The Charm of Broome: Why you should visit during the quieter season

As Broome Cup celebrations and Shinju Matsuri festivities wrap up, the tourist town starts to slow down as it transitions into the quieter shoulder season. Visitor numbers drop as the humidity rises, with various businesses closing for the wet. Despite this, Broome still brims with charm and excitement, offering an equally enchanting experience without the crowds. The Broome Advertiser sat down with Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa guest relations manager Sue Thom to gain insights into what has consistently drawn visitors to the resort and Broome’s unique offerings over the years. Donning her signature Panama and elegant white outfit, Ms Thom has graced the grounds since Lord Alistair McAlpine first established the luxury holiday destination in 1988. She greets each guest by their first name and is met with the same warm familiarity in return. It’s clear that she knows most visitors personally, and they all know her just as well. After living on a remote cattle station in the East Kimberley with her husband David, Ms Thom relocated to the West Kimberley to work at the Cable Beach Club, where she has maintained her role for more than 35 years. Over the years she has seen the resort evolve from bungalows with central air-conditioning to the premier destination it is today, continually evolving to meet the desires of travellers while maintaining its unique charm and connection to the local landscape. “I’ve seen the property grow to a world standard — I have a lot of guests who travel the world and they have commented quite seriously that this is equal to other properties,” she said. “I think it’s probably because of the gardens and staffing and the quality of accommodation, the food etc. all contribute to making it an amazing experience.” The resort offers renowned restaurants, two outdoor swimming pools, a day spa, a salon, tennis courts and family-friendly facilities for the perfect blend of comfort and style. The history of its establishment and connection to Broome’s multicultural heritage is also reflective in its decor and furniture, with Australian and Asian antique pieces and the biggest collection of Sir Sidney Nolan artwork. The curated landscapes frequented by wallabies and lizards have grown and flourished over the years, transforming the resort into a verdant oasis that provides a serene contrast to the vibrant turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean just beyond its borders “Having the blue skies and sunshine immediately lifts everyone’s spirits when you land into Broome ... it kind of wraps its arms around you and says ‘everything’s OK, breathe and relax’,” Ms Thom said. “Broome’s catchphrase ‘Broome Time’, means no one was in a great hurry, but believe me, staff at Cable Beach Club are always in a great hurry to make sure our guests enjoy that relaxing time.” Noting the number of return guests and how many call the Cable Beach Club “a home away from home”, Ms Thom highlights how despite the decline in numbers during the quieter season, there is still plenty to do in Broome and has provided a list of her favourites. Tours around Town Dive into the rich history of Broome with guided tours around town. Discover Chinatown’s vibrant past, the Broome Historical Museum’s intriguing exhibits, and iconic landmarks that tell the story of this unique coastal town. Ms Thom recommends the Broome and Around tours or the Broome Trike Tour. Pearl Farms Experience Broome’s pearling heritage firsthand by visiting a local pearl farm. Learn about the fascinating process of pearl cultivation and the significance of this industry to Broome’s history and economy. Scenic Flights Soar above the stunning Kimberley landscape with a scenic flight or helicopter flight. Marvel at the breathtaking aerial views of Horizontal Falls, Buccaneer Archipelago and other natural wonders that define the region’s rugged beauty. Fishing Cast a line and enjoy a day on the water with one of Broome’s fishing charters. Whether you’re after barramundi or a deep-sea adventure, the region’s abundant marine life offers an exciting experience for anglers of all levels. Cultural Tours Immerse yourself in Broome’s vibrant Aboriginal culture with guided cultural tours. Gain insight into local traditions, art and stories from knowledgeable guides who share their rich heritage and connection to the land. Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s biggest saltwater crocodiles at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. The daily feeding shows are both thrilling and educational Bird Watching Broome is a haven for bird enthusiasts, particularly at the Broome Bird Observatory. Explore the diverse birdlife in and around the town, including migratory species and rare locals, with guided bird-watching tours that reveal the rich avian biodiversity of the region. Dinosaur Footprints Visit the stunning dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point, where you can view ancient fossilised tracks that offer a glimpse into Australia’s prehistoric past. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into these natural wonders. Snubfin dolphins Embark on a dolphin-watching tour to see the elusive snubfin dolphins in their natural habitat. These rare and playful dolphins are a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts and offer a unique experience in the turquoise waters of Broome.