Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm: The story of Cygnet Bay Pearls is a rare and fascinating tale that began three generations ago with entrepreneur and founder, Dean Brown. It was 1946 and navigating the pristine Kimberley coastline in a wooden lugger, Brown discovered the secluded, unspoilt beauty of Cygnet Bay along with the precious gift of the Pinctada Maxima pearl shell.
It was in these waters that his pearling dream was realised in the creation of the first Australian owned and run South Sea pearl farm. With an immense respect and connection to this sea, the Brown family are proud custodians of their grandfather’s 70 year legacy, running one of only three commercial pearl farms still operating in Western Australia.
Broome’s history begins in the 1880’s with the discovery of the natural oyster beds of the species, Pinctada Maxima, along the northern Western Australian coastline. This oyster is the largest oyster in the world and has a beautiful thick and lustrous shell, which made it a valuable textile during this time. Broome boomed on the back of this industry boasting some 400 boats at its peak. However, plastics did arrive in force post second world war and replaced mother of pearl (MOP) shell as a textile, sending the industry into decline.
Experience Broome’s working pearl farm. An epic story: the original Australian owned and operated pearl farm spans four generations of the Brown Family over more than 70 years. Until recently, it has been an exclusive pearling village accessible only to their pearl farm team and the local Bardi people. In an industry first, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm “opened the gate” and invited travellers to share in this very special place, recently described as “one of the most unique destinations in Australia”.
It lies 200 km north of Broome, on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, the farm’s remote location gives visitors a unique Kimberley Coast experience. Easily visited on day trips by road, air or sea or for the full experience, choose to immerse yourself in this stunning and remote location by staying a night or two on the farm in a genuine pearling shack, glamping safari tent or campgrounds. You can explore the iconic destinations of Cape Leveque, the Buccaneer Archipelago, Horizontal Waterfalls and Cygnet Bay Pearl farm all from the tip of the beautiful Dampier Peninsula.
The home of the Australian pearl, Cygnet Bay offers you the rare opportunity to purchase pearls direct from the waters in which they were farmed. Dine by candlelight overlooking the bay, or you can relax by their infinity pool. There’s an opportunity to view natural phenomenon’s such as the staircase to the moon and Waterfall Reef and discover the world’s largest tropical tides at Broome’s working pearl farm – an absolute must for any trip to Broome and surrounds.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Restaurant
Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of their pearl farm while you dine on fresh pearl meat and keep cool in their infinity pool. The restaurant was inspired by Cygnet Bay’s pearling heritage and the modern operations of the farm, incorporating bush timbers and one of their original pearl lugger masts running the length of the ceiling.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Pearl Meat
Growing in abundance deep in the pristine waters of the spectacular Kimberley Coast, the Pinctada Maxima oyster shell is renowned for the beauty of its mother of pearl, and is used in the production of exquisite Australian South Sea Pearls.
Pearl Meat, the adductor muscle of the oyster, is a seafood delicacy with a fresh taste and tender texture. It is even said to have aphrodisiac qualities!
See How Pearl Meat Became Australia’s Newest Luxury Ingredient
Because only small quantities of pearl meat tend to be harvested annually it is an expensive commodity, selling in Australia for at least $100 per kilogram fresh or for $400 per kilogram dried in Asia.
Pearl Farm Discovery (1 hour)
$37 Adult | $30 Senior | $15 Child | $95 Family
This land-based tour gives visitors an insight into the fascinating history of pearling in Cygnet Bay and how they cultivate some of the most sought-after and beautiful pearls in the world. Their knowledgeable tour guides will demonstrate a pearl harvest giving a glimpse into a fully operational pearl farm. The tour concludes with an in-depth pearl appreciation session that will leave you feeling like a pearl expert.
Sea Safaris
$195 Adult | $115 Child
*Due to safety, a minimum age of 5 years old is required to book a Sea Safari
The pristine environment of the Kimberley coast and the immense tidal movements are what enables them to grow some of the finest pearls in the world – discover the changing landscapes for yourselves on their Sea Safaris.
The 2 hour Sea Safaris depart from the land base at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on their amphibious Sealegs vessels. Guests are transferred to the tour vessel, a 12 seater rib with twin 250hp engines, ideally suited for the tides of the area.
Due to the ever changing nature of our tides these, tours are only available on certain days and times.
*In the event of unpleasant weather conditions or a minimum of 4 passengers not being met, a reschedule or full refund will be offered.
Waterfall Reef
Have you ever seen a waterfall in the ocean? Witness a tidal phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed. This ultimate Sea Safari showcases the unique reefs and tides only found in the Kimberley.
Experience an abundance of islands which form the Buccaneer Archipelago, combined with the world’s largest tropical tides, exposing the unique natural phenomenon of the Waterfall Reef. The highlight of this tour is the emergence of a reef with a cascading waterfall on outgoing tides.
Giant Tides
You will feel the power of the world’s largest tropical tides as you cruise amongst the giant whirlpools and standing tidal waves. Venture into Escape Passage, recently described by scientists as the fastest ocean currents in the world!
Explore the ‘Giant Tides’ of the spectacular Kimberley Coast – an isolated and rugged coastline where tides of up to 12m push their way through the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago off the tip of the Dampier Peninsula.
The tides on this section of the Kimberley Coast are particularly large due to the area’s geography. When the sun and moon align on a spring tide, the ocean is pulled towards the north-west of WA and Indonesia, gathering speed as it reaches the shallow continental shelf and bottlenecking as it passes between Australia and Indonesia, creating the exhilarating whirlpools and standing waves that you will see on the tour.
Kimberley Island Explorer
Cruise across the flooded fault line where the ancient Kimberley Rock begins and witness the visual spectacular of the thousand Islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Cruising through the pearl farm and along Joligo Beach to One Arm Point, the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago come into view. The Kimberley’s extraordinary geological past becomes apparent at Pearl Passage, a fault line on the edge of the Canning Basin which runs all the way down to the Pilbara and separates the 300 million year old rock on the mainland from the true ancient Kimberley rock of the island, between 1.8 to 2.4 billion years old.
This neap tide experience traverses the intertidal zones of the beautiful and the deserted ‘thousand islands’ which make up the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Borrgoron Coast to Creek Tour
Lose all sense of time as you discover a coastal landscape abundant with wildlife and steeped in ancient stories and cultural heritage. This experience includes the Hunter family history’s 4 generation connection to Cygnet Bay and stories of life growing up on this remote pearl farm.
Explore the mangroves, creeks and tidal flats of King Sound and experience the Bardi people’s special relationship with the land and sea. You will share an in-depth knowledge of bush food, medicine plants and traditional, sustainable hunting and fishing practices. Forage for oysters, hear our stories and along the way discover a culture that has lived in harmony with this country for thousands of years and continues to practice traditional ways of caring for the land.
This 2 hour walking tour requires a reasonable level of fitness as you cross the rocks at low tide under the beautiful Kimberley sun. Enclosed shoes (reef shoes ideal), water bottle, hat and sunscreen are recommended.
$85 Adult | $35 Child
Cygnet Bay Pearls Cultural Tours
GLAMPING SAFARI TENTS
This ‘eco-accommodation’ is designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment, and can be dismantled and removed with virtually no trace of its being there. Eco-friendly finishing’s is also utilised, and the result is a clamping experience with all of the creature comforts and connection with the natural environment.
Situated to maximise the feeling of privacy, live the fascinating world of the explorer through a night spent in this pure, unspoilt environment. The rich colours of the landscape and its legends shift through burnt umbers, hazy blues and the pearls that shimmer here from dawn till dusk.
Nestled between the foreshore and remnant Kimberley rainforest are eight comfortably appointed safari tents. Raised to catch the bay breezes, you can relax and connect with nature from your balcony. All tents have private en-suites and share a camp kitchen and BBQ area.
Situated just under a kilometre from the main farm village, reception area and restaurant in their Divers Creek accommodation area.
Due to their remote location, there is limited Telstra service and no WiFi available in your accommodation.
Deluxe Bayview Safari Tents
Deluxe Safari Tents Cygnet Bay
Costs
1 night – $330/night
2+ nights – $310/night
Sleeps 2 people
King bed
Double vanity en-suite
Separate Toilet
Ceiling fan
Bar fridge
All linen and towels provided
Complimentary breakfast
Bayview Safari Tents
Their Bayview Safari Tents have sweeping views across the mangroves and the waters of the Bay – relax on your veranda to enjoy the changing colours of a sunset, or take in the majesty of the night-time sky from the comfort of your bed.
Cygnet bay Pearl farm
Costs
1 night – $270/night
2+ nights – $250/night
Sleeps 2 people
King bed or twin single
En-suite
Pedestal fan
Bar fridge
All linen and towels provided
Complimentary breakfast
Rainforest Safari Tent
Their Rainforest Safari Tents are set back amongst the remnant rainforest bushland – relax on your veranda to soak up the native flora and fauna, or take in the majesty of the night-time sky from the comfort of your bed.
Rainforest Safari Tent interior
Costs
1 night – $220/night
2+ nights – $200/night
Sleeps 2 people
King bed or twin single
En-suite
Pedestal fan
All linen and towels are supplied
Complimentary breakfast
Family Rainforest Safari Tent
Their Family Safari Tents are set back amongst the remnant rainforest bushland – relax on your veranda to soak up the native flora and fauna, or take in the majesty of the night-time sky from the comfort of your bed.
Family Safari Tent Cygnet bay Pearl farm
Costs
1 night – $310/night
2+ nights – $290/night
Sleeps 4 people
Queen bed and single bunk beds
En-suite
Pedestal fan
All linen and towels supplied
Complimentary breakfast
Master Pearlers Private Retreat
Their Master Pearler’s Private Retreat is a one of a kind home. Situated a good 20 minutes from the main farm village, reception area and restaurant, it offers complete seclusion and privacy. Set atop an elevated headland, it boasts magnificent views out to sea and across a tidal lagoon. Suitable for couples looking for a private getaway, or large groups seeking their own space.
Wide wrapping veranda’s surround the main building which offers a large and well equipped kitchen and open plan dining and lounge space. Traditional Broome style finishes, such as rustic exposed bush timber poles and louvre windows, allow the sea breezes to cool the space and let in plenty of natural light. Out the front is a BBQ and fire pit and a sand path winding down to your own private beach. The second wing of this property features 2 large air conditioned bedrooms, and two modern bathrooms upstairs and an additional air-conditioned bedroom with an open air rumpus room for the kids downstairs.
This building was originally built for owner, James Brown, and was a beloved family home for over 10 years. The location was selected for its amazing, sweeping sea views and elevation allowing in the natural cooling of the sea breezes. Hand made by James and the Cygnet Bay team; it truly is a home-made for a Master Pearler!
Due to its remote location, there is limited Telstra service and no WiFi available in our accommodation.
Costs
$950 per night
Sleeps 6 people
3 queen bedrooms
Air-conditioned bedrooms
Full kitchen
All linen and towels supplied
PEARLERS SHACKS
The little tidal creek commonly known as Divers Creek (Nuboloon in Bardi) was the perfect natural harbour for our old wooden Luggers. It provided protection from cyclones, a convenient place to unload the valuable pearl shell and re-provision for the next adventure out to the pearling beds. This type of Lugger base was also used for the “lay-up” season when it was too dangerous to go diving and so the time was used to carry out the maintenance which was an endless task on the old wooden boats.
Diving for wild pearl shell has always been a seasonal activity and the crew of the Luggers would come and go with the seasons spending most of the time living onboard the lugger and only returning to Cygnet Bay in the Springs.
Whilst the Luggers were tied up in the creek over the spring tides, the crew would camp close by and over time the camps slowly became more developed into the houses you see today.
The old stack sack jetty, which can still be seen in the creek, was built for the first modern fibreglass pearling vessel, the “Cygnet Lass”, which revolutionised the pearling industry. Designed and built by Lyndon and Bruce Brown, this modern vessel brought greater speed, efficiency, safety and comfort to the diving operation and led the industry in the transition away from the old wooden Luggers to the modern vessels used today.
Today the area and the old buildings are heritage listed for the significant part it all played in pioneering the Australian cultured pearling industry.
The old shacks are the result of many peoples collective effort and hard work. Starting from makeshift campsites, people gradually made life more comfortable by building basic little shacks which slowly evolved over time to boast such features as concrete floors, fly screens, louvre windows, running water, and even electricity! All of which seemed to be huge advancements and cherished luxuries in a time when their remote paradise on the Kimberley coast was much harder to get to.
Due to our remote location, there is limited Telstra service and no WiFi available in the accommodation.
Skippers Cottage
Skippers Cottage is our smallest pearlers shack and was originally built to house one of our pioneering lugger crew. This one-bedroom cottage with air-conditioned bedroom is the perfect escape for a couples break, or for friends looking for a relaxing getaway.
Cygnet Bay Pearls Divers Shack
Costs
1 night – $295/night
2+ nights – $275/night
Sleeps 2 people
1 bedroom
King bed or twin singles
Self-contained kitchen and bathroom
Air-conditioned
Stone House
This 2 bedroom shack is suitable for couples or families; with its rustic charm and outhouse style bathroom, it will take you back to the early days of the pearling industry.
Cost
1 night – $355/night
2+ nights – $335/night
Sleeps 4 people
2 bedrooms
King beds or twin singles
Self-contained kitchen
Outhouse bathroom
Air-conditioned
Pearl Divers Quarters
Divers Quarters is their largest shack and was originally built to house some of our pioneering lugger crew. This five-bedroom shack with air-conditioned bedroom is the perfect escape for a group of friends or large families.
Pearl Divers Quarters
Costs
1 night – $655/night
2+ nights – $635/night
Sleeps 10 people
5 bedrooms
King beds or twin singles
Self-contained kitchen
Outhouse bathroom
Air-conditioned
Yes, it’s out of the way, but therein lies its charm and beauty. You owe it to yourself and your family to take this once-in-a-lifetime voyage of discovery. You won’t regret it.
Visit Broome
You can check out more attractions and accomodation around Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and nearby at the Visit Broome website.
