Perfect Pearls

Pearls Perfect

A visit to the iconic Willie Creek Pearl Farm is an absolute must-do while in Broome.

It has been over 30 years since the lure of the pearl brought the Banfield family to Broome – and in those years their Willie Creek Pearls has become part of the region’s DNA.

From their early days as a bus tour company, the Western Australian family business has expanded to include the multi award-winning Willie Creek Pearl Farm, historical Pearl Luggers museum, and seven stunning pearl jewellery showrooms across

Broome and Perth (including signature pearl experiences in Perth’s Elizabeth Quay).

Three generations of the family still work in the business today, and you will often have the opportunity to experience their personal touch across the locations.

Journey along the rich, pindan road to the farm (you have the option to drive yourself or catch the comfortable, air-conditioned coach) and you will experience the beauty of the Kimberley region, with its stunning native flora and fauna – you may even spot some wild brumbies along the way.

On arrival, you are greeted by the magnificent scenery at Willie Creek Pearl Farm – home of the tides, temperatures and nutrient rich waters that combine to create the ideal conditions for the Pinctada maxima oyster (the world’s largest pearl producing oyster) to thrive.

This is the home of the Pearl of Western Australia – where the Willie Creek Pearls team sustainably produce the best pearls in the world; Australian South Sea Pearls.

The tour takes you through the journey of the pearl from shell to showroom, starting in the Pearl Oyster Nursery, which is unlike any nursery you have seen before.

Here, you will learn all about the delicate operations involved in seeding the oysters, before you experience a beautiful cruise on the calm, tranquil waters that are the farm’s namesake, Willie Creek, to get a closer glimpse of the oyster long lines. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the resident crocodiles as well.

Following your expedition, relax and enjoy a delicious serving of homemade damper and refreshments on the deck outside Harvest Café while you soak in the atmosphere and stunning scenery.

Each tour includes a live pearl harvest, where the oyster is opened and a pearl revealed.

The most fascinating aspect of pearl farming is that you never know what is inside until the oyster, after two years of meticulous care, is finally opened in a breathtaking moment, and the pearl discovered.

On a regular tour last year, a tour group uncovered the most valuable pearl ever harvested at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, an amazing 20.12mm round pearl, with excellent lustre and pink gem tones, valued at $150,000 – you can imagine how elated the guests and team were that day!

A RICH HISTORY

The pearl has been named ‘The Don Pearl’, after the late husband and father of the owners of Willie Creek Pearls, Don Banfield, and is on show year-round at the farm.

Olivia Newton-John Collaborates With Willie Creek Pearls

Pearl farming is intwined in Broome’s captivating history. Over 150 years ago, before the invention of plastic, mother of pearl derived from the oyster shell was in high demand worldwide for use in making buttons and household items, such as cutlery and hair combs.

The evolution of pearl diving alongside the rich, multicultural heritage of the town is best understood with a visit to Pearl Luggers, Willie Creek Pearls’ historical museum, located right in the heart of Chinatown. Here you can view archival footage, touch and hold artefacts and admire the details of a restored pearling lugger.

PEARLS FOR THE FUTURE

In exciting news, Robert Banfield, owner of Willie Creek Pearls, has recently partnered with researchers from the University of Western Australia Medical School to establish Marine Biomedical.

Australia’s first biomedical company focusing on developing medical products and in Western Australia.

The most recent addition to the collection is the gorgeous Olivia Newton-John Pearl Pendant, co-designed with Olivia herself. Thirty per cent of proceeds will go directly to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to help find kinder cures for cancer through funding scientific research. Available in white and yellow gold, these limited pendants are the perfect addition to your collection.

TAKE A TOUR Experience magnificent scenery when touring the exceptional Willie Creek Pearl Farm.

devices derived from the Kimberley’s pristine environment, Marine Biomedical’s patented debut technology PearlBone™ is a bone substitute material derived from mother of pearl, a source that could revolutionise the global medical sector.

Willie Creek Pearls engage, entertain and educate thousands of visitors each year on their multi award-winning tours, and their breathtakingly beautiful pearls are available to purchase both online and in-store at seven jewellery showrooms, which feature the largest range of pearl jewellery available Book through visitbroome.com.au/members/ willie-creek-pearls