The scrappy, “Crocodile Dundee” spirit of Australia thrives in this western frontier town, which is the most accessible part of the outback. Once the capital of the country's 19th-century pearl-diving boom, Broome is now a diverse city that's an interesting jumping-off point for (or final stop after) a cruise along northwestern Australia’s stunning Kimberley coastline — one of the world’s last true wildernesses.
Life at Port
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Broome, Australia
What We Love
Pearls: The industry may not be what it once was, but Broome is still the pearl epicenter of this part of the world. If you’re in the market for jewelry, this is a good place to buy it. The city’s Chinatown is chockablock with boutiques selling high-quality pieces.
Sun Pictures Cinema: The world’s oldest outdoor movie theater dates back to 1916. Today, the screening rooms feature high-tech 3-D projection, but all the original projectors are on display.
Best Known For
Camel Rides on Cable Beach: File this under "only in Australia." Camels have been here since the 1860s, when foreign explorers brought them as pack animals for an expedition. Now you can book a ride on one along the beautiful, 14-mile Cable Beach. Aim for sunset for the best visuals.
The Horizontal Falls: This natural wonder occurs when massive tidal movements create a waterfall effect as they plummet between two narrow coastal gorges.
Who It's Good For
Nature Lovers: While generations of settlers have left interesting marks on the city, this destination’s main draws are its beaches, bays, gorges, and cliffs.
Jewelry Collectors: Many pearl shops offer tours of their facilities.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
Crocs in the Ocean: Australia is famous for being a country full of animals that can kill you. Cable Beach was closed for three days in September 2015 after a 10-foot crocodile was spotted in the water.
Slow Service: Aussies like to joke that "WA" stands not for Western Australia, but for "wait awhile."