Broome Guide: Darren Banfield
When Darren Banfield moved to Broome from the Wheatbelt more than a quarter of a century ago there was one thing in particular that made a strong impression on the 20-year-old: the beach.
“We had a wheat and sheep farm down south and I always thought I was going to be a farmer,” he explains. “Because I was from a country, inland farming community, the ocean and the beach were pretty exciting for me as a young guy who hadn’t experienced that sort of lifestyle before.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Darren’s top Broome spot when he has out-of- town visitors is Cable Beach.
“We jump in the car and head north to have a swim and a fish,” he says. “The environment’s always changing here with the tides, it’s never the same. So you can keep coming back to the same spot and something will be different.”
Early morning is a favourite time of day along the 22km stretch of sand, although the sunsets are also a draw.
“Particularly in the wet season when the clouds are around, you get these magnificent colours,” Darren says.
Another favourite spot is the Willie Creek pearl farm, which Darren’s family owns and runs alongside the Pearl Luggers museum and Broome Sightseeing Tours.
“I’m a little bit biased in that regard,” he admits. “Just the environment out there ... the blue water and getting (people) out on the creek.”
After all these years in town, Darren talks with excitement about the ongoing evolution of Broome as both a place to live and a destination for visitors.
“It’s a very romantic place,” he says of the town. “And it’s the gateway to the Kimberley as well. So while you can have a beach holiday here, there’s also the ability to have that outback experience. It’s God’s own country.”
For Willie Creek Pearls, see williecreekpearls.com.au.
