Travellers not welcome in Broome?

[GregnDee]

We camped next to a couple from WA yesterday, and the guy told us that he always came east as he's a native WA man so "used to being ripped off" but in WA he's "ripped off with attitude"!

Says that there's a sign as you go into Broome with a donation box, saying to leave $50 and bugga off! Says there's absolutely no welcome there for travellers, the parks charge like wounded bulls....(must admit the comments on Wikicamps seem to confirm this).

We plan to go west next year....should we bypass Broome? What experiences have you had?

....and any places you can recommend? We thought we'd probably spend more time in the SW anyway....

Cheers
Greg and Dee

[Dot]

Must admit we didn't stop in Broome any longer than to get our mail and peep at the Beach. Had to pay a cash bond of $50 pr dog (3) at the CP when the permanents dogs were roaming the park and pooping at will Too many signs that read "NO parking here, no parking there" and generally found the place over priced and over rated. Guess it's another place where the saying "horses for courses" applies. Won't be going back next yr either.

[dapope]

Depends where you stay, Broome Gateway at 25 pm is nice. Unpowered sites only, but you can use generator, and everything else, friendly, big sites etc.
As for the rest of Broome, we have never had any grief. We got water no sweat at one of the servos (we asked first and advised we needed a big fuel fill....$400 worth), and groceries seem ok. However, dodge Port Hedland. No water even if you are buying fuel.

[Peter]

You will hear a lot of comments for and against a lot of places. I generally listen but do not let others comments stop me visiting any particular spot I go and have a look myself and form my own opinion after all it one of life's experiences after all we are all different in many ways and what appeals to one is a distinct turnoff to others. Personally I dislike the trip down from Cairns to Brisbane and go out of my way to head inland.

It would be pretty difficult if travelling in that part of WA not to go into Broome. We have been there a couple of times, yes the accommodation is expensive but so is Cairns. Broome is geared for the tourist dollar so we have to expect some costs but there is a lot of history in the area that I find interesting. If you are there for the " stairway to the moon " interesting ( tip, try to get into Roebuck Bay Caravan park for this event ). I have never had an unfriendly experience in Broome or in many other places there has been the occasional experience that might be negative don't let it affect you let it go over your shoulder and make the most of life.

There is the saying "You will never ever know if you never ever go "

I would suggest go and spend 2 -3 nights there to form your own opinion you might linger longer.

[GregnDee]

Thanks guys, we will probably go and decide for ourselves, but it's useful to have your tips and comments.

Cheers
Dee and Greg

[graynomad]

There's nothing in Broome for me except Woollies I get in, buy stuff, and get out.

There are good and free bush camps to the north, and a reasonable rest area to the south.

But if you really want to do things in the town it sounds like Broome Gateway would be a good choice.

EDIT: Actually we usually buy food in Derby, it's a lot cheaper.

______
Rob

[GregnDee]

I was in Broome 20 years ago for a convalescent holiday, liked it...but am not fussed now....been told that Derby is nice though....

Cheers
Dee

[Greynomad]

Greg & Dee,
Our experience was about 2 years ago, so things may have changed...
We spent 5 weeks in the CP alongside the speedway as you enter Broome (can't remember name).
Great pool recently installed (at the time) with a 'resort-style' section and an adjoining 'lap-pool' section.
Most days we spent an hour or so getting wet. Then went to town for some touristing.
Broome has changed lots since our first visit in the 1980s... much more the tourist town now. However, there's still lots of historic parts to explore.
The outdoor cinema is quite an experience. Had a plane land right over the top of the screen during Red Dog! Thought his landing gear was going to decapitate the dog!!
Had some maintenance issues as well, and the mechs & sparkies there know their onions. Charge the tourists 'visitors rates', but ya gotta expect that in such a remote town...