Tourism Broome

Broome’s frontier history is interwoven into its fabric; from red dirt extending down to the sea to pearl boutiques rubbing shoulders with laid-back breweries and ancient Aboriginal traditions coexisting alongside western colonial influence, Broome is an eclectic melting pot.

At low tide, wander Gantheaume Point to discover 130 million-year-old dinosaur footprints relics. Join a guided tour or download the Jetty to Jetty app to explore independently.

Broome Historical Society Museum

Broome Museum is an intriguing and captivating museum showcasing Broome’s captivating local history, from its pearling heritage to multicultural roots, you will be charmed by all its stories. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and museum collections are housed across three buildings including heritage award winner Sailmaker’s Shed.

The Museum is home to an internationally significant collection of historic and cultural objects, featuring visually captivating displays and artifacts that will keep visitors interested as they stroll its rooms. A great spot to learn about Broome’s rich past, it also hosts exhibits covering topics like Aboriginal culture and pearling, the World War II air raid attack on Broome, White Australia Policy implementation impacts and more!

One of the best aspects of this museum is that it’s suitable for everyone in the family. The collection offers interesting photos and documents that showcase the town’s rich cultural history; exhibitions allow you to understand more fully its ethos while making you feel connected with local residents.

The Museum forms part of the Jetty to Jetty heritage trail that explores thirteen historical and cultural sites along Roebuck Bay. A must for visitors of any kind, this self-guided tour combines Yawuru voice with Broome’s pearling heritage – something any visitor should experience first-hand!

Spend some time at both cable beach and town beach nearby – two beautiful places where you can unwind on the sand! Matso’s Brewery should also be included on your itinerary, with its refreshing chilli and mango beers while taking in beautiful ocean views.

SoBroome offers an intriguing range of historical tours for visitors of all ages and interests to Broome. From iconic landmarks to fascinating histories, our carefully-selected list will leave you with a greater understanding of this amazing city’s past and future. Book your tour now to experience everything Broome has to offer!

Chinatown

Broome boasts an eclectic and often quirky past. Explore its pearling history, culture and unique flora and fauna on one of our selected historical tours. Get up close with crocodiles at Willi Creek or discover more about its pearling industry at Pearl Museum; our selection of the top Broome tours guarantees an enjoyable journey back through time!

Broome’s vibrant Chinatown overlooking Roebuck Bay features a bustling market every Saturday morning (please refer to opening times for market). Visitors can peruse jewellery showrooms, discover gravestone inscriptions with pearl divers’ names at the Japanese Cemetery or wander amongst ruined former pearling luggers at Broome Pearl Divers’ Memorial Park.

As news of gold mining reached China during the 1860’s, natural and manmade disasters caused by this rush led to widespread famine, peasant uprisings, poverty and migration to America as many sought a better life abroad. Many turned to immigration and formed Chinatowns across America – unlike traditional ethnic ghettos which provided jobs but no economic aid or social services for newcomers.

As soon as the railway was complete and work began on its jetty, Chinese families settled in Broome and Cable Beach and became the hub of pearling industry in this part of Australia. Although that industry has since declined significantly, Broome continues to celebrate its cultural heritage and history of pearling as part of its rich cultural legacy.

Cable Beach’s 22km stretch offers the ideal backdrop for sunset camel rides and is an excellent place to spot bottlenose dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Head out of Broome town centre to Sun Pictures to witness a majestic statue – the 3.5m-high Crystal Sitting Buddha at Sun Pictures is an icon and stunning ornamental garden! Or join Yawuru man Bart Pigram on his Narlijia (Ngaji gurrjin) tour to experience Aboriginal saltwater culture first-hand in Rubibi.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm

Willie Creek Pearl Farm is an essential stop when visiting the Kimberley, offering visitors an authentic pearling experience in pristine coastal waters of Willie Creek tidal estuary. Renowned for sustainable and ethical production of rare Australian South Sea Pearls, Willie Creek offers ideal conditions for cultivation with clear waters containing rich nutrients promoting healthy oyster populations and clear currents providing optimal conditions.

Visitors to the farm can experience first-hand how rare and highly prized Australian South Sea Pearls are crafted. There is also an on-site jewellery showroom displaying some of their award-winning products.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm is owned and operated by the Banfield family, who are passionate about educating and entertaining their guests while providing some of Australia’s finest South Sea Pearls. Over time, this business has won multiple tourism awards, such as being honored twice with the Sir David Brand Award (the pinnacle of WA tourism), regional honors as well as local accolades.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of hardworking men and women living an adventurous life on both sea and land. You will also encounter many cultures which came together to form Broome as its diverse community is remembered with various museum experiences and historic sites like its reconstructed tidal jetty where two remaining pearling luggers can be viewed on display.

Pearl Luggers Museum stands out as a truly memorable stop, where visitors can step inside restored pearl luggers to be transported back in time to when daring men and women braved the sea in pursuit of this precious gem. There is also a small park dedicated to remembering Aboriginal skin divers who perished while working for pearling industry, along with an impressive collection of Chinese, Japanese and European artifacts displayed at this museum.

Narlijia Cultural Tours

Narlijia Cultural Tours provides tours that explore Broome from an Indigenous Australian viewpoint, offering visitors an authentic insight into its history. Led by Bart Pigram whose ancestors worked in pearling industry, these unique tours will give an entirely unique perspective of Broome culture ranging from Roebuck Bay and Cable Beach foreshores all the way to Cable Beach itself.

Broome offers many unique experiences for visitors interested in Indigenous heritage and this tour will leave lasting memories. Along the way, you will visit traditional sites, hear Dreaming stories, visit shell middens created by Djugun-Yawuru people of the area, as well as learn about its natural ecosystem through walking through a mangrove forest at low tide.

Narlijia means ‘true for you” in Yawuru, reflecting this tour company’s mission of sharing Broome’s full history and culture with its guests. Bart Pigram, an active member of Broome community and curator in his own right, strives to ensure an enriching and enjoyable experience for his visitors – drawing upon both knowledge of land use as well as cultural significance to create an authentic experience for his guests.

Broome tours provide an excellent opportunity to uncover some of its rich past, yet its culture is just as captivating. Broome has long been shaped by different cultures who have settled along Western Australia’s north coast; evidenced in its unique cuisine and events held throughout the year.

Make a point of including one or more of these tours on your Broome itinerary, as the history and landscapes are equally breathtaking. Experience history through SoBroome’s selection of history tours for unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!