the stunning willie creek with rurquoise water and mangroves

Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour Review: What You Need to Know

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Experience the Magic of Pearl Harvesting at Willie Creek Pearl Farm

If you’re visiting Broome, the Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour is a must. Whether you’re curious about the pearl industry or a luxury enthusiast, this tour takes you on a fascinating journey into the world of sustainable pearl farming, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Western Australia’s coastline.

But with so many tour options in the area, you might be wondering: Is the Willie Creek Pearl Farm worth my time? What sets it apart from other experiences, and how can you ensure you get the most out of your visit?

As someone who has experienced the magic of Willie Creek, I can confidently say this tour offers more than just a lesson in pearls – it’s an immersion into a centuries-old tradition, combined with seeing pearls harvested live. So, let me guide you through what to expect, how to plan, and why it’s worth every moment.

aerial view of willie creek pearl farm
Aerial view of the Willie Creek system by Tourism Western Australia

Willie Creek Pearl Farm Directions

Willie Creek Pearl Farm is located 38 km out of Broome on the estuary of Willie Creek, in Australia’s North West region.

If you are doing the Willie Creek Pearl Farm self-drive tour, I recommend a 4wd as part of the drive is on an unsealed road. If you are hiring a vehicle, check with the hire company that you are allowed to drive there, as some do not allow it.

Give yourself an hour to get there if you are driving.

Head out of Broome along the Broome Highway for 10kms then turn left onto Cape Leveque Road for 15km. Turn left onto Manari Road for 5 km, then left onto Willie Creek Road for 7.5 km. You will see signs for Willie Creek.

You may need to take the alternative track in the wet season (call ahead, and they will advise the best route).

willie creek pearl farm tour coach
Willie Creek Pearl Farm coach

By Helicopter

For that added touch of luxury and to make this an experience to remember, why not take this spectacular helicopter flight over Cable Beach, followed by a Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour? The cost includes a helicopter flight both ways and the tour.

Willie Creek Pearls helicopter flight over the creek
Helicopter flight over the Willie Creek tidal flats by Willie Creek Pearls

Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour Review

Our day started by being collected outside our accommodation in Cable Beach. There were a few more stops to collect other passengers, but it was an excellent way to look at other Cable Beach accommodation choices. Once everyone was on board, we made our way to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm.

Anne, our driver, gave an interesting commentary about Broome and the places we drove past, including Kerry Stokes’s house. Learning more about Broome’s history, tourism, and architectural designs was fascinating. The journey took around 45 minutes. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, as part of the journey is on corrugated unsealed roads.

Upon arrival, the tour group went to the hatchery, where we learned about the oysters’ collection and spawning.

We then moved into an undercover area where we were told about how the oysters are seeded and harvested. It’s a great insight into the process of modern cultured pearl farming. Our guide also explained what makes a perfect pearl, how they are valued, and the creation of beautiful jewellery.

I gained a new appreciation for all the hard work, skill, and long hours to create the perfect pearl.

the willie creek pearl farm tour guide speaking to visitors about the pearls
The guide talking about what goes into making the perfect pearl

Pearls were handed around so we could see what they looked like and the difference between them.

The Keshi Pearls are the closest to natural pearls and are irregular in shape. They are valued on weight instead of size.

The Australian South Sea Cultured Pearl is the world’s most revered pearl, produced by the Pinctada maxima oyster from the coastal waters of northern Western Australia. It creates the most beautiful pearl nacre of any oyster.

three pearls in a box

Only some oysters produce a pearl, and most only create one at a time.

The oyster shell is also valuable due to its lustrous mother of pearl.

mother of pearl knives at willie creek gift shop
Mother of Pearl knives in the gift shop

At the end of this part of the tour, the guide carefully opened one of the oysters so we could see inside. I was amazed at how big the shell was, and look at that stunning pearl inside.

oyster with pearl inside
The huge oyster with pearl inside

It was then time for the morning tea, which was included in the tour price. There was plenty of fresh fruit, damper, fruit cake plus hot & cold drinks. We used this time to have a little wander around the property.

fresh drinks at willie creek pearl farm
Refreshing drinks are included in the Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour

After morning tea, we were taken down to the creek’s jetty to go and view oysters in their natural environment. We hopped into a boat and cruised to see live oysters suspended in the water.

people getting on the Willie Creek Pearls boat

Our guide hauled a panel up so we could see what the oysters looked like. These are just a small sample of what happens in the open water sea lease, ten nautical miles off Broome’s coast.

guide on Willie Creek Pearl Tour holding up panel with oysters attached

The oysters filter around 50 litres of water per hour and feed on microscopic phytoplankton. It takes up to 2 years for the Australian South Sea Pearls to fully develop.

During this time, the oysters require regular cleaning. Backpackers are often employed for this task, to remove marine growth from the shells.

A short cruise along the azure waters of Willie Creek is also included to spot any wildlife. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any crocodiles, but we spotted a few different types of birds.

The water is such a stunning turquoise colour due to its amount of crushed limestone. The mangroves make the perfect home for an abundance of wildlife.

willie creek with pelicans on the beach

Lastly, we saw the pearls on display in the showroom and dreamed of owning an exquisite pair of earrings or necklace.

willie creek pearl earrings with prices

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Insightful and Educational: The tour gives a clear and fascinating insight into the pearling industry, from oyster farming to the creation of stunning pearls.
  • Beautiful Location: Willie Creek itself is stunning, with turquoise waters and peaceful surroundings that make the boat ride a highlight.
  • Knowledgeable Guides: The guides are passionate and excellent at explaining the process, making the experience engaging and easy to follow.
  • Hands-On Experience: Getting to handle pearls and watch a live oyster demonstration adds a special touch to the tour.
  • Family-Friendly: The tour is suitable for all ages.
  • Well-Organised: The tour flows smoothly, with enough time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed.

Cons:

  • Distance from Broome: Willie Creek is a bit of a drive from Broome town centre, so you’ll need to plan ahead for transport.
  • Cost: The tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Broome, but the experience and knowledge gained are worth the price for most visitors.
  • Weather-Dependent: The boat ride can be affected by weather conditions, which might limit the experience on windy days.
  • Limited Time for Shopping: The gift shop has beautiful pearls, but you might feel rushed if you’re hoping to browse leisurely.

So would we recommend this tour? It was in our Top 3 of Things to do in Broome despite the feeling that it wasn’t incredible value for money. It was a great experience to see first-hand how a pearl farm operates and gain insight into the pearling industry. It is also a stunning place to spend a few hours and to be able to cruise Willie Creek. I’m glad we did it and would recommend it to friends.

Name and History of Willie Creek

Willie means wind and boats would shelter in the creek during cyclones.

The Banfield family, who moved to Broome in 1989, now own the pearl farm. They began by operating Broome bus lines and developed it into a tour company. The tours took guests to Willie Creek, which led them to purchase the pearl farm.

The family also owns the Zoo Keepers Store, Pearl Luggers, and Discover Broome Tour. The Pearl Luggers tour will provide the complete pearl experience.

Where to buy Willie Creek Pearls

As well as buying online, Willie Creek Pearls can be purchased at one of their showrooms or stockists.

  • Hillarys Boardwalk Showroom
  • Subiaco Showroom
  • Elizabeth Quay
  • Cable Beach Showroom
  • Chinatown Broome Showroom
  • Willie Creek Pearl Farm Showroom
  • Lamont’s Winery Swan Valley
  • Oaks Broome
  • Mercure Hotel Broome
  • John Streater Fine Furniture Yallingup
the stunning willie creek with rurquoise water and mangroves
The stunning Willie Creek

Where to stay in Broome

We stayed at Broome Beach Resort and liked that it was family-friendly, close to Cable Beach, and the bus stopped nearby.

“Ready to experience the magic of Broome’s pearling history? Book your Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour today and discover the beauty behind the iconic Australian South Sea pearl!”

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