Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

A hidden gem in the Dampier Peninsula

Learn about the stunning Australian pearl

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm sits two hundred kilometres north of Broome in one of the most pristine and remote areas. In 1946 Dean Brown, grandfather of owner James Brown, was navigating the pristine Kimberley coastline in a wooden lugger. He came upon the secluded, unspoilt beauty of Cygnet Bay (Borrgoron) in the Dampier Peninsula and discovered the stunning Pinctada maxima pearl shell. Dean’s pearling dream became the first Australian owned and run South Sea pearl farm.

This small, family-owned pearl farm remains one of a handful of commercial pearl farms still operating in Western Australia. Over the years, the farm has been transformed from a hard-working community of pearlers into a unique, popular, award-winning tourist attraction. On a Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm tour, visitors can learn the history of the Australian Pearl, watch a live pearl harvest, learn the qualities of pearls and how they are graded and even taste some pearl meat!

Take a Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm tour on our WA holiday package

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
8
days

Join us and explore a land of extraordinary contrasts and colours, rich in history, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and breathtaking scenery. From the moment your journey begins, you will enjoy spectacular cuisine and encounter stunning locations, with your captain and guides sharing their wealth of knowledge. The Kimberley Quest II was custom-built for cruising the scenic Kimberley region. Its unique design allows the vessel to access the shallowest waters, giving you entry to the most remote and untouched parts of the coastline.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
6
days

Welcome to an unforgettable journey to Broome, Western Australia's hidden gem. Immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of this unique destination. Explore the Buccaneer Archipelago on a thrilling seaplane flight to Talbot Bay, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring Horizontal Falls up close. Dive into the world of pearls with a guided tour of the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, including a scenic cruise. Experience the magic of a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach and uncover the secrets of the ancient world with a visit to 120 million-year-old dinosaur footprints. Cruise the pristine waters of Talbot Bay and admire the architectural wonder of Beagle Bay Church. Journey to the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, explore Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, and be captivated by the marine wonders at One Arm Point Trochus Hatchery and Aquarium. With expert guidance and a memorable culinary journey included, this is your ticket to an unforgettable Broome adventure. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime!

A history-making pearl farm

Dean Brown’s story began in 1946 when this Aussie battler sailed his lugger north of Broom in search of the world’s most rare and beautiful pearls. At the time, the industry was extremely guarded, and little was known of where to find pearls or how to cultivate and harvest them.

The industry attracted people like Dean who risked everything to search for these beauties, especially the unique and highly coveted Australian South Sea Pearl. At the time only the Japanese had the expertise to successfully cultivate pearls and every farm in the world had Japanese involvement.

A hidden gem in the Dampier Peninsula

Changing the industry forever

In 1960, Dean and his brother Lyndon achieved their first successful harvest of cultured pearls, and the Australian pearling industry was changed forever. Lyndon was keen to share his hard-earned secrets with his dedicated workmates - local Bardi and Jawi men, Aubrey Tigan, Tom Wiggan and Gordon Dixon. They were later joined by Dean’s youngest son Bruce. 

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm was handed down to Dean’s grandson, James Brown and continues to grow. 

Visit the first Australian owned and run South Sea pearl farm on a Fun Over 50 WA holiday.

Frequently asked questions

What is covered in the pearl farm tour?

Visitors can learn the story of Australia’s pearling industry and gain an appreciation for the delicate Kimberley marine environment surrounding Cygnet Bay. The Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm tour gives you a fascinating insight into the rich, multicultural pearling history in the area. The tours educate visitors on how some of the most prized pearls in the world are cultivated and include a live pearl harvest and pearl meat tasting!

What else is at the pearl farm?

There’s a licensed restaurant overlooking the turquoise waters of King Sound, so if pearl meat isn’t taking your fancy, you can enjoy something a little more to your taste. There’s also a jewellery showroom providing an opportunity to purchase a precious memento of the pearl capital of Australia. 

When did the pearl farm open to the public?

In 2009 the farm doors were opened to the public and it has since received numerous awards, including James being honoured as Australian Farmer of the Year 2021.

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Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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