Dive in Broome

Diving in Broome

Not too many people actually reach this remote part of Australia so the diving in Broome is superb and if you do get here, you’ll probably experience one of the best dives in the country.

The Rowley Shoals Marine Park is the number one spot to dive from Broome and it’s situated on one of the widest continental shelves in the world.  There are about 233 species of coral and 688 different types of fish on the reef.  The beautiful coral gardens are home to giant clams, big schools of tuna, mackerel and trevally, shellfish, giant potato cod and maori wrasse.  Humpback Whales, Manta Rays and Hammerhead Sharks also frequent the area.

The best time to dive is September to December and it’s a 12 hour trip out to the marine park so you’ll need to take a liveaboard for a night or two which can be booked online or in Broome city. 

The Rowley Shoals is made up of three reefs, the Mermaid Reef, the Clerke Reef and the Imperieuse Reef.  You can do a few dives on these reefs and not get bored, the colours are fabulous.  Advanced divers can enjoy the Wreck of the Lively.

The crystal clear water boasts 20-60 metres visibility and diving in these warm waters with lots of colourful fish and coral will impress even the most experienced divers.  Add it to your list of places to visit.

(By Kelly Luckman)

Travel to Broome

Breathtaking landscape and rich history is the charm of this remote city in the far north of Western Australia.  From the fiery red cliffs to the pure white sands and crystal blue water, this former pearl harvesting industry town is now a very popular tourist destination in the dry months with artists, musicians and people looking to get away from it all.

Broome is linked by regional flight to many of Australia ’s major cities.  It’s best to fly due to the remote location but Greyhound buses also stop at the visitor’s centre.  There’s a hop on hop off bus service around the town or hire a car to really see the area.  You definitely won’t want to miss out of some of the spectacular sites of the region.

You don’t often see a 5 star hostel but the YHA in Broome is one great accommodation option.  Dorm beds start at $30 and they’ll pick you up free from the bus station.  Double rooms are pretty expensive, starting at $140 and 5 star rooms start at $280.  A cheaper option is to camp or stay in a caravan which starts at around $10.

For stunning beaches the most popular are Cable, Redell and Town Beaches, a camel ride along Cable Beach at sunset is a definite must.  Get into the history of the pearl industry by visiting the Willie Creek Pearl Farm or shop for pearls at a few of the local jewellers. 

Gantheaume Point is the best place to see the red cliffs meeting the turquoise water so don’t forget your camera!  If you want to get close to the local wildlife then visit the crocodile farm or bird sanctuary.  If you have the time and funds then a 4WD trip to the Kimberley is an incredible journey.  There are also several other national parks close by so if you have some time, surround yourself in this beautiful environment and see as much as you can.

If you’re in Broome from March to October you can view the Staircase of the moon; for three days after the full moon in these months, reflections on the mudflats look like a long silver staircase and it’s quite amazing.

So immerse yourself in this magical town and see some of the most beautiful and striking scenery in the country.

(By Kelly Luckman)