You cannot possibly be stressed on top of a camel on a pristine beach

Step away from everyday life and into a dream in Broome (Rubibi), where ancient culture, picture-perfect landscapes, and the world’s most spectacular beaches all converge in one central, historic location. Western Australia’s Natalie Barr recently visited in a long-awaited journey to the dazzling town, sharing how she was swept away by the untouched waters and tangerine sunsets lining the coast.


Feature by Natalie Barr

I’m from Australia’s South West so I know what crystal-clear water and beautiful white beaches are like. But I knew there was another whole part of WA out there, up there, that I hadn’t explored enough. Broome is the gateway to the Kimberley, so that’s where I had to start.


Natalie Barr on a camel ride along Cable Beach in Broome

Red Sun Camel tour, Cable Beach


We got off the plane and within an hour we were strolling on top of a Red Sun camel along the 22 kilometres of white sands that make up the famous Cable Beach, unable to believe the sunset over the water was better than all the pictures we'd ever seen. You cannot possibly be stressed on top of a camel on a pristine beach.

I loved doing it as our very first activity because it set the scene and the vibe for our holiday in Broome (Rubibi). It sent us into Broome-time (you'll get it when you get there), and the sunset over the ocean is simply breathtaking. You drink it in and can't quite believe it. Then you think maybe you just got lucky, but it's like that every night. Those colours. The yellow and orange and red right after the sun sinks into the ocean. It really is like nothing else you've seen.

Then there was the Sunset, Seafood & Pearling Cruise. Whales frolicked right off the boat. We watched a fisherman pull a pearl from an oyster shell fresh from the ocean before having the most incredible 7-course seafood feast cooked right on the back of the deck. We flew with KAS Helicopters south from Broome along the coast and for an hour, bay after bay, beach after beach was pristine, pure aqua water, hardly a soul.


Nat Barr with the crew at Sea West Broome Cruises

Broome Cruises, Broome


Obviously, there were some people camping and driving around but compared to the east coast, this slice of Australia where the outback meets the sea, is uniquely, hauntingly, beautiful and you'll be able to find somewhere to explore all on your own. The fact we actually landed the chopper on the beach shows you how isolated it is. I've never done that before!

The Kimberley is such a special place, and you certainly feel that when you visit because the locals take enormous pride in their history and want to share it with you. We took a walk with local Yawuru man Bart Pigram (Narlijia Experiences) who told us how his ancestors lived off the land where the town now stands. You can’t help but be in awe of the Kimberley - its beauty, its silence, and its history. So much of it is untouched and calling for exploration.


Published October 2023.