The joy of travel is finding new and different places to explore. Yesterday, we visited the Australian city of Broome in Western Australia. Now, Western Australia (WA) is quite interesting. It is the largest of the 7 states and occupies about 1/3 of the entire continent!!! It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the north and west; the Southern Ocean to the south; the Northern Territory to the northeast; and South Australia to the southeast. The state produces 46% of Australia’s exports and is the largest iron-ore producer in the world!!!
The first inhabitants arrived about 40,000 to 60,000 years ago. They spread across the continent and were comfortably established by the time the first Europeans came in October 1616. By 1827, the first convict-supported settlement built in Western Australia was annexed by the British. Broome was of great economic importance to Western Australia due to the Pearling industry. The industry began with the harvesting of oysters for the mother-of-pearl that was exported for button manufacture. Unfortunately, the plastics industry eventually dominated button manufacturing. That’s when today’s cultured pearl farming enterprises began.
Here are our photos of Broome, WA:
We arrived in Broome early in the morning.We boarded the shuttle and headed into town.We were dropped off in Chinatown where we learned a little more about the Pearling industry.Capturing oysters for the mother-of-pearl shells was a lucrative occupation. The shells were exported for button manufacture.However, Broome is known for industrial shipping. Did we mention, Western Australia produces 46% of Australia’s exports and is the largest producer of iron-ore?Evidence of the importance of Broome’s exports was visible everywhere near the port!!!We continued on to our drop off point in Chinatown.From there, we set out for our afternoon snack and libation.…..destination: Matso’s Broome Brewery!!!Roger ordered the Broome Time Flight to sample the different beers available. We both preferred the Kimberly Draught. Which is what Roger drank. Sandy, however, stuck to her favorite:…..!
…..a large pour of Sauvignon Blanc!!
Matso’s Brewery is an interesting establishment. The building was repurposed from another location…..
…..an renovated for brewing…..
…..and serving!!!Back to Chinatown where we learned more about Pearling and the people who made cultured pearls a reality. Did you know there was great opposition to cultured pearl farming??? Commerce & Industry won out in the end.We continued our education of the Pearling industry and learned about the pearling lugger–the sailboat used to transport pearl divers to the oyster beds.This is a memorial to the “hard-hat” divers.
This is a memorial to A.S. “Sam” Male who was one of the moving forces in the pearling industry.
And this lugger is named for Sam.
After exploring the Streeter Jetty, we returned to the shuttle stop and headed back to the ship.
And thus ended our day in Broome. Next stop is Exmouth.
We will remain in Western Australia for the next week while we visit more of this huge state.
Be on the lookout for MORE new and interesting cities!!!
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