Balmy Broome a world away

As the cold weather descends on the southern parts of the state, many of us dream of a holiday in the tropics. But you don’t have to go overseas to enjoy the warmer weather.

Broome is the perfect destination during the winter months to soak up the sun’s rays, to enjoy some relaxation by a pool or the ocean and to marvel at some absolutely stunning coastal and inland scenery.

ACCOMMODATION

Cable Beach Club Resort

Located beside the world-renowned Cable Beach, Cable Beach Club Resort is set among 10.5 hectares of lush tropical gardens. Luxurious villas, some with private courtyards and spas, elegant suites and bungalows and deluxe rooms, many with views of the myriad pools and water features and some with ocean views, are comfortable and well-appointed with an east meets west style.

Adding to the feeling of pure indulgence, the resort’s day spa has a range of packages to choose from. You can decide whether to be wrapped, massaged, loofah-ed, scrubbed or soothed in the warmth of the restful spa surroundings. And while you are luxuriating, your children can be entertained in the Kimberley Kids’ Club.

The award-winning Club Restaurant is the perfect venue for an exquisite culinary experience, where fine wines are served with sumptuous food featuring local delicacies. Alternatively, glorious Kimberley sunsets can be enjoyed at the stylish Sunset Bar and Café where mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas, mixed grills, pastas and cocktails are served. For those who prefer Asian food, there is also the Thai Pearl restaurant.

The cost of an overnight stay starts at $284 in a garden view studio room until May 31 ($348 per night from June 1 to October 15) up to $1,417 until May 31 in the luxurious three-bedroom Durack Suite sleeping six ($1,599 from June 1 to October 15). Phone: 9192 0400.

The Mangrove Resort Hotel

Overlooking Roebuck Bay, one of the most stunningly turquoise bays in the world, The Mangrove Resort Hotel is located among lush tropical gardens just a short walk from busy Chinatown.

There are 68 newly refurbished rooms, all with private facilities, room service and complimentary in-house movies. On site is a tour desk, a kiosk, an indoor bar, two pools and spas and two quality restaurants.

Tides Bar and Garden Restaurant has an alfresco deck with magnificent views of the bay and specialises in simple freshly prepared meals from the chargrill. The other onsite restaurant, Charters Restaurant, serves high quality cuisine in a relaxed friendly setting.

The cost of a standard room here starts at $185 per night up to $295 for a premier suite. Phone: 9192 1303.

Quality Suites Moonlight Bay

If you prefer a self-catering option, then Quality Suites Moonlight Bay might be just the thing. They offer comfortably appointed one- and two-bedroom suites with spectacular views of Roebuck Bay.

A huge swimming pool and a spa pool are set in landscaped gardens, while the Kiva Health and Beauty Centre offers a number of soothing and invigorating treatments, including flotation, massage and a range of naturopathic therapies. For exercise junkies, there is an in-house gymnasium.

Room rates start at $235 for a one-bedroom suite up to $390 for a deluxe two-bedroom suite. Contact details: 9193 7888.

Seashells Resort Broome

These stylish fully self-contained apartments and bungalows are located within a peaceful tropical paradise, 300 metres from the beautiful Cable Beach with its 22 kilometres of glistening sand and brilliant blue water.

The one-bedroom apartments with queen size beds and large corner spas are ideal for couples. The two-bedroom apartments with one queen size and two single beds are popular for small families. Larger families or two couples travelling together may prefer the three-bedroom-two-bathroom bungalows.

Each unit features terracotta floors and quality Javanese furnishings with Foxtel TV, free in-house movies, air-conditioning and weekly housekeeping service. The rate for a one-bedroom apartment over the winter period starts at $250 per night up to $365 per night for a three-bedroom apartment. Phone: 9192 6111.

Rendezvous Sanctuary Resort

The newest resort in Broome, The Rendezvous Sanctuary Resort is located a short walking distance from Cable Beach. This architect-designed property features the latest in elegant and modern self-catering facilities and amenities.

There is a choice of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with its own courtyard or balcony and luxu-rious three-bedroom villas. Broadband internet access is available throughout, all rooms are air-conditioned and reception is open 24 hours.

Overnight room tariffs start from $150 (in shoulder season) to $192 (in peak season) for a studio apartment up to between $299 and $399 for a three-bedroom apartment with its own pool. Phone: 9192 8088.

TOURS

Sightseeing from the air

King Leopold Air

Several different sightseeing options are offered, from quick jaunts around the local Broome area and beaches to flights over and to the Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, the Bungle Bungles and the Prince Regent region, including stopovers for swimming, walking or kayaking. Phone: 9193 7155.

Seair Broome

These seaplane sightseeing tours land at the intriguing Horizontal Falls and take you up close to some spectacular gorges and remote waterways. Phone: 9192 6208.

Broome Aviation

Options range from a one-hour sightseeing tour around the Broome township area to a half-day Buccaneer Archipelago trip with a stop at Cape Leveque for a swim, to full day fly/drive tours of the Bungle Bungles or full-day tours of the Prince Regent River and Mitchell Falls with stops for meals along the way. Phone: 9192 1369.

Sightseeing from the ground

Kimberley Wild Expeditions

Choose between one-day Giekie Gorge adventures, two-day Kimberley Gorges tours with an overnight stay in a bush camp or safari cabin, three-day Kimberley Indigenous Experience tours where locals will teach you about the cultural and spiritual significance of the area, and four-day Kimberley Gorges Safaris. Phone: 9193 7778.

APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures

Utilising a network of permanent wilderness camps, you can choose from one-day fly/drive tours to the Bungle Bungles to two-day fly/drive visits to the Bungle Bungles or Cathedral Gorge and Domes. Phone: 1800 675 222.

Broome Wildside Tours

Tour the local Broome area for 90 minutes aboard a chauffeur-driven Harley Davidson trike taking in the sights of the stunning coastline, spectacular sunsets, amazing rock formations and intriguing wildlife. Phone: 0407 575 237.

Red Sun Camels

Participate in a leisurely morning or sunset ride on a camel’s back along the lovely sandy stretch of Cable Beach, really soaking in the stunning view of the Indian Ocean. Phone: 9193 7423.

Broome Camel Safaris

Take a slow meandering journey along Cable Beach on the back of a friendly camel, watch the sun sink into the ocean and treat your camel to a snack of tasty carrot upon returning. Phone: 0419 916 101.

Sightseeing from the water

Broome Adventure Company

Sea kayak tours are conducted along Broome’s scenic coastline. Slowly paddling for three hours gives you amazing views of rock formations, beaches, pindan cliffs and turquoise waters, where you may even spot turtles, manta rays, fish or dolphins along the way. Phone: 1300 665 888.