue ocean, Broome is a town of vibrant colour and contrast.

Every smart traveller knows that the best way to save and indulge at the same time is to take advantage of off-peak seasons, especially when it comes to luxury accommodation. That's why Broome's tropical summer - from November to April - is such an exciting time to visit. Not only are you avoiding the crush of visitor numbers, you're able to benefit from the many terrific deals on offer at Broome's luxury resorts, hotels and serviced apartments. Whether it's the boutique eco-beauty of newly opened The Billi (thebilli.com.au), Pinctada Cable Beach (pinctadacablebeach.com.au), The Pearle of Cable Beach (thepearle.com.au), perennial favourite Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa (cablebeachclub.com), or eco resort Eco Beach (ecobeach.com.au) an hour's drive south of Broome, you're sure to find an exceptional bargain that will stretch your dollar further - and provide you with a holiday to remember.

Broome's gourmet scene is a highlight of the area year round, but with a focus during the tropical summer months on fresh, seasonal barramundi. For fine dining, look no further than the Selene Brasserie at Pinctada Cable Beach or the award-winning Club Restaurant at Cable Beach Club. For mid-range fare with bags of fun thrown in, Matso's Cafe & Brewery (matsos.com.au) will delight you with everything from handcrafted mango beer to a quality curry or a kangaroo steak. Azuki Japanese Fusion (08 9193 7211) is another perfect example of the inventiveness of the local chefs. Broome's tropical summer is also smack bang in the middle of mango season! From October to December the town is gripped by mango madness, culminating in a Mango Festival at the end of November.

Daytime temperatures hold in the mid 30s, and night-time settles around the mid 20s. With most of the area's rainfall coming between January and early March, the resultant humidity means just one thing: perfect conditions for dramatic sunsets and lightning shows.

There are many outdoor past times to enjoy, and that doesn't just mean the al fresco dining options of local favourites like the Sunset Bar & Grill at Cable Beach Club, the Old Zoo Café (zoocafe.com.au), Aarli Bar (08 9192 5529) or the relaxed tropical garden setting at Café D'Amore (cafedamore.com.au). It also means long evening walks, sunset sailing tours in a century-old pearl lugger (broomelugger.com), and perhaps the most famous and picturesque of all Broome activities - sunset camel rides along Cable Beach.

Broome

The township of Broome itself is fascinating. Its vibrant culture, expressed eloquently by the Asian-influenced architecture of Chinatown, by the numerous Indigenous art galleries, and of course by its markets, bookshops and the famous Sun Pictures - the world's oldest operating outdoor picture theatre (broomemovies.com.au) - will delight curious travellers and history buffs alike. Broome's multicultural mix was further shaped by its rich Japanese, Filipino and Malay pearling history, and Chinatown remains a great place to visit a showroom and pick out a South Sea Pearl or two.

Set your sights on a summertime adventure in one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations - and save!