TRAVELLERS tend to think the tropics are best avoided during the hotter months, but there's a lot to love about Broome at this time of year.
Tourism North West says all you need to do to enjoy the Kimberley's beach resort town is to adjust your pace a little.
Here is the tourism body's simple guide to enjoying summer in Broome like a local.
Weather Wise
Many tropical destinations around the world experience daily rain at this time of year, but Broome experiences occasional, spectacular bursts of heavy rain which pass quickly. While the humidity does climb, the languid heat does gives off vibes reminiscent of overseas destinations we used to be able to visit.
Broome Time
Many holidaymakers tend to race around in order to see and enjoy everything, but adjusting our pace a little is the best way to enjoy Broome in the summer. Why not take a leaf from the books of locals by getting out early in the morning, or late in the afternoon? In the middle of the day, you can take a siesta in the air conditioned comfort of your hotel, or enjoy a splash in its pool.
Mango mania
Summer in Broome also provides a great opportunity to tempt the tastebuds, with mango mania descending on the town. From smoothies to deserts, the mango finds its way onto menus everywhere. Or if you're a person of simple pleasures, why not just bite into a whole one, as nature intended?
I'll drink to that
While it is essential to keep the water intake up, an icy cold boutique beer from Matso's or an exotic cocktail sipped by the resort pool hits the spot on a hot day. Or if you prefer a good gin and tonic, Moontide Distillery uses native and local botanicals to craft spirits which can be sampled at its cellar door. If you'd prefer a caffeine hit from a local award-winning coffee roaster, Kimberley Coffee might just be your cup of tea.
Colour your world
Broome is renowned for its turquoise waters, white sands and deep red dirt and these colours appear to intensify even more during summer. Plants also grow fast during this season, adding a layer of green to the spectacular Kimberley colour palette.
Have a Wild Time
Summer is also a great time to watch Broome's wildlife. Visitors can watch crocodile feedings at Malcolm Douglas Wildlife Park, or set out on a Mabu Buru turtle nesting tour. Those who like fishing can try to hook a barra, while Roebuck Bay is a great spot for dolphin spotting. Birdwatchers may want to travel in March to catch the mass migration of shorebirds.
Nature's fireworks
Safe, sheltered lookout points like the Mangrove Hotel are perfect places to watch one a spectacular thunderstorm as it unfolds. From stormy skies and dark clouds, to spectacular lightning shows, Broome's storms are something to behold.
Take a Tour or Two
If you enjoy a guided tour, Broome offers wildlife cruises, sightseeing and cultural tours, as well as the famous camel rides during the summer months. Scenic flights offer a great way to see Broome from a different perspective and to visit the Dampier Peninsula. The Broome Visitor Centre is a great resource for finding out what tours are available in summer.
Enjoy a round of Golf
Golf enthusiasts will want to put 18 holes at Broome Golf Club on the to-do list. The course boasts beautiful green fairways and spectacular views spanning Roebuck Bay.
Enjoy Nature
Broome's traditional owners the Yawuru understand the local tropical Broome weather and summer spans two of the people's six traditional seasons - Laja and Man-gala. There is a lot going on in the natural world at this time of year, including turtle nesting, the ripening of fruit, flying foxes in full flight and flowering gum trees.
Waterfall Wonderland
The Kimberley boasts a number of beautiful, but incredibly powerful waterfalls set amidst spectacular scenery. Kimberley cruise operators have extended itineraries so visitors can tour the waterfalls. A perfect way to wrap up the season.
For more information on things to do in Broome, click here.
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