Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Broome/Cable Beach advice

Looking to add Western Australia to a Southeast asia trip with my family (six total). We'll be flying into PER from SIN and then want to head to Cable Beach/Broome, but are wondering if it is worth it? I've read that its a pretty amazing place, but where to stay (don't seem to be any large hotels on the beach), and is it worth the trip?

Basically trying to decide between PER/BME or using UA miles to fly PER-AKL/CHC and spend some time there instead. This will be in June and we have about 6 days total to do in either PER/BME or AKL/CHC.

Any advice?

I guess you know BME is 1000 miles from PER and completely different from AKL/CHC. June makes a big difference (mid-winter, with nice weather in BME, cold and wet in CHC and AKL). So these are completely different options. While BME is very nice, it is a long way to go for just a beach (though they have other strange attractions, like the Staircase to the Moon).

Personally I would rather go to Margaret River (south of PER), even in June. That is more like Napa Valley.

Thanks for the info. I do realize taht BME is far from PER which is why I am more hesitant to build that in. I'd like to incorporate some sort of beach time though while in Oz, and so realizing that it is winter, it seems that BME/Cable Beach is the only real option on the Western coast for a good beach. I'm assuming the beaces in PER and environs are too cold at that time of year?

As for NZ, the family has never been before, and I have never been in their winter, so I didn't know whether it is worthwhile to visit then.

It depends on your tastes, for all points. PER is spring-like weather in the winter-time (a bit warmer than FL to put it in context); so the beaches are still in use but I like it warmer. NZ is in the middle of ski season (and has some excellent skiing). Usually don't get snow in the cities, but it can happen, and won't be much warmer. Still NZ is a great place to visit and is a four season destination. Both Perth and NZ are nicer in November than in June though. In June I would go to the Great Barrier Reef instead of Broome. Heron island is great for a visit and not that expensive, for example.

I'd definitely like to go to Cairns, but its expensive to pay for tickets for six people from SIN r/t as an add-on to the main vacation. Thus, PER and DRW have become more reasonable alternatives.

Here's a map with Australian ocean water temperatures:
http://www.marine.csiro.au/~lband/web_point/ It may have a link to historical data for different months.
Remember that it is now midsummer over there.
My chilliest acceptable swimmable water temp is 24C/75F (yellow-orange), ideal is 26.5C/80F (bright orange), & at 30C/86F (red) I call it non-refreshing bathwater.
Perth water is still only 22C. It may warm up to kinda chilly by March when I'll be there, but I will be heading north to Carnavon & Monkey Mia to swim.

In June your only hope will be Broome to Darwin to Cairns. I have been warned that the ocean beaches of Darwin are dangerous due to crocodiles :eek: ! I'd be surprised if SIN--CNS (if a direct flight exists) were more expensive than SIN--PER--BME. Also, skywest.com.au has direct flights between Bali & Port Hedland, Oz a few hundred miles west of Broome.

When on special flights with Virgin Blue Perth to Broome one way $129.00 aud and take it fro an aussie its worth going to www.virginblue.com.au

May be this will help you when on special flights from Perth to Broome with virginblue are $129.00 AUD www.virginblue.com.au with the exchange rate they should work out next to nothing,and take it from an aussie its worth the trip.

Also dont forget that there is a low fair airline starting flights from Singapore to Perth later this year and a one way ticket would be approx $78.00 US dollars www.tigerairways.com it might help in saveing some frequent flyer points.

Also dont forget that there is a low fair airline starting flights from Singapore to Perth later this year and a one way ticket would be approx $78.00 US dollars www.tigerairways.com it might help in saveing some frequent flyer points.

This is exactly why we are going SIN-PER!

I am planning a visit there this June and would like some ideas for hotels, at least 4*, beach is nice but not necessary.

In my/our case, I'm trying to decide between Noumea, New Caledonia and Broome.

I am planning a visit there this June and would like some ideas for hotels, at least 4*, beach is nice but not necessary.
...I think Broome isn't for you, if you require "at least 4*" .... luxury in Broome is defined as running water and electricity 24 hours a day. And that is only a bit of an exaggeration.

The Cable Beach Club is probably the only property that might be 4*, but just barely. Part of the charm of Broome is that it isn't over-developed (yet).

I think Broome isn't for you, if you require "at least 4*" .... luxury in Broome is defined as running water and electricity 24 hours a day. And that is only a bit of an exaggeration.

The Cable Beach Club is probably the only property that might be 4*, but just barely. Part of the charm of Broome is that it isn't over-developed (yet).

OK - I had to laugh at your reply, only because it seems so honest and straight!

Now- Can we spend a day there, or two, get a good nights sleep, with a full belly (booze and food), and see something, or do something that we would like to take a picture of?

We are not the type that go to lunch (on Thursday from the cruise ship)) at the Tomananco (Caracas) and say we saw/collected/been to Venezuela!