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Pearls aren’t the only gems to be found in this vibrant outback town – there’s mango beer and barra wings, too, writes Jo McKay.

Surrounded by the azure waters of Roebuck Bay and the Indian Ocean, this Western Australian town is renowned for its scenery. But in the late 1800s, it was the abundant Pinctada maxima – dinner-plate-sized oysters responsible for Australian South Sea pearls – that drew people here. Merchants and divers from Japan, China, the Philippines and Malaysia mixed with European settlers and the Indigenous community, creating a vibrant melting pot. The many cultures are now celebrated at Shinju Matsuri, a festival of art, sport and food held in August. But the town dishes up topnotch dining experiences – from Filipino to Vietnamese, Italian to mod Oz – no matter when you visit.

The pristine waters off

Broome, where the Kimberley

meets the coast (left)

FOR LUNCH

Dragonfly Cafe3/6 Carnarvon Street, Broome

Set in the heart of Chinatown, Dragonfly Cafe is always abuzz and here’s why: the food is as tasty as it is wholesome. The fish tacos feature crisp barramundi, pickled cabbage, zesty avocado and corn salsa, while the prawn salad is tart and refreshing and The Hippy (a medley of pumpkin, quinoa, pepita seeds, fetta and more) is a bowlful of goodness. (08) 9192 3222

FOR SEAFOOD

The Wharf Restaurant401 Port Drive, Broome

The setting is slightly incongruous – it’s at the end of an industrial estate – but the seafood is stellar, from the flavourful barramundi coconut curry to the simple yet decadent grilled WA marron. Crisp barramundi wings are the house’s signature. (08) 9192 5700

FOR CHEAP EATS

Broome Courthouse MarketsCorner of Frederick and

Hamersley streets, Broome

There’s no better place to experience the outback town’s many cultures than at the weekend Courthouse Markets. An array of food trucks, with Indonesian, Thai, Chinese, Filipino and European fare, share space with artisan breadmakers, homeware stalls and local candlemakers. broomemarkets.com.au

FOR BREAKFAST

The Zookeepers Store2 Challenor Drive, Broome

A favourite with locals, this excellent café is a short stroll from Cable Beach. Sit on the breezy verandah and enjoy soft, buttery chilli scrambled eggs with a good hit of the hot stuff or garlicky mushrooms on toast with balsamic-drizzled cherry tomatoes, grilled asparagus and housemade ciabatta. zks.com.au

FOR COFFEE

The Good Cartel3 Weld Street, Broome

Siblings Jack, Joe and Kitty Kain started out with a food truck servicing FIFO workers before setting up this contemporary take on a drive-through in 2014. The coffee is smooth and rich, while the fare is fast and fresh: think breakfast burritos and chilli bowls, plus eggs Benedict with brioche. You can eat in or grab takeaway – these guys have nailed dining on the run. 0499 335 949

FOR VIETNAMESE

Mr Saigon5/19 Dampier Terrace, Broome

When this low-key eatery opened in April 2018 it quickly became one of the town’s most popular haunts. Choose from Vietnamese favourites such as succulent pork and prawn rice-paper rolls, crunchy bánh mì and a range of pho, skewers, salads and noodles. (08) 9192 2759

Broome

ROEBUCK

LAGRANGE

DAMPIER PENINSULA

BROOME

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QantasLink flies to Broome from Perth, with additional connections. qantas.comGETTING THERE BME

First time in Broome? To discover the best

adventures in and around town, go to qantas.com/

travelinsider.

BEYOND FOOD Sign up for a pearl-farm tour with Willie Creek Pearls (williecreek pearls.com.au), 40 kilometres north of town. The farm runs daily trips, including a cruise on the “creek” (actually a tidal estuary) where you can see pearling oysters in situ. Some trips include a tasty lunch platter and glass of wine but all come with morning or afternoon tea featuring Willie Creek’s famous damper. While coach transfers are an option, it’s worth upgrading to a helicopter – seeing Cable Beach, the white sands of Willie Creek and the brilliant blues of the Indian Ocean from above is just incredible. And if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the creek’s resident salties.

Breakfast hangout

The Zookeepers

Store (above); mango

and ginger brews

on tap at Matso’s

FOR DINNER

Johnny Sausage47 Carnarvon Street, Broome

The Mangrove Hotel serves pub classics with a sophisticated twist on the lawn overlooking Roebuck Bay. Meanwhile, its indoor eatery, Johnny Sausage, delivers the best Italian in Broome, including pork- and-veal meatballs soused in rich tomato ragù, plus luscious tiramisù. In a town where Asian flavours dominate almost every menu, Johnny Sausage stands apart. johnnysausage.com.au

FOR SHARE PLATES

The Aarli 16 Hamersley Street, Broome

Dining under the frangipani tree at The Aarli is an intrinsic part of the Broome experience. This beloved bar focuses on modern Asian fare that’s perfect for sharing. Star dishes include coconut-battered threadfin salmon with smashed-papaya salad and a satisfying pork- belly jungle curry. theaarli.com.au

FOR COCKTAILS

ZandersCable Beach Road West, Cable Beach

One of the few venues with views of the Indian Ocean, this beachside restaurant pairs casual food with upscale cocktails. The list includes Australian gins (Four Pillars, The West Winds, Twenty Third Street Distillery) and refreshing sangrias and spritzes, as well as espresso martinis and Long Island iced tea. www.zanders.com.au

FOR CRAFT BEER

Matso’s Broome Brewery60 Hamersley Street, Broome

Housed in a building dating back to 1910, Matso’s is a local institution. Come for the specialty brews, including Mango IPA, Chilli Beer and, of course, Matso’s famous Ginger Beer. The tasting paddle does justice to the range, while the menu has a mix of pub fare and grazing platters. An Indian curry hut operates in the courtyard at night during the dry season. matsos.com.au