Willie Creek Pearls Pearl Luggers Tour

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A 90-minute guided tour of Broome's pearling past at Pearl Luggers in Chinatown, beside two of the last surviving pearling luggers. You handle old diving gear, taste pearl meat, and on tour days can stay on to watch a pearl harvested.

Days

About 1.5 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Guided walk-in tour

Start / finish

Pearl Luggers, 31 Dampier Terrace, Chinatown, Broome

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Not included; meet at Pearl Luggers in Chinatown

Meals

Pearl meat tasting

Route

Map of Willie Creek Pearls Pearl Luggers Tour

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Included experiences

Pearl Luggers jetty — see two of the last pearling luggers
Artefacts — hold old diving gear and pearl shell
Pearl meat tasting — try a Broome delicacy
Live pearl harvest — watch a pearl taken from an oyster

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

PEARL LUGGERS IN CHINATOWN

Your tour starts at Pearl Luggers on Dampier Terrace, in the heart of Chinatown, the old pearling quarter of Broome where Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal workers once lived side by side. A rebuilt tidal jetty reaches out over the mangroves of Dampier Creek, which drains into Roebuck Bay. Beside it sit two of the last surviving pearling luggers, the boats Broome was built on. About 400 once worked these waters. Take a close look at the Sam Male, named after a Broome pioneer who died in 1976.

150 YEARS OF PEARLING

Your guide takes you back through 150 years of pearling and the mix of cultures it drew to the north. You hear about the divers and crews who risked their lives on the luggers, and why people say Broome was built on buttons: for decades the oysters were gathered for their mother of pearl shell, not their pearls. Old film footage, including a 1949 documentary, shows the industry as it was. You then follow the change from hard hat diving in canvas suits and copper helmets to the drift diving used today, and from collecting shell to farming Australian South Sea pearls.

ARTEFACTS, PEARL MEAT AND THE SHOWROOM

Pick up and hold rare pearling, diving and mother of pearl pieces, and see the Tenders Store and Dive Room, which only tour guests get into. You meet the keshi pearl, an irregular pearl made entirely of nacre with no seed at its centre, and priced by weight. Then comes a taste of pearl meat from the Pinctada maxima oyster, a rare Broome delicacy with a subtle flavour. The tour ends among jewellery made with pearls from Willie Creek Pearl Farm, about 90 minutes after you began.

STAY FOR A LIVE HARVEST

On days when it runs, a free live keshi pearl harvest follows the morning tour. It takes about 30 minutes, and you watch as a pearl is taken straight from an oyster in front of you.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pearl Luggers, 31 Dampier Terrace, Chinatown, Broome.
Departure time: Tours run most days, with fewer days in the tropical wet season. Your tour day and time are confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 1.5 hours, plus about 30 minutes if you stay for the live pearl harvest.
Minimum age: All ages; under 5s go free. Concession fares need a current seniors or carers card, shown at the start of the tour.
Fitness: No mobility restrictions on this tour.
Dietary needs: Pearl meat is seafood. Tell us about any allergy when you book.
Please note: Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. A Pearl Luggers tour and a Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour currently can't be done on the same day.

What is included

90-minute guided tour of Pearl Luggers
Viewing of two historic pearling luggers
Entry to the Tenders Store and Dive Room
Handling of rare pearling artefacts
Pearl meat tasting
Live pearl harvest after the tour, when it runs

Not included

Food and drinks (there is no café at Pearl Luggers)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.