Broome, Western Australia | Pearl Farms

Western Australia's coastal region of Broome is known for its 'South-Seas' cultured pearl industry. Pearl farms in Broome are located in salt marsh areas that contain mangroves. Pearling in the sea off Broome started in the 1880s, but all that is remaining of the pearl diving or 'Pearling' of the past is the antique pearling luggers docked at Streeters Jetty. Today's pearling is done on pearl farms along Broome's coast. The Willie Creek Pearl Farm, shown in the satellite image below, is 38 km north of Broome.

From the early 1900s, the coastal region of Broome has also been one of the largest producers of mother-of-pearl, accounting for up to 80% of world supply.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm website: www.williecreekpearls.com.au