The history of Broome, deeply entwined with indigenous heritage and marked by diverse explorations and settlements, recounts a rich tapestry of events. Before European arrivals, the Yawuru people thrived in the coastal expanse surrounding Broome.

The European narrative began with Captain Read's coastal expedition 1688 aboard the Cygnet, notably carrying William Dampier, whose subsequent writings shaped English knowledge through "A New Voyage Round the World." Dampier returned 1699 aboard the Roebuck, leaving a lasting imprint with the names Roebuck Bay Hotel, Roebuck Bay, and Dampier Terrace. However, his landing to replenish water supplies led to a tragic encounter with an Aboriginal individual.

Exploration continued as Nicolas Baudin's cursory expedition in 1801 inadvertently named Gantheaume Point, later corrected by Phillip Parker King, who renamed Gantheaume Island and Roebuck Bay after Dampier's ship.

Settlement endeavors gradually unfolded, with the first attempts at sheep grazing in the 1860s and temporary pearling setups in the 1870s at Roebuck Bay. European settlement truly commenced in 1879 following explorer Alexander Forrest's glowing reports about Derby's surrounding area.

Formal recognition of Broome came in 1883 when Sir Frederick Napier Broome declared its establishment. Initially modest, Broome grew to harbour pearlers, shanties, and Aboriginal inhabitants.

The town's trajectory intertwined with technological advancements, notably when the submarine telegraph cable was rerouted through Broome in 1890 due to volcanic activity, leading to the construction of the Court House, formerly the Cable House. Streeters' establishment of a pearl trading store and the renowned Roebuck Bay Hotel added to Broome's allure, attracting a diverse populace encompassing Malays, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Europeans, and Aborigines.

Pearling flourished by the 1910s, fostering a reputation for a bustling yet wild and unrestrained town. However, the outbreak of World War I severely impacted Broome's economy, idling warehouses during the war period.

The town's cultural landscape evolved with the opening of the iconic Sun Picture Garden in 1916. By the 1930s, Japanese crews dominated the pearl fishing industry, and by 1939, the industry faced a steep decline.

The onset of World War II brought internment of Broome's Japanese population and subsequent major evacuations amidst threats of Japanese invasion. Tragedy struck in 1942 when Japanese air raids resulted in substantial casualties and destruction.

Post-war, Broome saw the establishment of a cultured pearl consortium, and by the 1980s, cultured pearls became a significant economic force, generating over $50 million annually. The town's cultural heritage was formally recognized in 1989, with Sun Pictures earning registration on the National Estate, reflecting Broome's enduring significance.

Attractions

Broome is a wonderland for the 300,000 tourists who arrive each year. It is easy to spend a week and not exhaust the attractions in the area. This is an historic pearling town which has metamorphosed into one of the most enjoyable holiday destinations in the country.

Broome Heritage Trail

You can find an impressive Heritage Trail map that covers 12 fascinating locations of historical importance. Apart from the two places, all of them are situated in a small region that is bounded by Napier Terrace, Dampier Terrace, Short Street, and Carnarvon Street. The map provides an excellent summary of the historical significance of Broome and highlights some must-visit sites such as the Sun Picture Gardens, the Broome Lockup, the Roebuck Bay Hotel, Streeters Jetty, Matso's Brewery, and Captain Gregory's House.

Sam Male Memorial

The 'Sam Male' Memorial is an unusual structure that was built in 1977 and features the three important figures who played a crucial role in the Kuri Bay pearl cultivation project - T Kuribayashi, Keith Dureau, and H Iwaki. They are depicted standing in front of the Sam Male, which was named after a well-known Broome pioneer, Arthur Streeter Male, who passed away in 1976.

Roebuck Bay Hotel

The Roebuck Bay Hotel is a Broome icon that has been around since 1880. It is named after the ship William Dampier, which sailed down the Western Australian coast. This typical outback pub has a welcoming veranda outside and a cozy, charming interior that has a unique "rough around the edges" vibe. The hotel is a perfect spot to visit on a hot day in Broome.

Broome's Aboriginal Art at Short Street Gallery

Short Street Gallery sponsors indigenous artists, including Weaver Jack, Margaret Baragurra, Jan Billycan, and Lydia Balbal. These Yulparija desert people grew up in a culture that remained untouched for thousands of years, and their profound understanding of the landscape is reflected in their artwork. Despite leaving the Great Sandy Desert due to droughts in the 1960s and 1970s, they continue to paint landscapes of their childhood with bright acrylics that echo the colours of the desert. The paintings are tangible expressions of salt lakes, sand dunes, tracks, animals, and sacred sites that reveal their deep connection with the land.

Broome Historical Museum

The Broome Historical Museum showcases exhibits that highlight the town's past, including the Pearling Industry, Domestic Life in Broome, Cyclones, the Meat Works Industry, Aboriginal artifacts, the Norwest Echo printing press, telecommunications, and Broome's One Day War.

The museum is housed in the general store owned by Newman Goldstein & Co, which was built in the late 1890s and served as the local Customs building from 1910-1979. It is located at the end of Saville Street and is open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday from June to September, and 10:00 am – 1:00 pm from October to May.

Sun Picture Gardens

The Sun Picture Gardens in Broome is considered to be the world's oldest open-air cinema and for a good reason. It started operating at 27 Carnarvon Street in 1916, showcasing silent movies until 1933. Even today, the cinema is still operational, providing visitors with a unique and unusual way to spend their evening in Broome - sitting under the stars (or rain during the wet season) while watching a movie.

Streeter Jetty

Edwin William Streeter Jetty, named after its owner and operator of the adjacent business, was built in the late 1880s to moor pearling luggers. Although the jetty was rebuilt in 1946 and reconstructed in 1966, lack of maintenance caused its deterioration. In 1998, following extensive lobbying, the Shire of Broome purchased it. The jetty played a crucial role in the pearling industry as it served as a point for unloading pearl shells and loading supplies. Even in 1991, it was still in use. Due to the huge tides at Broome, the jetty appears to be a jetty to nowhere during very low tides and is entirely submerged during King tides.

Matso's Brewery

Matso's Brewery is located at 60 Hamersley Street and offers a cafe, restaurant, microbrewery, and bar. It is well known for its unique beers, including the famous Mango Cider, Chilli Beer, alcoholic Ginger Beer, and Lychee Beer. The building's history is intertwined with Broome's history as it was built in 1910 and opened as the Union Bank of Australia. In the late 1940s, it became a general store owned by the Matsumoto family, known as Matso's Store, after being purchased by Streeter and Male. Later, Lord McAlpine bought the building and moved it to its current location. In 1997, it was transformed into a cafe, microbrewery, and art gallery.

Captain Gregory’s House

Captain Gregory's House, located at the corner of Carnarvon and Hamersley Streets, is now occupied by the Monsoon Gallery. It was built around 1915 and is an excellent representation of the Broome-style architecture of that era. The central block of rooms opens onto a wide, enclosed veranda that surrounds the house. Made of jarrah with pressed metal ceilings, the house is a testament to Captain Gregory's success in establishing a fleet of pearling luggers and gaining a license to cultivate pearls in the 1920s. Lord McAlpine purchased the house and restored it, demonstrating his commitment to preserving the town's important buildings.

Japanese Cemetery

The largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, situated near Cable Beach on Port Drive. Its origins trace back to the early days of pearling, with the initial grave established in 1896. Tragically, numerous young Japanese divers lost their lives either through drowning or the perilous bends (divers paralysis). All inscriptions on the graves are in Japanese. An erected stone obelisk commemorates sailors and divers lost at sea during the 1908 cyclone. Within the cemetery lie the graves of 33 individuals who succumbed to divers paralysis in 1914, highlighting the lethal risks of pearl diving. A total of 707 graves (representing 919 individuals) populate the site, many adorned with distinctive headstones crafted from coloured beach rocks.

The Pindan Soils

Red soil in Australia is an indicator of iron deposits in the area. Gantheaume Point and its surrounding headland boast some of the richest red sand or soil in the country, which the locals refer to as "pindan". If you look for pindan next to the sea, you'll see a striking effect of red, white (the sands), and blue (the Indian Ocean).

Cable Beach Resort

According to the story, Lord McAlpine, who had developed a fondness for Broome, decided to construct a luxury resort. He bought the land and made the purchase official by signing a contract on the back of a beer coaster at the Roebuck Bay Hotel. The resort, which was initially priced at $55 million, opened in 1988. Cable Beach Resort, with its well-manicured lawns, oriental architecture, and air of understated grandeur, is a testament to the opulent fantasies of wealthy individuals.

It was purchased by Hawaiian Pty Ltd, a Perth-based company, in 1995. After Cyclone Rosita caused significant damage to the resort in 2000, another $40 million was invested in refurbishing the property. Today, the resort is a popular tourist destination that faces Cable Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful beach in Western Australia. The Sunset Bar, in particular, offers a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Fun Facts

Distance from Perth: 2,046 km NNE of Perth
Population: 14,660
Postcode: 6725
Founded: 1883