Stuck in Broometime

Oh, where do I begin? Broome is the ultimate fun-and-sun town, with one of the best beaches in the world and the most memorable sunsets you've ever seen... I promise you won't be disappointed in Broome. You really can't get better then swimming in the Indian Ocean... As far as things to do, here's a quick rundown: Sunsets on Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, Staircase to the Moon, Tuesdays on the Willie Creek Pearl Lugger, a walk down historic Johnny Chi Lane, the Japenese Cemetery, and of course the Nippon Inn. For a small town, there is so much to do in Broome, you'll never want to leave!

Quick Tips:

Make sure you have your departure set before you arrive or else you'll get stuck... you'll be having such a good time you'll never leave!

Best Way To Get Around:

Broome is small - there isn't a single stoplight in the entire city. There is a city bus that you can get around on for about AU.70 one way; otherwise, just walk or bring your own car. If you stay in town, you can walk wherever you need to get to; if you're staying at the beach, why would you want to leave?

This is not a hostel by any account... I had never stayed in one before, and so I was a bit sketchy when I first arrived, but this place is more of a budget resort than anything. They are licensed, which means you can't bring any of your own alcohol onto the premises, but we managed to bring plenty of casks into the place. The staff is incredible and the accommodation is great. I stayed in a six-bed dorm as well as a 10-bed, and both were great. I would recommend being on the first floor, as the second has open ceilings throughout, so you're likely to hear EVERYTHING. They do make food, but it is a bit expensive (as everything is in Broome), so plan on making your own if you want to save. This is the only hostel in town with a pool, and the crowd that stays here is the best in Broome. There is another hostel that is closer to town, but it is rather disgusting, and I wouldn't recommend it... The KK is close enough that you can walk to the bars without issue. I made friends here I will have for the rest of my life. If you're going to Broome, stay here... trust me, you'll thank me!

One thing to keep in mind is that Broome is small and everyone that knows you will know your business. The guy that owns the KK also owns the Nippon Inn and Tokyo Joes, so be on the lookout for GREAT deals at either place. Leon, the hot bartender, runs a shuttle to whichever bar is open each night--get on the bus if you want to get in free. Otherwise you'll have to pay a ridiculous cover like $8 or something.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this place is a budget resort as well as a hostel, so you'll get some families. It wasn't that bad, but once the Wet started, the number of families quadrupled... other than that it is just like daycare for 20-somethings...

A side note: the following people stayed at the KK whilst I was there-- obviously the place to be!-- a finalist from Australian Idol, the winner of UK Survivor, a guy from Big Brother 3, Bushy and Steve (VERY popular Australian fishermen), as well as others. The KK is the place to be and the place to be seen!

Well, the Nippon is one of only about three bars in the town of Broome, so it's not like you have much choice. Pete, the guy that owns this place, also owns the Kimberley Klub and Tokyo Joe's.

The beer garden in the back is the best place to hang out; it's also the only place you can smoke. There is a bar out back that serves $1 jugs on Thursdays and Sundays; otherwise, you'll have to go inside to top up your cocktail. During the Dry, there is also a $1 buffet on Thursday and Sunday. For the rest of the time, there is usually a bain marie out front selling hot dogs and burgers.

Most of the staff that works here also works at Tokyo Joe's, so keep an eye out for a familiar face. Tips are also spread evenly between staff, so if you try and be smooth, remember that you're sharing with everyone.

Drinks can be expensive, but so can everything up in Broome. I paid $5 for each Smirnoff Ice...not that good of a deal!!

Don't get me wrong, this place is great... the first few times you go there. But once you realize there is nowhere else to go, you'll quickly tire of it all!

Held every Saturday morning, the Courthouse Markets are your typical flea markets. I wasn't that impressed with the breadth of goods, but it was a good morning activity.

This is definitely a tourist attraction, and most of the things you can buy here, you can find in the shops during the week, and the prices aren't that much better. There are lots of homemade crafts and clothing.

It's definitely worth a look...