4 minute read

Pearls with Heritage

From bark huts to beautiful new glamping tents, the Brown family-owned Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm has come a long way since it began in 1946.

Imagine your backyard is an amazing marine environment, bordering pristine sand, merging with red earth and trees filled with native birds. A place you can escape to for its serene beauty and be mesmerised by turquoise water horizons, or instead choose to immerse yourself in the lively village of pearl farmers going about their daily operations, along with excitable visitors being guided around the farm.

That’s the Brown family home – an operational pearl farm that has been open to the public since 2009. The original family homestead has slowly evolved over the last 77 years and has been transformed into a pearl showroom and reception, with the addition of the Homestead Restaurant and infinity pool. This heritage area is brought to life daily with farm-guided tours, boat adventures, restaurant dining and picnics, browsing world-class pearls, or just relaxing in the safari tents or campsites.

Newly opened this year are the pearlers’ village safari tents. These deluxe glamping eco tents bring a new level of luxury with private ensuites, air-conditioning and king size beds. They are built to be eco-friendly with minimal impact on the environment and furnished with items made in Broome by Aguyna (a not-forprofit community organisation). Surrounded by hundreds of locally grown plants, this serene space is accessible by 2WD and easy walking distance to the pool, restaurant, pearl showroom and tours. Wheelchair accessible tents are available.

To complement the existing 4WD accessible accommodation and camping available, 2022 will see the opening of a new 2WD accessible caravan and camping area. Set in the heart of the valley and close to the restaurant and pool, these unpowered camp and caravan sites will be the perfect location to take advantage of the facilities and be part of the unique pearling community.

With the Cape Leveque Road fully sealed to the Cygnet Bay turn-off, adventuring to the pearl farm is even more reachable for adventurers and day trippers alike. For something a little more spectacular, scenic flights are available through Air Kimberley, Broome Aviation and Fly Broome and land at the farm’s pindan air strip.

During your visit, experience the epic story of the Australian pearl from its origin

Pearls

with heritage

SEA SAFARI Discover stunning beaches, the largest tropical tides in the King Sound, or the amazing natural phenomenon of waterfall reef.

through four generations of the Brown family who have been pearling and living at the farm since 1946, to present day. The pearl farm tour is the perfect starting point, where the guides will take you through the process and history of pearl farming. You will witness a live pearl harvest and then learn how these magnificent gems are graded.

Then inspire your adventurous spirit and venture out on the water with a Sea Safari tour through the Buccaneer Archipelago. Discover stunning beaches on the Island Explorer, the largest tropical tides in the King Sound, or the amazing natural phenomenon of waterfall reef. These two-hour Sea Safari tours are a fantastic way to explore the Kimberley’s unique natural environment. Spot turtles, dolphins, fish, and visit the pearl long lines on your way out of the bay.

Connect to the cultural significance of the pearl farm and visit Bruce Wiggan, the Bardi Jawi artist in residence as he creates his carved pearl shell ‘riji’ by the old homestead. Or join a cultural tour led by Bardi man and fourth generation pearl farmer Terry Hunter, who grew up on the farm and shares his family stories and their connection to the natural landscape. The Browns have always worked closely with the Indigenous Australians of the region and it’s great to hear stories of Terry and his friend James Brown growing up together at the farm.

Discover the pearl showroom and choose a pearl to call your own as a special keepsake of your amazing experience at the farm. Or try the delicacy of pearl meat at the Homestead Restaurant, overlooking the bay and infinity pool.

Your experience at the farm can be as stimulating or as relaxing as you like. Visit for a day, a night, or a week. Either way, you will learn that every oyster has a story, and your visit to this unique part of the world will turn into a story of your own. Book at visitbroome.com.au/members/ cygnet-bay-pearl-farm-accommodation