Moving To Broome

by Bonnie
(Sydney, Australia)

We are thinking of moving to Broome. Can you advise about work and residential availability? Me, that is my girlfriend and I and two dogs, are thinking about moving to Broome to get away from the rat race in Sydney.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Moving To Broome Response

Hi Bonnie!

The whole Kimberley is booming. Building land is scarce as most of the land here is Aboriginal owned and can't be built on. Both renting or buying is expensive, very expensive, especially in Broome.

Actually, finding something at all can be a challenge during the busy time of the year.

On the other hand there is always plenty of work available. Many people move to Broome for the dry season or come to the Kimberley for seasonal work.

A hundred times as many tourists descend upon Broome every dry season, so everybody is scrambling for workers. Finding a job should not be a problem during the dry season.

Of course, it may be different for people who live a corporate lifestyle in the city and expect to do exactly the same kind of work up here. The Kimberley or Broome lifestyle is different and the high profile corporate jobs are not so plentiful. I depends what you are looking for.

The tourism and hospitality industry is obviously a big one in Broome and has plenty of openings during the dry season. But all shops and many other businesses look for extra staff for the dry. Such a job could tie you over until you find something more suitable, permanent.

The mining industry is huge and growing and is scrambling for workers, too. The money in the mining industry is of course excellent.

So in the end it all evens out.

The best time to find somewhere to live is at the start of the wet season when everybody is leaving.

The best time to find a job is the start of the dry season when everything is exploding again.

Toss a coin!

Hope that helps you in some way.

All the best! (Leaving the rat race is a smart thing to do!).

B.

PS.: It's an awesome life for dogs up here. Just ask mine :-).

For more Broome info see the main Broome page.

Comments for
Moving To Broome

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moving too
by: clinton..

I also am thinking of moving up to Broome just before Christmas and I am hoping to find work straight away, but I am looking forward to it, does anyone have any info on the mining industry because I would like to join with them.

The mining industry in Broome
by: Birgit

Unfortunately I don't have specific details on who to contact in Broome, but that should be easy to find out. Just grab a West Australian newspaper and scan the job listings.

Do you have any skills or experience? Industrial background? A trade? If yes you'll have no problem at all.

In Kununurra I could help. Ring Kimberley Industries (08 9168 2176). That's the way to get a foot in the door at Argyle Diamond Mine. And they need qualified local people badly. (They even did fly a crane driver/scaffolder in and out of Broome, but they do prefer Kununurra based people.)

They also have an office in Perth now (08 9592 6787), but I'm not sure if they work with any of the mines in the west Kimberly yet. Can't hurt to ring them.

Other mines in the Kimberley area are:
Ellendale (Kimberley Diamonds): 130 km east-south-east of Derby
Sally Malay (nickel): 120 km north of Halls Creek
Cockatoo Island mine (iron ore)
Koolan Island mine: that just reopened, now owned by Mt. Gibson Iron

And then you have of course oil and gas, in the Canning Basin, Blina and a few other sites. And plenty of exploration and construction going on so there'll be even more in the future.

So, check out the newspapers. Also try to find out who the labour hire providers in Broome are. And once you get there, just talk to the people in the pub, they'll point you in the right direction. Even if you have no industrial background whatsoever, it's not hard to get a foot in the door up here.

If you're not afraid to work and want to earn good money you can't go wrong by moving up here.

any advice for cheap living?
by: clinton

Hi again, I wrote to you about getting work in Broome a few months back and you gave me some good advice, so I'm back again to ask for your help again.

Everywhere I look on the internet for a place to stay it's too expensive, maybe I've been looking in the wrong area, I don't know, so I'm asking for advice on some cheap places to stay, for a week... if I can find work within the week and a permanent place to stay it should all work out good.
Thanks again,
CLINTON

The million dollar question
by: Birgit

You're asking the million dollar question... No, you haven't been looking in the wrong area. Broome IS ridiculously expensive.

The cheapest place to stay would be Roebuck Bay Backpackers. They're near the centre on Napier Terrace. A bed in a dorm sets you back $95 for a week I believe (more in smaller dorms). If you want your own room you are looking at $50 a night. And that is the cheapest place I know of. I don't think they have a website or that you can book online at all. Their phone number is 08 9192 1183.

The place is a bit rough around the edges, but has everything you need, including a bottle shop and good pub right there. The good thing is that you'll meet lots of long termers there who are all working, so they should be able to point you in the right direction.

The only other option would be Broome's Last Resort which is only slightly more expensive (at least between Nov and March, prices are higher now). It also has a lot of long term residents but I think they are more focussed on your typical backpacker crowd. They have a website at www.broomeslastresort.com.au

Don't burn your bridges!
by: Anonymous

To all you mob thinking of moving to Broome, especially with pets!!!
If you have around $850.00 per week for rent, that's what you will need, or $500.00 for a basic unit, no yard, $4.50 for a coffee, $25.00 for breakfast, great place for rich and famous!!!

HELL YEAH
by: Jenni G

Bring it on... There's ways of saving money too. Not always for the rich and famous pffft please. Get a FIFO job that caters for the upper 26th parallel living. Currently a 5x2 home is $700 per week. Damn nothing wrong with that! Pets, who needs em, got kids, lol. They are funni little animals at times...
Only expensive part of Broome is finding someone to get your personal belongings up there, that cost more than living in Broome...
Anyways, I'll be up there 26th Jan 2009. Look forward to meeting others interested in moving there too. BROOME IS BLOODY FANTASTIC!

Phone numbers please
by: Anonymous

Thank you Brigette for the phone number for Argyle Diamond mine.
Do you have any phone numbers for Koolan Island or Sally Malay?

by: Birgit

That number was not for ADM but for Kimberley Industries, one of their contractors. KI also send people out to Sally Malay. Contact details for HR departments of any mines are usually on their websites.

The mine on Koolan Island Mine is owned by Mt. Gibson Iron:
www.mtgibsoniron.com.au

Thinking of making the move as well!!
by: Anonymous

My boyfriend been posted within the army to work up in Broome. I'm not sure how long I can last here without him (here in Sydney), and have been toying with the idea of moving up there. At least if I do so, we'd be able to afford staying there because he has organised housing through DHA. My main concern here is how do I organise the move... Does anyone have a fair idea how much it will cost? And which removalists to use? It's not going to be easy!

Sorry, nope...
by: Birgit

Sorry, but I really can't help you there. I can tell you about the Kimberley, but not about removalists or trucking companies or how to move house...

All I can tell you is that it's a very long trip and would cost a fortune.

(I'd just get rid of most stuff and start new. What do you really need anyway...)

Maybe someone else who has done this can give you some tips. Sorry that I can't be of more help!

house share
by: chloe

Looking for couple or two people to share a 3 bedroom house in Broome with us. Only problem is we haven't found a house yet. We're looking at finding a place for a 12 month lease.
We are arriving around March 20th from Melbourne and will be viewing properties from then.

The ideal price per week would be no more than $550 for the house with us (a couple) and 2 others, be it a couple or singles.

So, if you are in a similar situation or are planning on being in one, send an email and we can go from there.
Thanks, Chloe and Marcus
chloegrantham@yahoo.co.uk

Carpenter 27 ys old
by: Anonymous

H, I'm a chippy from Melbourne and an currently in Kalgoorlie. I have my car and tools with me, I'm heading to Newman but am keen to go to Broome for work, I also have a dogmens license and basic Riggers licence.
Anyone know who I can get work with?
Cheers, Simon

transporting
by: Anonymous

With bringing all your stuff over from the east - look up logistics companies, some will transport your car with stuff inside it for the one price but some will charge extra or the car will have to be empty. You're probably looking at a couple of grand. Also ring around and ask about back loads where trucks go to the east from Broome full but come back empty - can sometimes get a good deal since it's all profit for them.

That being said, I left all my stuff at my parents or gave it away to friends before I came over :)

Itz great! U'll love it!

Local
by: Anonymous

Hi, I am employed full time in Broome and I love it! However, I am looking for a room to rent or private house to lease. I am also looking for people to possibly share with.
Give us a shout if you know of anything.
Cheers,
Alysia
alysiajaye@hotmail.com

Employment in Broome
by: Rhys

Hi,
I am a single bloke thinking of moving to broome from Geraldton in W.A I would be thankful for any advice that anyone can give me on finding work when I get there. My previous employment has been mainly marine based having worked in both the fishing and tourism industry in the way of charter boats.

Is there a lot of work going this time of year in the way of charter/tour boats? Also, I hear that the oil and gas industry is booming up in the Kimberley region as much as the mining industry. Is it possible to gain employment in the offshore oil and gas industry?

Landing a job in Broom
by: RF

I'm applying for a housekeeper to one of the resort there named Broome Sanctuary Resort this peak season. I'm not from Australia, I just wanted to know the life in Broome and its people.

Jimmy
by: Anonymous

Hi all, I have been looking for an IT position in Broome for the past 3 months, I have not actually seen anything advertised in this field whatsoever, can you please point me in the right direction if there is one?
(I do have accommodation)

Cheers

cheap rents in Broome
by: Anonymous

The rents in Broome are reasonable, compared to the Pilbara (Port Hedland & Karratha). You can still find units in Broome for up to $300 per week, in Karratha rents are $2,000 per week.

Help :)
by: Samantha

Hello, im looking to move to broome asap. I'm 17, 18 in less than two months and already have accomodation so that's one thing I don't need to worry about. Im moving away from my parents and moving in with my girlfriends. I'm afraid I'm not going to find a job that can pay for all my expenses/food/rent. I'm clueless what to do, I've completed my certificate in Hospitality Accomodation but apparently the hotels interview, so I'm guessing that's out of the picture. I think I just need reassurance that there definitely are jobs available and are willing to hire 17/18 year olds. I know in Perth (my location) it's so hard to find a job and so many companies aren't willing to hire because of age and lack of experience. Is there any chance for me in Broome?

Do I match Broome?
by: Renee

I'm itching for an adventure in 2012, the tourist season in Broome. A working holiday. Do you think Broome will suit me?

ABOUT ME
+ Currently getting my advanced diploma in jewellery and object design (basically makes me a contemporary jeweller + sculptures on the small scale).
+ I live in Perth, but originally a country girl. I already support myself through selling my jewellery.
+ Love eating organically and being in-tune with nature.
+ I'm not the bar or party time, but love to have fun (often described as a hyperactive 5yo).
+ Supporter of fair trade (i.e. against human cruelty) and animal cruelty, although it's hard to get rid of it completely (I'm not extreme. I eat meat. haha)

I guess I'm a calculated/mathematical hippy who lives for the art scene, drawing from nature for inspiration in my creative works. hahaha

I've been offered affordable accommodation with friends, so that's sorted. I'm confident I'll be able to get enough money via my creations to survive for the necessities.

MORE QUESTIONS

1. I'm concerned about the price of food and public transport. Any tips on eating on a budget and any feedback on Broome's public transport?

2. What is the scene/theme of Broome? How big is the art scene? What is the fashion like and at what percent are people in tune with the environment/organic living?

question
by: Anonymous

I'm thinking of moving to Broome and work for myself. Is there much demand for physiotherapy in Broome or are you already overloaded?

black
by: Anonymous

Hi

We're a family of 10 from Perth. At the moment we run our own plastering business. We have 1/2 million dollars to get started in Broome.

Do you think it is worth moving up there and making a living? The 3 younger men love fishing.

Thanks for any feed back.

Where to live, Where not to live
by: Anonymous

Hi,

I'm thinking of moving to Broome (like everyone else). Just like to get an idea of area's that should be avoided for renting an accommodation. Which are the good area's to live in?

Thanks.

In regards to: Thinking of making the move as well!!
by: Anonymous

Hello all,

I left a comment with the same comment title (positioned about half way up the page) before making the decision to move to Broome.

In the end from Sydney to Broome the move cost over $8000. Luckily my boyfriend (at the time) and I went halves in it. It took me 5 months to save up the funds, clear my debts and have a fair bit left over.

Back in Sydney I was a Graphic Designer/Senior finished artist and I had no regrets leaving my job or leaving the big smoke behind. I think I was way over it.

At over 15 years in the Graphic Design industry I struggled to gain employment in Broome so decided to start up my own Design business. I worked closely with a leading printer in Broome (while also working part time at a supermarket in the deli) and eventually got work from an old work mate back in Sydney. I had to quit my deli job. Things were going great.

Moving to Broome was the best decision I have ever made!

We've since married (organized it all over the net - married in the Hunter Valley NSW in August last year) and have now left Broome for Townsville where hubby is leaving the army. Next stop NSW, full circle! We're now 20 weeks pregnant.

I miss Broome, and think about it all the time. I love the laid back feel of the place, there is no right or wrong there. Broome is great for the soul! Crackers, cheese and rose while watching the sunset over Cable Beach. I'd love to go back to that!

Anyone thinking about moving, just do it, all other concerns will sort themselves out once you're there! Good luck one and all!

Congrats
by: Birgit

Congratulations! Glad you enjoyed your time in Broome so much, and thanks a bunch for coming back here to share your experiences.

Heading north
by: Fiftyeight

Hello. The above comments have been really helpful. My partner is in his final year of aviation and has been told to head north for his first job. We holidayed in Broome a couple of years ago and loved the lifestyle and said we would love to live there.

Could anyone out there provide any advice on work up there in the aviation industry? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Schools
by: Anonymous

Wow, it seems from reading a lot of the comments that our decision for a move to Broome will be an easy one! I have 2 primary school kids. Does anyone have any idea on what the primary schools are like in Broome? Is there also a good time to buy in Broome?

Offer of Employment in Broome
by: Anonymous

I have a great opportunity to move to Broome in subsidised housing. On reading this board it seems an awesome opportunity. However, I too would like to hear comments on people who have children in school up there. Education is very important to me as a mother...any feedback would be great!

Primary Schooling in Broome
by: Nia

Hi,

I'm really interested to find out what the schooling is like. I have two primary school aged daughters. Can someone shed some light on what the schools are like? It'll be most appreciated.

Nia.

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