Broome, Australia

Today we had to fly 1.5 hours down to Perth, wait a couple of hours then fly 2.5 hours back up past Exmouth to Broome. There are no direct Exmouth flights to Broome, and buses do not travel regularly either. The road trip takes about 2 days …. And I have read it’s pretty boring. So we chose to save time and fly, even if it meant going backwards for a bit!

The Qantas staff are very good, welcoming you by name at check in and boarding. Air NZ really should pick their game up – we are now converted for sure. The check in man also saw we were not seated together or connected to our second leg and offered to fix all that up – without us even asking. Very good service.

It was a pity there was no on flight entertainment, but that gave me the opportunity to do some blog notes. The first leg went smoothly and quickly and then we spent our couple of hours at Perth airport in the side wing where we discovered cheaper food last time (after being ripped off in the main section). We shared a nice mixed salad and cuppa, used the free internet and recharged the iPad before flying up to Broome. I had hoped for entertainment on board this longer flight – but no it was only available on certain craft – not ours. No worries, again more time to do more notes. On decent to Broome we were treated to an amazing sunset that on our side gave a changing show of pastel blue, yellow, orange pink and mauve that increased in intensity against the shadow of a moon. On the other side of the plane we could see a golden to bright orange red sunset taking place over the sea. Better than a movie!

Stepping off the tarmack at about 6:15pm it was dark but beautifully balmy soft starlit evening as we made our way through a colonial northern Australian style building to the arrivals section. Already we were sensing that this was another friendly relaxed place that was going to be a wonderful prescription for our relaxation and restoration. There was a big friendly gentlemen with a clip board checking off passengers for transfers to town and he welcomed our enquiry to hop on board. Our driver was so professional and laid back at the same time, and gave everyone a welcome and then commenced with a commentary on the town, points of interest as we passed and a few insider tips on what to do and where to go.

When we arrived at our accommodation we checked ourselves in via the secure box and with excited honeymoon like expectation walked softly lit board walk through lush tropical landscaping and sweet scented frangipani flowers to our home next 6 nights. When we got to our room we were delighted as it exceeded our expectations from the photo’s. Yep we are going to be happy here for the next 6 nights! We did a quick settle in and rung a taxi to head out for dinner at Matso brewery – a renowned boutique gastro brewery. The taxi was rough, had a smelly (international) driver and cost a bomb – $26 for a short 6km distance – no traffic. Mmmm – all adds to the story – but I wish we could have had airport pick up for our car (Broome Broome rentals do not offer this service – but do allow you to take cars ‘off road’ – compromise we chose).

 

Matso’s is known for its boutique beers and ciders, and its curries. Unfortunately the curries had just run out so we chose off the menu and it was very nice. Like Exmouth, prices are a bit higher than others for the same, but the quality was great and well thats just the way it is up here. We had spicy marinated buffalo wings, blue sauce, hand cut chips and aioli (chips were a-mazing) and a twice cooked pork belly that had been marinated in one of their ciders, served with pickled green paw paw salad. Nice fresh flavours complimenting the richness of the pork. Now to the beverages – they offer a ‘paddle’ for $13 which is a selection of 5 of their ales/ciders, each in a 100 ml glass served on a wooden paddle which has holes cut out for the glasses. We enjoyed all of them especially the mango beer, ginger beer and cider.

When we were ready to go home our waiter called a cab and when we went out front there was another family who had also called one – and only one car at the time. Vern asked it they wanted to share – which they were happy to and it saved us 10 dollars – all good.

Oh and note to self, when we are set with a car etc. we will come back and get some bottles for the fridge.