This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Broome.
Broome first boomed into prosperity in 1861 when it was discovered that its shores were brimming with Pinctada Maxima oysters, the world's largest pearl shell. At its height, just before World War I, Broome supplied 80% of the world's pearl shell and the influence of this industry is still evident all over the town.
When you get to Broome you will see why tourism now plays a huge part in the town's economy. The Broome hostels are focused in two areas; in and around Chinatown, and Cable Beach. Chinatown is the old section of Broome, heavily influenced by the East Asian immigrants that flooded here to work in the pearling industry in the 19th century and early 20th century. There are some great little shops and restaurants here and much of the architecture is unchanged from this period with a great pioneer town feel. Bordered by the mangroves from which the thousands of flying foxes emerge in squadron formation every dusk on one side, and the boab trees of Male oval on the other, it's hard to tell you're in the center of one of the most popular tourist towns for 2000km in either direction. The hostels in Broome are closer to all the cheaper supermarkets, amenities, and nightlife than the Cable Beach hostels, but are obviously further from the famous Cable Beach. There is a small supermarket at cable beach, although it is more expensive than the ones in the centre. There are also several restaurants and drinking establishments, as well as Malcolm Douglas's Crocodile Park.
Many of Broome's most popular attractions such as the Wildlife Park, Gantheaume Point, and the fantastic Willie Creek Pearl Farm require transport of some kind. Luckily there are plenty of car and scooter hire places in Broome, and the majority of backpackers here have a car you can hitch a lift in if you play your cards right. A trip up Dampier peninsula is definitely recommended.
Due to it's remote location and the fact all building materials have to be transported from Perth, not much in Broome is cheap, and this includes Broome's hostels. However, the high-end hostels really are some of the best you will come across in Australia. Or if you really want to save money and have a tent there are campsites at Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay.