Broome's only real claims to fame are its pearling industry and tourism. They still farm pearls in the deltas - of course, they're more expensive around Broome than in the shops in Sydney. But you wouldn't be able to hold (& play with) the "rich man's marble" in Sydney...a not quite perfect white pearl nearly the size of a ping pong ball:
Apparently it's valued at $100,000, and would be worth 2-3 times that if it didn't have a few flaws. $100k doesn't buy you what it used to.
Strolling along Broome's legendary Cable Beach:
After one night in Broome recovering, we hired a 4WD & headed south to a resort called Eco Beach. A note on the roads - they're straight. So straight in fact that the kids cheered when we veered around a curve (every 20 miles or so); or even better, passed a car going in the opposite direction. Eco Beach is a self sustaining, environmentally-friendly resort right on the Indian Ocean - miles from anywhere. They solar generate (with a diesel backup), grow their own vegetables and generally try to minimize their impact on the environment. There are no TVs or phones allowed. And the setting is wonderful - right on the glorious Indian Ocean (water a very warm 28C or 82.4F), lovely wide beaches (tides in this part of the world can be huge - 10 metres or more), with plenty of fauna in the ocean. We spent a relaxing 2 days here, lots of beach walks, swimming, stand up paddle boarding and the like.
The view of the beach and ocean from S&P's bedroom:
The kids cooling off in the pool
Why are the kids staring so intently at the water? They had just spotted a small black tipped reef shark and were trying to find him again. Or his big brother.
Some more beachcombing:
The kids cooling off in the pool
Why are the kids staring so intently at the water? They had just spotted a small black tipped reef shark and were trying to find him again. Or his big brother.
Some more beachcombing:
Back to Broome for a final night, including a sunset camel ride along the famous Cable beach:
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