In any discussion of Broome’s history, one cannot ignore the regions’ indigenous Australians who were known as the Aboriginals or Aborigines. Their claim to the lands that would become known as Dampierland, Roebuck Bay and finally Broome, span forty thousand years. 

In 1688, when William Dampier first visited “New Holland” (that is how the rest of the world referred the region as), the first seeds were sown that would forever change the lives of the indigenous people in the region. The constant and fundamental cultural clashes between the two people eventually led to the exploitation of the regions original inhabitants, especially in the early days of the pearling industry when Aboriginals were forced to become skin divers for pearl shell.

Any visitor to Broome can immediately recognise the legacy of place names and landmarks named after William Dampier (who was the navigator, explorer, buccaneer and distinguished chronicler of the seven seas). He is credited for discovering the region known today as the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Dampier, who at the time was an acknowledged pirate, first visited the region in 1688. He later returned in 1699 but after an argument with curious aboriginals which led to the death of a native, he was forced to hurriedly depart the area.

Despite this, Dampier’s journals were enough to stimulate interest in the areas rich pearl shell beds. By the late 1870s there was a growing pearling industry in the waters off north-western Australia with the largest base of operations being located in Cossack, about 700km from what was to become Broome.

In 1879, Charles Harper suggested (to the Legislative Council), that Roebuck Bay be set up as a port with sufficient facilities for the pearling industry. Later on, in 1883, John Forrest selected a town site on Roebuck Bay just east of Dampier Creek where three native wells existed and predicted this site would become the Capital of the Kimberley. Later that year, the townsite of Broome was proclaimed and named after the colony’s Governor, Frederick N. Broome. The first sale of town lots took place in October 1886 and two years later Broome was gazetted as a port.

The Fat Years of 1889 to 1891 saw the price of pearl shell escalate to new highs and this established Broome as a port often referred to as the Queen City of the North. By 1898, Broome was the principal cargo port for north Western Australia and by the First World War; the Port of Broome was second only to Fremantle, it was quite an achievement.

During this time, there were many men from the UK who dominated the pearling industry at Roebuck Bay but by 1900 many had retired to England or other destinations to enjoy their earned fortunes. As these men disappeared, they were replaced by younger men from Victoria and New South Wales affected by the economic depression of the nineties.

When World War I was declared in 1914, Broome harboured about 300 pearl luggers and had a population of over 1,000 white men and some 2,000 coloured. After a few months the fleet numbers were halved as men rushed to enlist in the war effort and this negatively affected Broome’s pearling industry.

European markets began to collapse and many thought the industry was coming to an end. During the war years the only additional use found for mother of pearl was for buttons on soldiers’ uniforms. By December 1916 Broome was threatened with economic ruin as the sale of mother of pearl dwindled and enemy ships threatened shipments consigned for the states.

With excess stocks and luggers going to ruin Broome’s economic situation was bleak until when the war ended in 1918 when a different pearling industry emerged. Broome had also suffered extensive damage by the cyclones of 1908, 1910 and especially 1912 and much of the town needed to be rebuilt. Eventually, Broome slowly rebuilt itself into an exciting and economically viable port. By 1920, Broome was a vibrant, thriving pearling industry and the price of pearl shell was at its highest ever.

The influence of the pearling industry, with its cultural melting pot, has greatly helped to create the distinctive character and charm of Broome. South Sea Pearls are recognised as the best in the world and pearling remains one of the town’s major industries also due to the cultured pearl, which revived the industry after its near demise in the late 1950s.

The pearling industry remains a vibrant part of Broome, proudly producing the world’s finest pearls.  And if you would take the time to explore, you’ll discover that Broome is as rich in history as it is in these gems from the sea.  There are lots of other attractions in Broome for people who come to visit this great town.

Broome has a very unique history, and culturally rich that makes it a very attractive tourist destination. The great coastal features, the beaches, and great weather, is a big plus to the tourist friendly portfolio of Broome.

There are only two seasons in Broome the wet and the dry season. The wet comes from November to about April. The dry comes from May to October. Most people visit Broome during the dry season because you are more likely to enjoy more outdoor activities such as camping, taking walks, when it is dry.

Broome came up as a result of the discovery of the Pinctada Maxima, largest pearl oyster shell in the world in the Roebuck Bay in 1861. This great discovery was soon to be known by many who were interested in oysters. Within no time divers who collect pearls flocked Broome and before long this little town had began growing as trade of the pearls increased. Broome is still a world leader when it comes to the quality of pearls even today.

There are several activities to enjoy in Broome it doesn’t matter your age, Broome has got something for everyone. A walk on the famous cable beach would be an experience to relish forever. This is a beach with snow white sand on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is one of the best spots to enjoy sunset.

The Gantheaume Point is another spectacular attraction. This is where the red stone cliffs spread out into the sea. If you have never seen dinosaur footprints, this is the place to visit especially during low tide.

Chinatown is a must stop in Broome as well. There are several Chinese eateries. The finest of pearl showrooms also are found in Chinatown. Another activity that you can engage in while in Broome is visit one of the working pearl farms where you will get to learn in detail the history of this lovely city and the process of preparing the pearls.

Buddha’s Sanctuary is another place for someone who wants some quiet time to reflect on issues and meditate. There are great gardens here that are well kept and a crystal carving of Buddha.

Another magnificent place to visit in Broom is the Japanese Cemetery, where more than 900 hundred divers were buried. These deaths occurred especially when diving was still unrefined and protective gear was not sophisticated enough. Many pearl divers lost their lives in those days. You will also get to learn more about these years of dangerous diving in Broome.

The Kimberly Coast is a must visit. This is located north of Broome where you will get an experience of a lifetime. Some of the activities you can indulge in here are fishing on a boat off the shores of Cable beach or In Port of Broome. The Kimberly coast is a site to marvel.

Broome is one great place to visit. The long drive on the coastal road as enjoyable as the destination Broome. Though it is a little in the interior, it is that remoteness that gives it an authentic feel and a treat to many who visit Broome.