Broome has developed enormously over the last 5 years, leading to a large increase in the number of places offering accommodations, with many superior offerings close to Cable Beach -- including Pinctada Cable Beach and The Frangipani. Many places are self-catering. The Broome Visitor Centre (tel. 1800/883 777 in Australia) can provide expert advice and bookings. As far as dining is concerned, both hotels listed below and Pinctada have good restaurants, and there are numerous other cafes and restaurants, including Matso's.

Originally the entrance to a zoo that no longer exists, the very pleasant, quiet, and casual Old Zoo Cafe, 2 Challenor Dr. (tel. 08/9193 6200), is half enclosed and half alfresco, in a tropical garden setting. It has a good ambience and is close to Cable Beach.

The Aarli, on the corner of Fredrick and Hamersley streets (tel. 08/9192 5529), is a small and casual eatery centrally situated on the edge of Chinatown, and serves breakfast, wood-fired meals, and tapas plates. Try the whole fresh fish, but beware, it may be big enough for two or three.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.