Broome Pearls, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Aug 25th, 2003
In old days Broome's oysters were primarily used for their shells but with the demand for pearls increasing, Broome is proving to be the hub of pearl lugging in Australia, if not the world!
Not only does the Australian Cultured Pearl Industry gross over $200,000,000 per annum, 18 of the 19 pearl farms in Australia are in Western Australia.
Liz from Liz Art Tours can take you through the eight pearl shops in the area. She's handy when it comes to advice because choosing pearls can be a difficult task. There are five virtues of pearls to consider when shopping - lustre, size, shape, surface and colour - and considering that each pearl has its own characteristics and price tag, Liz certainly comes in handy.
One of the stores you'll visit is run by Paspaleys, the largest pearling company in Australia. Paspaley is renowned for the fine quality pearls it harvests each year. You'll come across all types of pearl jewellery, ranging from $600 in price up to a million dollars. While most pieces may be out of your price range, there are a few cheaper items and Liz can even help you get a discount.
After the three hour shopping tour, it's time to head straight to the source at Willie Creek Pearl farm. The farm, 30 minutes north of Broome, is the only way people can see the oysters that produce those famous South Sea Pearls.
Not only can you take a boat ride to see live oysters in the pearl farm, you'll also learn about the history of Broome's pearling industry.
You can learn moe about Broome's fascinating pearling history at the Pearl Luggers in Broome. There are guided tours presented by pearl divers who spent many years living aboard pearling luggers and diving for mother of pearl shells. A three hour Pearl Luggers Experience costs $48 and includes a free tasting of the ultra expensive pearl meat.
The facts:
Qantas and QantasLink can get you up to Broome with flights from Perth starting from $553 and $807 from Melbourne.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
A guided tour of the Willie Creek Pearl Farm is $25 for adults and $12 for the kids.
Willie Creek Pearl Farm
Tel: 08 9193 6000
Three hours with Liz and the girls on the LizArt Tour is $30 including bus transfers from your hotel - so you don't waste any shopping time.
LizArt Tours
Tel: 08 9192 6948
Chill out at the Habitat Resort where one bedroom apartments start from $174 a night.
Habitat Resort Broome
Tel: 1800 683 988
