Pearl Luggers Tour
1.5 HOUR TOUR EXPERIENCE
It is often said that Broome’s pearling industry is as rich in culture as it is in pearls. Join us as we reveal the impact pearling has had upon Northern Australia and how the melting pot of cultures were enticed by the lure of the pearl.
Pearl Luggers is located in the heart of Broome's Chinatown and will take you through the modernising of the industry, introduce the ‘perfectly imperfect’ Keshi pearl and give meaning to the saying ‘Broome was built on Buttons’!
The Pearl Luggers Tour Includes
View two of the last surviving pearling luggers, the vessel synonymous with Broome. Surrounded by a reconstructed tidal jetty, get a close look at the Sam Male, named after a well-known Broome pioneer who died in 1976.
View two of the last surviving pearling luggers, the vessel synonymous with Broome. Surrounded by a reconstructed tidal jetty, get a close look at the Sam Male, named after a well-known Broome pioneer who died in 1976.
Enjoy fascinating guided commentary and learn about the history of pearling in Broome. Be transported back in time to an era of courageous men and women who lived a life of danger, fortune and adventure both on and off the water.
Enjoy fascinating guided commentary and learn about the history of pearling in Broome. Be transported back in time to an era of courageous men and women who lived a life of danger, fortune and adventure both on and off the water.
Learn how diving techniques in the pearling industry have evolved from hard hat diving to the drift diving methods used today.
Understand the evolution of the industry that once focused on the collection of Pinctada maxima oysters for their mother of pearl shell to produce buttons, to the modern techniques utilised to produce Australian South Sea Pearls today.
Learn how diving techniques in the pearling industry have evolved from hard hat diving to the drift diving methods used today.
Understand the evolution of the industry that once focused on the collection of Pinctada maxima oysters for their mother of pearl shell to produce buttons, to the modern techniques utilised to produce Australian South Sea Pearls today.
See, touch and hold some of our most valuable and rare pearling, diving, and mother of pearl artifacts on display at Pearl Luggers. Be amazed by the incredible historic artifacts used by the men and women who build Broome's pearling industry to what it is today.
See, touch and hold some of our most valuable and rare pearling, diving, and mother of pearl artifacts on display at Pearl Luggers. Be amazed by the incredible historic artifacts used by the men and women who build Broome's pearling industry to what it is today.
A rare and expensive delicacy, pearl meat comes from the pearl producing Pinctada maxima oyster used at Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Enjoy a complimentary taste as part of your tour experience.
A rare and expensive delicacy, pearl meat comes from the pearl producing Pinctada maxima oyster used at Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Enjoy a complimentary taste as part of your tour experience.
Explore the stunning range of pearl jewellery featuring the Australian South Sea Pearls produced at Willie Creek Pearl Farm.
Explore the stunning range of pearl jewellery featuring the Australian South Sea Pearls produced at Willie Creek Pearl Farm.
Experience Our Award Winning Tour
Willie Creek Pearls is a Western Australian family business celebrating over 30 years of service excellence. We sustainably produce the best pearls in the world: Australian South Sea Pearls and offer complete pearl experiences from shell to showroom. Our multi award-winning tours educate and inspire thousands of visitors each year to uncover the history, mystery and story of the Pearling industry and include the Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour, Pearl Luggers Tour, Helicopter flights, Live Pearl Harvests and much more.
Willie Creek Pearls is one of the most awarded tourism companies in Western Australia. Being inducted into the WA Tourism Hall of Fame three times, winning two Sir David Brand Awards (the pinnacle of WA Tourism) and most recently winning our first national gold award at the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Having won a wide range of national, state and local tourism awards, Willie Creek Pearls' array of prestigious awards recognises excellence and firmly establishes Willie Creek Pearls as a tourism icon that must be experienced by anyone and everyone.
Pearl Luggers Tour
Be captivated by 150 years of history in this 1.5-hour tour from the heart of Broome's Chinatown. Discover how Broome's unique maritime and pearling ancestry unfolded amongst the mangroves on the foreshore of Dampier Creek and how it has evolved over the years.
Need Help Booking?
CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY TOURS TEAMFrequently Asked Questions
Can I do a Pearl Luggers tour on the same day as a Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour?
Due to the length and scheduling of the tours, the Pearl Luggers and Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour can only be taken on different days at present.
Is there a café at Pearl Luggers and when is it open?
No. We have a bar facility onsite, but it is only in operation during private functions and events. Please visit our Pearl Luggers Venue Hire page for information on hosting a private event.
Can I book Pearl Luggers as a venue space for a wedding or an event?
Yes, Pearl Luggers is available to hire as a venue space for weddings and other events. More information is available at our Pearl Luggers Venue Hire page
I have already undertaken a Pearl Luggers tour. Can I visit Pearl Luggers without booking a tour?
You are welcome to view the historical items on display in the courtyard at Pearl Luggers and in the connecting Chinatown showroom during business hours. The Tenders Store and Dive Room can only be viewed during a Pearl Luggers tour.
Does Pearl Luggers provide furniture and equipment for events?
Yes, a range of furniture is included in your venue hire. You may bring in other hired furniture. More information about available equipment and venue hire is available on our Pearl Luggers Venue Hire page.
Testimonials
Eliza J. - Trip Advisor
Exceptionally educational.
“An exceptionally educational and enlightening experience learning about Broome’s rich pearling and shelling history. I certainly have a greater appreciation of all the hard work undertaken by pearl luggers after doing this tour and won’t be looking at a pearl the same way ever again!”
Claudine T. - Trip Advisor
Well-versed in the history of Broome.
“We spent an amazing hour learning all about the origins of Broome and the pearling industry it fostered. Our guide was well-versed in the history of Broome and the industry that put Broome on the world-stage. Highly recommend this tour for international and domestic visitors alike.”
Aroundoz2017. - Trip Advisor
The Pearl Luggers tour is a must.
“When in Broome a visit to the Pearl Luggers tour is a must. It is only an hour, but you are taken back to the days when divers walked the seabed in search of pearl shells. Our guide was so interesting and knowledgeable!”
KandTCanberra.- Trip Advisor
Absolutely a must-do!
"This tour is absolutely a must-do! We had a 90-minute tour led by "Stewy" who was enthusiastic, witty and knowledgeable. The museum of early-day pearl diving equipment was eye-opening (so dangerous!) and the video clips from 100+ years ago were amazing. This is a really great tour - do it!”
Sue L. - Trip Advisor
very informative, highly recommend.
“Big Stu (our guide) was excellent in giving the history of Broome built on the back of the mother of pearl from the 1800s, very informative, highly recommend the tour as a starting point for learning the beginnings of Broome and who put it on the map.”
Geoff R. - Trip Advisor
Something for everyone.
“The most convenient tour in Broome! From the ideal location to the many genuine artifacts - which includes an actual lugger, there is something for everyone. Master storyteller "Big Stu" is knowledgeable and passionate about the pearling industry from start to finish. A tour not to be missed!”