Welcome to Broome
Broome is an expanding regional centre located in the remote Kimberley region, approximately 2,200km north of Perth. Currently home to approximately 12,700 permanent residents, it is expected to increase to a liveable regional city of 25,000 to 35,000 residents by 2030.
Aboriginal communities, including the traditional owners of Broome townsite - the Yawuru people, have continued to have a strong presence and influence in Broome.
Asian and European settlers arrived in the late 1800s and exploited the abundant natural resources, including pearling, and created a unique multicultural environment within the town. This legacy is still evident today.
Climate & Local Economy
Broome has a semi-arid, tropical climate with average temperatures of 28 to 35°C. Hot, wet, and humid conditions occur between December to March. The majority of rainfall occurs during this period and tropical cyclones may also develop. A comfortable warm, dry season occurs from April to November and therefore is the predominate tourism season. The climate, along with the remote location required a particular design solution that has resulted in an identifiable “Broome” building style and is evident by their inclusion into WA’s Register of Heritage Places.
Tourism is a primary industry for the town which attracts predominately Australian visitors. The future introduction of direct flights from Singapore and an increase in cruise ship visitation offers the potential to increase the volume of international tourists.
The expansion of agricultural activity and the co-location of government agency headquarters for the region within the town will contribute to its development.
Recent work on addressing land availability has resulted in the development of land for new housing within Broome North. Further progress is planned to improve conditions in reserves for informal resident communities.
Development of gas resources under the Indian Ocean 435km north west of Broome is planned over the next 40-50 years. A gas refining plant on James Price Point (55km north of Broome) was planned for this project, but has recently changed to a complete off-shore “floating” plant. This change will in less immediate development along the Kimberley coastline and within the town.Onshore facilities such a maritime port, materials supply base, helicopter and aviation base will still be required, however it is not yet clear if Broome or another suitable city or town will be the primary supply centre for the project.
Broome is characterised by significant changes in temperature, rainfall and humidity throughout the year along with the challenges bought on by the seasonal winds and cyclones.
Download Part 2 of the Kimberley Vernacular for information on the analyses of critical climatic and environmental elements that need to be considered for future built-form in Broome.
Part 3, 4 and 5 of the Kimberley Vernacular refer to Broome Housing Typologies, Case Studies and a Glossary/Bibliography.
Click here to read more about our current land development opportunities in Broome.
