Broome is a town in Western Australia, north of Perth. In 1883 it was named after the then governor of Western Australia, Sir Frederick Broome. He thought it an insult rather than an honour, and asked for the name to be changed. Today Broome Australia offers first class accommodation and other amenities.
The aboriginal Yawuri people originally lived in the place where the town was built. When the colonists came they tried some things like sheep farming, but struggled with many difficulties. Soon they found the oysters in the sea much more profitable.
In the seas around Broome the giant North West Pearl oyster or Pinctada Maxima was prolific. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries many objects were made from mother of pearl. Although some pearls were found it was really the oyster shell that was valuable as mother of pearl. In the early twentieth century before plastic compounds there were many uses for this natural product.
Pinctada Maxima shells are six to nine inches across. This made them very sought after because the beautiful interior sheen could be used to create larger objects. It was used for combs, hair brush backings and ornaments. The shells made more money for the people than the pearls. However some pearls were found and they contributed to profits.
As usual there were those members of society who employed others to do the hard work whilst they sat on their verandas and grew rich. Japanese and aboriginal workers flocked to the area and packed into 'luggers' to go diving. The aboriginal people also did diving, but the Japanese were skilled having done similar diving work back in Japan.
It was dangerous work. Divers packed into boats called 'luggers'. Rough seas, cyclones, sharks and similar hazards claimed many lives. There were also dangers inherent in diving, such as coming up to the surface too rapidly. The 'bends' or decompression sickness were further hazards, as were conditions ashore where the Japanese divers lived in crowded conditions. A cemetery marks where they died.
The original pearl industry has grown into the production of cultured pearls. This fits nicely with the tourist industry. Tourists are able to visit the historical sites and also enjoy the beaches and first class accommodation.
Nearby Cable Beach offers more than twenty kilometres of clean white sand that is regularly washed by the tides. The beach may be enjoyed for its space and camel rides may be taken. Part of the beach is used for Australia's most famous nudist beach.
To the East of Broome is the famous Roebuck Bay, a Mecca for bird watchers. Migratory waders come here from their breeding grounds in East Asia and feed in the inter tidal zones. An observatory has been established to advance knowledge of the birds and their habits.
Visits to Broome should be planned with one eye on the weather. The tropical climate is distinguished by 'wet' and 'dry' seasons. Although conditions are erratic, most heavy rains and cyclonic storms occur between January and March. The dry season, from May to November, has temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and clear skies.
The aboriginal Yawuri people originally lived in the place where the town was built. When the colonists came they tried some things like sheep farming, but struggled with many difficulties. Soon they found the oysters in the sea much more profitable.
In the seas around Broome the giant North West Pearl oyster or Pinctada Maxima was prolific. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries many objects were made from mother of pearl. Although some pearls were found it was really the oyster shell that was valuable as mother of pearl. In the early twentieth century before plastic compounds there were many uses for this natural product.
Pinctada Maxima shells are six to nine inches across. This made them very sought after because the beautiful interior sheen could be used to create larger objects. It was used for combs, hair brush backings and ornaments. The shells made more money for the people than the pearls. However some pearls were found and they contributed to profits.
As usual there were those members of society who employed others to do the hard work whilst they sat on their verandas and grew rich. Japanese and aboriginal workers flocked to the area and packed into 'luggers' to go diving. The aboriginal people also did diving, but the Japanese were skilled having done similar diving work back in Japan.
It was dangerous work. Divers packed into boats called 'luggers'. Rough seas, cyclones, sharks and similar hazards claimed many lives. There were also dangers inherent in diving, such as coming up to the surface too rapidly. The 'bends' or decompression sickness were further hazards, as were conditions ashore where the Japanese divers lived in crowded conditions. A cemetery marks where they died.
The original pearl industry has grown into the production of cultured pearls. This fits nicely with the tourist industry. Tourists are able to visit the historical sites and also enjoy the beaches and first class accommodation.
Nearby Cable Beach offers more than twenty kilometres of clean white sand that is regularly washed by the tides. The beach may be enjoyed for its space and camel rides may be taken. Part of the beach is used for Australia's most famous nudist beach.
To the East of Broome is the famous Roebuck Bay, a Mecca for bird watchers. Migratory waders come here from their breeding grounds in East Asia and feed in the inter tidal zones. An observatory has been established to advance knowledge of the birds and their habits.
Visits to Broome should be planned with one eye on the weather. The tropical climate is distinguished by 'wet' and 'dry' seasons. Although conditions are erratic, most heavy rains and cyclonic storms occur between January and March. The dry season, from May to November, has temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and clear skies.
About the Author:
Dalene Conroy is regarded as a sought after West Australian artice writer that is interested in the northern components of the state in which she works a high quality Broome accommodation venture along with her family members. Dalene certainly really likes penning innovative reports in addition to several other pastimes including croquet and even craftworks.
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