Broome Warnings and Dangers

Although I had already spent four months in tropical Cairns, including the beginning of wet season, and travelled around the Red Centre in summer, the climate in Broome hit me with surprise. In general, I was used to the tropical climate and Australian weather in general, but nothing had prepared me for the heat and humidity I encountered in Broome. Sometimes I felt as if I couldn't stand it anymore. The only places that provided some relief were air-conditioned shops and the museum, and Cable Beach with its cooling wind. The temperature was not even that high - around 35°C - but the humidity is what makes it so bad.

As you can see, it is best to avoid Broome during wet season, from about December to February/March (of course the times vary, just as do the seasons in other continents). On the other hand there are of course not as many tourists here during that time, which is probably the only advantage.

There was no rain during my stay, but of course there are usually heavy rain falls during wet season, which is another reason why you should rather come at another time. Cyclones do also occur. Roads are often flooded and many National Parks are not accessible. You cannot travel to the Kimberley during this time.
Our tour itinerary was not affected by the weather, except one thing: We could not go to Eighty Mile Beach because a cyclone had come through a few weeks ago and the road to the beach was still closed (and, as we were told, the beach itself was not a pleasant sight with dead cows lying around etc.)

If you are visiting Broome during wet season, and plan to visit some of the shops and cafés (and you will want to do so, even if just to enjoy the air condition!), be aware that some places close very early. Of course the supermarkets and big shops are open at the usual times, but some smaller shops and cafés just close when it is too hot, as no people are out shopping anyway (except some stupid tourists as I was LOL). Just try to do your shopping earlier in the morning when it is still a little cooler - the afternoon is better spent on the beach to enjoy a cool breeze, or in your hotel room relaxing in an air-conditioned room :-)

My photo shows the deserted streets of Broome at about lunchtime!!!

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I think it's sad to have to report this but it's a fact of life in Broome.
The indigenous people have a problem, and that problem is called alcohol. As reported in other VT pages you might get injured if you end up in a confrontational situation and wind up in hospital.
I think it's tragic that the two societies are seemingly insoluble.
You will see groups of aborigines squatting around in the mangroves (opening pic) or on the football field where, invariably, some will be found totally intoxicated. If further evidence is required then you need look no further than the upper part of Dampier Terrace where I came across what was once an aboriginal midden but today there are more shards of amber glass from broken beer bottles than left over shells.
Right beside that were various bits of clothing, shopping trollies etc.; all referred to by the indigenous population as "white man's rubbish". The fact remains that they left it where it is today.
You may also get approached by some seeking money and you don't have to be a genius to guess what that money, if obtained, will be spent on.

This is what happened to one Broomite on Cable Beach. Make sure that you do know where to drive if you do take the plunge and decide to drive onto Cable Beach. Luckily, this guy had a mate who was willing to tow him out.

During the evenings in Broome and especially on a pension night (Thursday) the local Aboriginal's are often seen in the local parks drinking in big groups, it is advisable not to walk through those parks if you happen to see them, as we were told they had caused trouble and chased people.
If you wish to walk to a restaraunt for dinner it is suggested that you walk before sunset, most restaruants open before 6pm.

Broome`s tropical weather and Mangroves is the perfect for Sand fly`s to live in and when they came in land usally early morning and at dusk they can be a real problem, my legs are covered in scars from bites of Sand fly`s. So take your insect repellent

When swimming in and around Broome`s coastline be sure to have someone close by as these waters has Stinging Jellyfish but sometimes of the year is worst than others, my friend got stung in the face at Cable beach and the lifeguard had ran out of morphine and ended spending 2 days in hospital.

Tuesday nights is when the local Abororignals get there weekly money from the goverment and this is the night also they get very drunk and hang about the local Oval, try not to walk around on your own as i did and took a left hook of one of these guys busting my lip open,also a Irish friend of mine had his face smashed into a phone box ending up spending 10 nights in hospital and had to go home.