Broome's Pearling History

Pearl Masters arrived in the early 1870's and diving began in Roebuck Bay, quickly making Broome the pearling capital of the world.

Japanese, Chinese and Islanders were the main divers, along with some local aboriginal people. They braved drowning, the bends and the storms that wrack the Kimberley in the cyclone season. The beautifully elegant Japanese Cemetery has over 900 graves of Japanese people, most of them pearl divers.

The Pearl Luggers display in Broome, has recaptured and brought to life to the essence of Broome's fascinating and exciting pearling history. Be entertained by a Pearl diver as you are shown the evolution of the remarkable pearling industry of Broome.

There are various tours and cruises available in Broome, including those on a hovercraft and on a pearling lugger.