History of Broome

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the area where Broome is located today began long before the modern city appeared on maps. For thousands of years, these coastal lands were inhabited by the Yawuru people, for whom this territory, known as "Rubibi," held immense cultural and spiritual significance. The first European explorers, including William Dampier, visited this coast as early as the late 17th century.

The official date of the city's foundation is considered to be 1883, when John Forrest selected the site for a settlement on the shores of Roebuck Bay. The city was named in honour of Sir Frederick Broome, who held the post of Governor of Western Australia at that time.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a remote settlement into a thriving port was driven by several key factors:

• Natural Resources: The discovery of the giant oyster Pinctada maxima in local waters became a turning point. These shells were valued not only for pearls but also for high-quality mother-of-pearl, which was used at the time for button manufacturing worldwide.
• Geographical Location: The deep-water and protected Roebuck Bay became an ideal harbour for pearling flotillas, allowing vessels to moor safely and wait out storms.
• Trade Boom: By 1910, Broome had turned into the world capital of pearl diving, supplying up to 80% of the global market for mother-of-pearl, which brought significant wealth and political weight to the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Broome was monocultural and entirely dependent on the sea; however, this formed a unique society unlike other Australian cities of that time. Due to the high demand for experienced divers, the city became a multicultural hub.

A distinct atmosphere formed here, where the traditions of Japanese, Malay, Chinese, and Filipino immigrants intertwined, working side by side with Europeans and Indigenous peoples. The centre of social and economic life became Chinatown, where gaming houses, shops, and pearl exchanges were located, creating a unique character that has been preserved to this day.

Major Milestones in Broome's History

• 1699 — English navigator William Dampier lands on the coast of Roebuck Bay, becoming one of the first Europeans to describe the local flora and fauna.
• 1883 — Explorer John Forrest officially selects the site for the town and names it in honour of the Governor of Western Australia, Frederick Broome.
• 1889 — The laying of an underwater telegraph cable from Indonesia is completed in Broome, connecting Australia with London and the rest of the world.
• 1890s — A massive influx of immigrants from Japan, China, and Malaysia begins for work in the rapidly growing pearl diving industry.
• 1910 — Broome reaches the peak of its development as the "Pearl Capital of the World," boasting a fleet of more than 400 luggers (sailing vessels).
• 3 March 1942 — During World War II, the city is subjected to a powerful air attack by Japanese fighters, resulting in the deaths of at least 88 people.
• 1956 — The era of cultured pearl farming begins, saving the region's economy following the drop in demand for natural mother-of-pearl due to the advent of plastic.
• 1980s — Lord Alistair McAlpine invests in the development of the city and builds the Cable Beach Club resort, transforming Broome into a popular tourist destination.
• 2006 — The Federal Court of Australia issues a ruling recognising the rights of the Indigenous Yawuru people to traditional lands in the Broome area.

Stages of Broome's Transformation and Development

Broome's history is a series of ups, downs, and radical shifts in development vectors. The city has journeyed from a remote port to an elite resort, surviving several key transformations.

• The Rise of the "Pearl Capital" (Late 19th Century)
  The transformation of a spontaneous divers' camp into an organised port city. This period defined Broome's economic foundation: the extraction of mother-of-pearl shells for button production attracted huge investments and formed the port infrastructure in Roebuck Bay.
• Global Communication (1889)
  The laying of the underwater telegraph cable, connecting Broome to the island of Java and onwards to London, brought the city out of isolation. This event not only gave the name to the famous Cable Beach but also made the remote settlement a strategically important communications hub for all of Australia.
• Formation of the Asian Enclave (1900–1920s)
  Unlike the rest of Australia, Broome effectively received an exemption from the "White Australia" policy to attract Asian divers. This led to the creation of a unique Chinatown — a trade and entertainment centre with characteristic corrugated iron architecture, which is protected today as historical heritage.
• Military Turning Point (1942)
  World War II air strikes destroyed a significant part of the pearling fleet and Allied seaplanes. The tragedy put an end to the "romantic" era of old Broome and led to the militarisation of the region, changing the demographic composition and urban planning priorities.
• Industrial Adaptation (1950s)
  The advent of plastic collapsed the global demand for mother-of-pearl. The city was saved from desolation thanks to the transition to Japanese technology for growing cultured pearls. This transformed the economy from raw material extraction (shell harvesting) to a high-tech and jewellery-focused industry.
• Tourism Renovation (1980s)
  The investments of Lord Alistair McAlpine became the catalyst for a new era. The restoration of historical buildings instead of their demolition and the construction of the world-class Cable Beach Club resort turned the industrial town into a prestigious tourist destination, while preserving its colonial charm.
• Integration of Yawuru Heritage (21st Century)
  The official recognition of the Indigenous Yawuru people's land rights (Native Title) led to a revision of urban development plans. Now, city expansion and tourism projects (such as the Marina) are developed with consideration for preserving cultural landscapes and sacred sites, which enriches Broome's cultural identity.

Architectural Look and Urban Planning

The architecture of Broome is a unique phenomenon that is difficult to fit into classic European frameworks like Baroque or Classicism. The city's appearance was formed under the influence of a harsh tropical climate, frequent cyclones, and a blend of Asian and European cultures. Here, a distinct recognisable style was born, often called "Broome Style" or "North West Architecture."

The "Pearling Rush" Era (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

During the heyday of pearl diving, the city's development was strictly utilitarian but with a strong Oriental flavour. Buildings needed to be cheap, quick to assemble, and well-ventilated.

• Style: Colonial Vernacular and Asian Fusion.
• Features: Massive use of corrugated iron and timber. Houses were often raised on stilts for protection against termites and floods during the wet season. Characteristic features included wide verandas and a lack of glazing in early structures — it was replaced by wooden shutters.
• Iconic District: Chinatown. The historical heart of the city, where unique shophouses with elements of Japanese and Chinese architecture, adapted to Australian realities, have been preserved.
• Key Object: Sun Pictures cinema (1916). The world's oldest operating open-air cinema, built in the traditional style from timber and iron.

Tourism Renaissance and Modernity (1980s — Present)

In the late 20th century, thanks to the efforts of Lord McAlpine, the city avoided characterless concrete development. A strategic decision was made to preserve the historical code and reproduce it in new buildings.

• Style: Neo-Vernacular / Tropical Resort Style.
• Features: Modern hotels and private residences are styled after old pearl divers' bungalows. Architects use the same visual techniques: high pitched roofs made of coloured corrugated metal, decorative lattice, and lightweight structures, but using modern technologies.
• Key Object: Cable Beach Club resort. This complex set the standard for modern Broome architecture, proving that the "tin" historical style can look luxurious and elegant.

Characteristic Features of "Broome Style"

The urban fabric of the city is distinguished by low density and harmony with the landscape. Three main elements of local architecture stand out:

• Corrugated Iron: Used everywhere — not only for roofs but also for wall cladding (often painted white to reflect heat).
• Latticework: Wooden lattice panels replacing solid walls or windows ensure constant circulation of the sea breeze ("cross-ventilation").
• Verandas: An obligatory element of almost any building, creating shade and a buffer zone between the hot street and the living space.

Explorers and Founders

• William Dampier
  English navigator and privateer.
  The first Briton to set foot on the Australian continent and visit the shores of Roebuck Bay in 1699. His detailed records of the local nature and Aborigines became the first scientific evidence of this region for Europe.
• Sir Frederick Broome
  Governor of Western Australia (1883–1889).
  The administrator in whose honour the city was named. It was during his tenure that the settlement received official status, which helped regulate pearl diving and develop the region's infrastructure.
• John Forrest
  Explorer and the first Premier of Western Australia.
  A famous explorer who, in 1883, selected the site for the construction of the city and port. His decision cemented Broome's strategic importance as the maritime gateway to the Kimberley region.

Entrepreneurs and Reformers

• Arthur Male
  Businessman and "Pearl Magnate."
  A key figure in Broome's economy in the early 20th century. He owned a vast fleet of luggers and trading houses. The Male family played a decisive role in supporting the city during economic crises and World War II.
• Lord Alistair McAlpine
  British politician, construction magnate, and patron of the arts.
  The man who "reinvented" Broome in the 1980s. He purchased and restored many historical buildings threatened with demolition, founded the famous Cable Beach Club resort, and turned the city into an elite tourist destination while preserving its unique architectural style.

Cultural Figures and Guardians of Tradition

• Paddy Roe
  Elder of the Yawuru people, writer, and community leader.
  Played a fundamental role in preserving the culture and language of the Indigenous Yawuru people. Initiator of the "Lurujarri Heritage Trail," promoting understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Awarded the Order of Australia.
• Jimmy Chi
  Playwright, composer, and musician.
  Author of the famous musical "Bran Nue Dae," which became Australia's first Aboriginal musical. His work reflects the multicultural soul of Broome, blending the traditions of Indigenous peoples, Asian settlers, and Europeans.