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10/03/2005: "BROOME West Australia (Travel)"

Every diver should consider a winter holiday at Broome in the NW of West Australia.

This is the pearl diving capital of the world, and work is available on the pearl farms for people of all ages, but it's rough and rugged, as can be social life in the actual township. The Beach Resort is therefore a sanctuary for those not wishing to speak with drunks in the street, (speak with them at the resort instead).

Best time to spend a month in town is winter, say June-July, but it's also crowded as to Perth people this is to place to be in winter. Weather features lots of cloudless blue skies. Daytime temperatures are in the high twenties and low thirties.

It's the most cosopolitan town in Australia with ancestoral links brought by the pearl divers at the turn of the 19th century and beyond. Japanese, Chinese, Malay, aboriginal and European.

A drive down the coast to Exmouth and a chance to swim with whale sharks is a good extension trip during April, but often later too. April can be a bit too quiet in Broome. Check out the old Sun Pictures semi open air movie theatre and Divers Camp Hotel at Cable Beach.

West Australians are a friendly but shy bunch elsewhere. It's like visiting another country.

A new Coles supermarket keeps food prices managable. Take a tent - it rarely rains. Sunset viewing from Cable Beach can be spectacular with sunsets over the sea. Just thought I'd remind you to start planning. The drive takes about five days from Sydney.

Try Route 66 from Rockhampton to Katherine in the Northern Territory then turn west.