Broome and the Kimberley region were home to Indigenous people for at least thirty thousand years prior to the arrival of Europeans. The first European settlers in the mid 1800’s were pastoralists with their flocks of sheep. They discovered beds of the giant silver-lip pearl oysters, Pinctada maxima, otherwise known as Mother of Pearl shell.
Broome was little more than a few white settlers and a scattering of pearling camps on the mangrove-lined shores of Roebuck Bay when it was gazetted as a town on 27 November 1883 and named after the Governor of Western Australia, Sir Frederick Napier Broome. In 1889 an undersea telegraph cable linking Australia to Java and the rest of the world came ashore in Broome; hence the name, Cable Beach.
Due to it's rich past, Broome is still home to many fascinating points of interest. On the shores of Roebuck Bay lies Chinatown, the site of the original Broome settlement. Now a bustling retail area, Chinatown is home to many pearl shops, local art galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants and businesses.
Nestled in the centre of Chinatown is Sun Pictures, the worlds oldest operating picture garden. Officially opened on December 9th, 1916, the Sun Pictures was named "Oldest Open Air Cinema in Operation" by the Guiness World Records in 2004.
Wander through Chinatown, once the bustling hub of pearl shells, billiard saloons, entertainment houses and Chinese eateries. The finest pearl showrooms, retail outlets and cafes provide a great shopping experience and an opportunity to soak up the charm of old and new Broome.From here you can venture out to Streeter’s Jetty on Dampier Terrace. This is an original Broome jetty used by the pearl luggers that were based in Broome.
On Dampier Terrace, admire two fully restored original pearling luggers The Sam Male and the DMcD were both built here in Broome and are two original pearling luggers remaining in Broome. A beautifully restored and heritage listed Old Pearler’s Quarters can also be seen on Upper Dampier Terrace.
View the plaques that reflect the history of Broome’s former glory by going on the Johnny Chi Lane Historic Walk and while you’re in town, why not view the many art galleries that can be found in and around China Town.
A Japanese Air Raids Commemorative Plaque can be found on the corner of Short and Carnarvon Streets. This sculptured bronze plaque was erected in honour of the lives lost when Japanese Navy Aircraft strafed the flying boats at anchor in Roebuck Bay on 3rd March 1942.
Four life size statues are placed on the grassed area in Carnarvon Street – The Cultured Pearl and Hard Hat Diver Monument. The statues pay tribute to their involvement in establishing Broome as the centre of the world’s pearling industry in the early 1900’s. Also found on Carnarvon Street is the remains of the Old Lockup and Boab Tree which was the original Police Station, Court House and Inspector’s station. Venturing on to the corner of Frederick and Hamersley St., you will find the Broome Courthouse. Built in distinctive ‘Broome style’ architecture, the courthouse was the original Cable House and is home to the Courthouse Markets.
Then if your feet still feel like walking, stroll down to the home of Broome’s War Memorial in Bedford Park, Hamersley Street.
The Broome Historical Society Museum is housed in a building built in the late 1890’s that was originally the general store for Newman Goldstein & Co.From 1910 until 1979 the building was recognised as Customs House and today is known as one of the best regional, volunteer run museums in Australia. An entry fee is applicable and opening hours do vary - so be sure to check times with the staff at the Broome Visitor Centre.
Located 1km offshore from Town Beach the Dutch Flying Boat wrecks are visible, remaining as evidence of the Japanese air raid on Broome during WWII. On the 3rd March, 1942, a force of 10 Japanese aircraft flew south to Broome from Koepang on the occupied island of Timor. There were no defences except a few .303 rifles of the ‘Home Guard’. Allied ‘Intelligence’ believed Broome lay beyond the fuel range of the Japanese aircraft. However the flight of nine ‘Zeros’ and one ‘Babs’ reconnaissance aircraft carried long range fuel tanks which they jettisoned on arrival. They struck at 9.30am and found a flotilla of 16 large flying boats on the water and seven aircraft - including two Liberator bombers and two Flying Fortresses - on the airstrip.
The Zeros swept in using tracer bullets to set the helpless aircraft on fire. Only one plane - a little US Navy floatplane - escaped the carnage. The tragedy was that many of the flying boats were carrying women and children. The death toll is The pool will take water in at high tide, and is a nice spot to dip your feet on a warm Broome day.still uncertain, but probably exceeded 100, for many of the bodies were never recovered.
The mud of Roebuck Bay has done a very good job of preserving the aircraft. At extremely low tides, the plane wrecks are visible to those who wish to walk the kilometre across the Roebuck Bay mud flats from Town Beach. The Catalina Boat Wrecks are only visible at tides less than 0.86m, it is recommended you allow an hour to walk to out to the wrecks, and an hour to return to shore. Enclosed shoes are also recommended.
At Gantheaume Point, marvel at Anastasia’s Pool, this almost perfectly round pool was hand built by a former lighthouse keeper for his arthritic wife, Anastasia.
On Port Drive, pay your respects to the many Japanese and Chinese people who lost their lives diving for the Pinctada Maxima pearl at the Japanese and Chinese Cemetaries.
For more information on these points of interest, and more ideas on how to spend your time in Broome, please call one of our local friendly staff on 1800 883 777 or email enquiries@broomevisitorcentre.com.au
The Broome Visitor Centre is a non government, not-for-profit organisation that provides visitors with a comprehensive guide to the town of Broome. We offer a FREE booking service for all your accommodation, tour, car-hire and event needs.
By booking through us, you are helping to keep our doors open.
