Cable Beach Resort, Broome WA.

Here is another story about a young Englishman with a lot of vision
who came to Australia and saw the opportunity to make a lasting
contribution.

Alistair McAlpine, Lord McAlpine of West Green, is an Independent Conservative member of the House of Lords, and has been a director of the family-run construction firm, Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons Ltd, for over thirty years. He was Treasurer of the Conservative party from 1975 to 1990 and its Deputy Chairman from 1979 to 1983. He is a regular contributor to the Spectator, the Mail on Sunday and other papers, and has been actively involved in the arts for many years. He is the author of several books.

Lord Alistair McAlpine, is largely responsible for the Broome of today. Lord Mac fell in love with Australia, and invested very heavily in Broome during the 1980s. He developed a great deal of the town, building Cable Beach Club Resort in the fashion of the historic Broome buildings which were still existing at the Roebuck Bay Hotel at that time, thus ensuring the continuation of the influence of the many cultures of Broome.

From the first time Lord Mac came to Broome he had his heart set on the magnificent stretch of land bordering the beautiful Cable Beach. After much discussion and deliberation Lord Mac purchased the land. The contract was signed on the back of a beer coaster in the Pearlers Bar of the Roebuck Bay Hotel.

Opened in May 1988, the first stage of the resort was a collection of Broome-style bungalows, a reception area, dining area and a small functions area. From these humble beginnings Cable Beach Club Resort has grown to become an integral part of the Broome experience.

Today there is a "tropical" atmosphere to welcome guests to the resort.

The magnificent pool is surrounded by luxury villas.

Each stroll along the covered walkways brings a new experience to delight the eye.

The inspiration for Broome was due to the 19th century ‘pearl rush’ and the pearling industry left a cosmopolitan and colourful legacy, despite Broome’s isolation. It is said that at least 58 languages are spoken in the Shire of Broome, culture is a significant feature of Broome, and this was what Lord Mac has emphasised.

A pearling lugger at anchor in Roebuck Bay at high tide.
The tidal range at Broome is about 30 feet so at low tide this lugger is
high and dry in a mangrove swamp.

Most of the pearler's were Japanese which led to many of them being interned for the duration of WW2, Mother of pearl was the material most shirt buttons were made of in the days before plastics and was a large part of the pearling industry.

Lord Mac, would travel the world then return with vast collections of artwork, artefacts and furniture from Dutch Colonial, Asian and Middle Eastern origins. Even today, these worldly possessions decorate the rooms, restaurants and gardens of the Resort, and many of these pieces boast their own history and cultural significance.

His choice of location could not have been better, Cable beach, (so named because it was the location for an undersea Cable which was connected in the 1870s) all 22 kilometres of it. This is undoubtedly one of the world's most stunning beaches - a pure white band bordering a brilliant blue ocean.

Just the place for lazy days and sunset camel rides, as it covers such a distance there are many places among the rocks that have become “clothing optional” beaches, thus a pleasant 4WD jaunt along the beach can present some unexpected pleasures.

Lord Alistair M