White sand beaches, turquoise waters and balmy nights watching the full moon rise over the mangroves—if you haven’t been to Broome (Rubibi), you’re missing out.
This spectacular gateway into Western Australia's ancient Kimberley region is host to endless culture and adventure—and with the weather hitting the mid-twenties and Broome’s ‘Festival of the Pearl’ taking over the town, late August is the time to go.
With its shiny South Sea pearls, Broome's been attracting globetrotters for centuries—with Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino, and European people becoming neighbours to the local Aboriginal communities. Marking the end of the pearl harvest season when the fortunes of the pearl farmer are told, Shinju Matsuri celebrates this unique blend of cultures with a jam-packed schedule of events.
Kicking off on Saturday 17 August, this 16-day celebration of Broome's strong community ties and passion for pearling will be ready to roll with its biggest event program to date. You can experience first-hand an incredible fusion of flavour, sound, heritage and history, via a series of gourmet dining experiences and cultural celebrations.
To help you make the most of your time at this year’s Shinju Matsuri, here's everything you need to know.
Chinatown Feast
Chinatown | Wednesday 21 August, 5pm
Set within the lantern-lit Hawkers Market, this starlit dining experience—with an iconic Kimberley twist—will be held in the heart of Chinatown’s Short St. From tantalising your taste buds with the finest in local food vendors, to hearing from the best of Broome’s live entertainment scene, this sensory feast is a surefire way to chase a satisfied belly and an epic culture hit.
Floating Lantern Matsuri
Gantheaume Point Beach | Sunday 25 August, 5pm
Equipped with uninterrupted sunset views of Gantheaume Point (Minyirr), the Floating Lantern Matsuri is an experience that will leave you in awe of the region’s otherworldly beauty.
To fully immerse yourself in the fun, pre-purchase a lantern kit before the festival begins. The kids will love being in on the action, and we can almost guarantee a gasp of admiration as they watch their creation float off into the orange hues of the setting sun.
Cable Beach Sunset Cocktail Party
Cable Beach | Friday 30 August, 5pm
Pack your dancing shoes and get ready to enjoy the ultimate Friday night, because Shinju Matsuri’s Sunset Cocktail Party is hitting the pristine, 22-kilometre-long Cable Beach (Walmanyjun) for the first time ever.
Guests will be treated to an array of delicious canapes that capture the best in local and seasonal produce, a thirst-quenching cocktail on arrival, and a lineup of DJs serving the best in beats. This Cable Beach evening is bound to be one for the books so trust us when we say, if you're partial to a sandy-toed boogie, this one's for you.
Sunset Long Table Dinner
Cable Beach | Saturday 31 August, 5pm
Prepare to indulge in an opulent night of al-fresco dining at one of the most exclusive dining tables in Western Australia.
The most anticipated of all the Shinju Matsuri events, the Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach is a sight to behold. Featuring a menu inspired by Broome’s rich cultural tapestry and led by celebrity chef Khanh Ong for the second year running, this one is a must for foodies. And if that isn't enough, expect to top it all off with a dance under the Kimberley sky as the fiery sun dips into the turquoise ocean, with live music performances throughout the night.
Tickets for this are a must, so make sure you secure your seat now.
For more information on Shinju Matsuri and how to experience this vibrant carnival for the senses for yourself, head here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Tourism Western Australia and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Tourism WA