If you’re uninitiated, the town of Broome is more than 2,200 kilometres north of Perth in the far-flung Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Its home to the world-famous Cable Beach. It’s also tropical, relaxed, and full of genuine people from all kinds of backgrounds who share a mutual love for their Kimberley home.
The Sunset Long Table dinner, at Broome’s Shinju Matsuri Festival. Photo: Taja Coles-Berenyi
And it’s hands-down my favourite place to holiday.
“Do you want me to pay you?” I half-joked with my client when she confirmed I’d been looking after MC duties at the upcoming Sunset Long Table Dinner.
Chinese lanterns at The Pearl Harvest Yum Cha. Photo: Brandon Stirrup
I didn’t realise at the time that I’d landed myself in Broome for my first ever Shinju Matsuri Festival - and not one, but two of the town’s most bucket-list worthy events.
Shinju Matsuri is Japanese for “Festival of the Pearl”, one of Australia’s longest running festivals. Over nine-days dozens of events paying tribute to Broome’s cultural diversity, it’s pearling history and of course, natural beauty.
Broome’s Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach is a bucket list event for many. Photo: Paula Jennings
The festival culminates with two contrasting, yet equally astounding Broome events: The Floating Lantern Matsuri and the Sunset Long Table Dinner.
The Floating Lantern Matsuri at Broome’s Gantheuame Point. Photo: Pamela Jennings
Guest chef Adam Liaw prepares a course at the Sunset Long Table Dinner. Photo: Pamela Jennings
I learnt quickly that Shinju Matsuri is also about eating food, and lots of it!
The streets of Broome come to life for the Pearl Harvest Yum Cha during Shinju Matsuri Photo: Brandon Stirrup
Events like the Pearl Harvest Yum Cha celebrate the influence the generations of Chinese, Malaysian and Japanese people who have lived & worked in Broome.
Diners enjoy street food during the Pearl Harvest Yum Cha Photo: Julia Rau
Now for those items for your bucket-list.
The Floating Lantern Matsuri, at Gantheaume Point, honours Broome’s pearling history: remembering the Aboriginal, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and Philippine divers, many who lost their lives at at sea in search of precious pearls.
Photo: Pamela Jennings
Literally hundreds of people turned out to decorate lanterns and float them out to sea in memory of their own loved ones. The sight as they descended upon the ocean front at Gantheaume point: awe-inspiring.
Hundreds of locals turn out to decorate floating lanterns in memory of lost loved ones. Photo: Pamela Jennings
Bucket-list: checked!
The Sunset Long Table Dinner is one of the final events of Shinju Matsuri, and it’s all about letting your hair down as you enjoy a uniquely Broome experience: fine dining on Cable Beach.
The Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach Photo: Pamela Jennings
Paul O’Neill of WA Opera performs at the Sunset Long Table Dinner Photo: Pamela Jennings
Guest celebrity chefs Adam Liaw and Marion Grasby were each on hand to serve up a dish that made the most of local produce.
While entertainment came in several forms - eclectic tunes from local musicians, live opera singers in the sand and a stunning Broome sunset.
I left Broome with a full belly, full heart and a list full of events I’d love to attend again in Broome - thank goodness Shinju Matsuri is back again next year!
Photo: Taja Coles-Berenyi
Broome-based duo, Ely & Becca perform at the Sunset Long Table Dinner. Photo: Taja Cole-Berenyi