The dream that started in 1946 is still alive today. Australia’s oldest operating pearl farm at Cygnet Bay was established by Dean Murdoch Brown. In the 1940’s and 50’s, Dean’s business was concerned with the collection of mother-of-pearl shell. This all changed in the late 50’s when Dean’s sons revolutionized the industry. Lyndon, strove to perfect the art of pearl cultivation and eventually unlocked the secret of seeding a pearl shell, a technique previously known only by the Japanese. Lyndon’s brother, Bruce, and his wife Alison soon joined the venture introducing the first non-hard hat diver to the industry in the 60’s. Together, the brothers designed and built what was unique to the industry then, a fibreglass lugger.
Today the pearl farm is home to three generations of the Brown family. Bruce and Alison’s son, James, studied marine biology at James Cook University, Queensland, and is now the Farm Manager. Dean Murdoch Brown would be thrilled to see the family is living his dream.
The beauty and peace of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is due to its remote location on the Dampier Peninsula. A two and a half hour journey from Broome along a red dirt track is a small price to pay for tranquility. But we do want our visitors to be aware that shops, fuel and medical facilities on the Dampier Peninsula are limited. Cygnet Bay is lucky enough to have a small store only eight kilometres away at the picturesque Ardiyaloon One Arm Point Aboriginal (OAP) Community. This Community also has a medical clinic, which is accessible 24 hours a day. The Royal Flying Doctor Service respond incredibly quickly to any medical emergency. Fuel is available at Beagle Bay, Lombadina and OAP Communities however some services are not always open on weekends and, if driving, they recommend that you plan your trip accordingly. Beagle Bay and Lombadina also have small general stores, which stock the basic supplies. Being prepared means there will be no unpleasant surprises, ensuring your journey and stay with them will be a happy experience.
Meet The Family
The year was 1946. The Kimberley was unchartered territory. There were few roads and many dangers but this didn’t stop a man hell-bent on following his dream. The man was Dean Brown. Armed with a rifle, he skippered a rickety wooden lugger through treacherous, crocodile-infested waters into an unknown frontier to discover a hidden paradise. Cygnet Bay has been home to the Brown family for over 60 years. Originally established to collect mother-of-pearl, this small Australian family-run operation progressed to become the first Australian company cultivating cultured pearls. It has continued across three generations to forge a niche in the global pearl market. They welcome visitors to join them in sharing the secrets and stories of Australia’s longest running pearl farm.
Contact
FARM GALLEY for SALES, ACCOMMODATION AND TOUR BOOKINGS :
Terrace, Broome, WA
ph: 08 9192 4283
fax: 08 9192 4810
Cape Leveque Road, Dampier Peninsula, WA
Terrace, Broome, WA
ph: 08 9192 4283
fax: 08 9192 4810
Cape Leveque Road, Dampier Peninsula, WA
BROOME GALLERY :ph: 08 9192 5402
Shop 2, 21 Dampier
EMPLOYMENT:For extended VISA/Short term work – EMAIL : admin@cygnetbaypearls.com.au
www.cygnetbaypearls.com.au
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