Broome Helicopter & Pearl Farm Tour: Is It Worth It?

Alright, planning a trip to Broome and you’re looking at maybe splurging on a helicopter flight that includes a visit to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, right? The Kimberley region is almost ridiculously beautiful, but those experiences, they sure can come with a pretty high price tag, and of course, it’s smart to see if they’re actually good before opening your wallet. We will explore this particular combo tour to help you figure out if it actually delivers on its promises, because, seriously, nobody wants to waste money on a disappointing vacation experience.

Taking to the Skies: The Broome Helicopter Flight

Okay, first up, the helicopter flight itself. Like, picture this: You’re strapped in, the rotors start whirling, and suddenly, you’re lifting off, gently, into the air, that is the deep, rich blue of the Kimberley sky surrounding you. The views? Actually breathtaking. You will see the contrasting colours of the land, the bright red dirt meeting the turquoise ocean is quite something to behold. And flying along the coastline, spotting those secluded beaches and inlets… well, you almost feel like you’re in some sort of movie. That sort of scenery you just won’t get from the ground. The flight duration, too, it might be just a portion of the whole tour time, is very important. Shorter flights, while cheaper, might just leave you wanting more, while longer flights can give you that real, in-depth appreciation for the landscape. This part, in short, can be quite exceptional.

Oh, and also consider the time of day, that is key. Sunset flights? You will probably pay a premium, yet experiencing the Kimberley bathed in golden light? Arguably, that’s a memory that’ll stay with you for ages. As I was saying, the pilots often provide commentary during the flight, too, which very much adds to the experience. So, hearing about the area’s geology, its history, and, maybe, a bit about the local wildlife, it enhances the whole thing.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm: A Closer Look

Right, now onto the pearl farm visit at Willie Creek. What it offers is, in a way, a look into how pearls are produced, from the very start to the end result of that glistening gem. So, you see, the tour usually involves learning about the pearl farming process, from the seeding of the oysters, right through to harvesting. You may get shown the different types of pearls they produce and get told how they sort them according to quality, plus you could learn what decides a pearls worth, like their shape, size, lustre and complexion, that is an experience you don’t forget that fast.

What’s also on offer usually is a boat trip out onto Willie Creek itself. Usually there is someone there explaining about the farm’s location and the environment there, like how that affects the oysters. The farm has staff that actually want to teach you all about the complexities and the hard work that is pearl farming. What they are very good at is making it easy to understand. Although this is a pearl farm it feels quite welcoming, friendly even.

Like your actual enjoyment, though? A little bit depends on how you generally find guided tours. What happens is that, with this kind of tour, some can find it absolutely amazing and educational, but others maybe don’t care so much, like when you just find pearls and pearl farming only mildly interesting.

The Combined Experience: Is It Worth the Cost?

Anyway, the big question: does combining a scenic flight in a helicopter with a visit to a pearl farm really make sense? Well, arguably it depends on just what you’re trying to get from the excursion and maybe your own priorities. So, bundling things up usually saves a little money than arranging them individually, but only when it means you are going to enjoy each element of the package.

But you should factor in how the convenience can definitely affect a persons choice. As I was saying, if the arrangements have been pre-arranged then it just is plain sailing; it is as simple as being collected then ferried from place to place. Thinking practically, the helicopter should land actually close to Willie Creek so you wont need to worry about a long, uncomfortable transfer on a vehicle.

But consider, too, your time. If you’re on a tight schedule, that is to say that, a combined tour can tick off a couple of ‘must-do’ things simultaneously, so you are still going to have time to see the area. Like your whole trip could be made extra special if you’ve only got the opportunity to tick off a few boxes.

Making the Most of Your Tour

You will want to think about how to get as much as possible out of the tour, in fact it should probably start as soon as you’ve made the booking! I mean research the tour provider so, in short, you’ll want a well-reputed tour business and consider reading others people’s opinions.

Okay, it’s also usually worthwhile just to be prepared for all that the Kimberley throws your way. Like, the weather will be extremely changeable so just remember your sun cream, hat and shades. Basically wear clothes that are easy to move about in. So, wear whatever you want but basically aim for comfort!

Like you’ll also enjoy the experience just by asking questions. Find out as much about the aircraft and the area while on your helicopter flight, and discover all you can about the farm when visiting the pearling part of the tour. Oh, one last thing: basically take loads of photos.

Other things to do in Broome

Well there are actually several things you might want to put on your itinerary if you find yourself with some free time while visiting Broome.

Cable Beach: This is arguably one of the most popular attractions that Broome is known for. Tourists find themselves congregating there so they can walk on the sand or swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. A lot of people rave about the camel rides down the beach as the sun is setting. What else can you do there? Maybe take part in some beach volleyball, relax and sunbathe or take a cool refreshing dip in the crystal clear water, or as has already been suggested take that camel ride.

Gantheaume Point: It can get pretty hot, I mean, very hot so try and go out early to Gantheaume Point, which is situated close to Cable Beach. Many go there so they can discover ancient dinosaur footprints which are permanently fossilized on the rocks, the rocks you have to navigate to get there are about 130 million years old, that is incredibly old! To make it a little easier you could consider finding them at very low tide, when the sea goes out and reveals even more to be seen.

Horizontal Falls: Okay, so to actually see this sight properly it would likely involve booking on to either an air or a boat tour. As a matter of fact, it is widely known as one of the greatest natural wonders around this area of the Kimberley coastline. Two narrow gorges are created there by way of the huge tides which sweep their way through the landscape. When tides start to change this creates what they refer to as a ‘horizontal waterfall’ so the water actually rushes through these tiny channels. That sounds impressive, and very wet!

Broome Courthouse Markets: Basically this is your opportunity to get some local arts, crafts and produce from the Broome area, a few of the locals have stalls there too. This particular marketplace creates an exciting, buzzing atmosphere and the setting is quite historic as this marketplace is a former courthouse, which adds interest.

Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park: I mean, it has a pretty basic name and in some ways that does tell a little about the place, it does what it says on the tin! Like you’ll see a park with many different species of crocodile within it’s boundaries! Feeding times are often arranged so you can get up close to those scary, snapping jaws.

Key Takeaways

• Scenic Views: The helicopter flight offers unforgettable views of the Kimberley coastline.
• Pearl Education: The Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour provides a very insightful look into the pearl farming process.
• Cost vs. Value: Think about your priorities to assess if the combined tour is the right option for you.
• Preparation: Basically just remember to come prepared for the climate and with an enquiring mind.