ON THE MOVE: BROOME

Discover the natural wonders and thriving community in Western Australia’s historic pearling town.

WITH ITS VIBRANT MIX of cultures, rich pioneering past and stunning beaches and bays hemmed by red pindan scrub, Broome is on most people’s bucket list of places to visit. Thousands of tourists roll in each week throughout the dry season from May until October to embrace the balmy Kimberley climate and natural wonders. There’s plenty to see and do in the town of more than 16,200 people (which swells to 45,000 during peak season), whether it’s dinosaur footprints, pearl farms or the Catalina flying boat wrecks at low tide — and a good place to start is with Yawuru local Bart Pigram. He began offering tours of Broome three years ago as a way for visitors to share and experience the local culture and traditional food. “My connection is through my ancestry of the traditional owners of the area,” explains Bart, 36. “So much has happened here in Broome so lots of stories get told and I love that. We’re all proud of being part of the multicultural aspect. In order to realise the differences and similarities between cultures, you have to dig a bit deeper and meet Aboriginal people to talk about those things.” To immerse yourself in the region’s rich history, head to the Broome Historical Museum (which includes stories of the World War II air-raid attacks on the town) and Pearl Luggers museum in Chinatown. Broome is also a great base for exploring the Dampier Peninsula, the Buccaneer Archipelago or the Gibb River Road. As a tourist, education and business hub for the region, Broome is a great place to live. According to Catherine Marriott, 37, who’s originally from Victoria but returned to Broome in 2015 after working there a few years earlier, it was the energy and opporunities that drew her back. In 2012 Catherine won the Western Australia RIRDC Rural Women’s Award for her work with the Influential Women program and, as well as sitting on a number of boards, she is currently a councillor with the Shire of Broome. “I live in a beautiful holiday destination for all my family and friends to visit,” she says. “The energy is increasing all the time and I love playing a role in leading the positive and inclusive growth for Broome.” For more details, telephone (08) 9195 2200 or see visitbroome.com.au