What You Need to Know about Cygnet Bay

Searching for a new place to explore during your holiday in the Kimberley? One of the best things to do in the Kimberley is to drive down to Cygnet Bay (Borrgoron). This will lead to the most educational and relaxing weekend of your life. Cygnet Bay is a pearl farm located in Dampier Peninsula. It is just two and a half hours or 200km north of Broome, surrounded by the waters of King Sound.

Why Cygnet Bay?

Cygnet Bay is the only operating pearl farm that is open to the public. It also offers accommodation, entertaining and educational tours, and fine dining. This luxury resort offers glamping in style with amenities such as a pool, free breakfast and an on-site restaurant.

A coastal paradise filled with history, culture, entertainment, and wildlife, making it a unique experience to book for your next trip! The Bardi (land) and Jawi (island) people have always shared a special connection with the Australian land and sea. They have gathered knowledge over the years about their land and the natural resources it can offer them, including bush food, fishing techniques, and natural medicines. If you’re interested in learning about the history of the pearl farm, tours are available all year round.

Tours To Book

There are many Kimberley tours from Broome that allow you to explore Cygnet Bay. Focussing on the history of pearl farms and their operations, find out how pearling started at Cygnet Bay. Plus, an exclusive demonstration of a pearl harvest. You will be shown around the farm with an expert pearl guide, while learning everything and anything about pearls. You will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this natural beauty.

Riji – The Art of Carving Shell

Cygnet Bay tours can also provide in-depth information about the history of the local Bardi People. Learn about their appreciation for pearl shell art and how this is used to express their creativity through sculpture. Pearl shell art dates back to 22,000 years. The tribe would carve drawings into the giant pearl shells to celebrate traditions and their love for the land. This experience would be perfect for anyone who loves learning about art and history!

Culture & History

Discover every inch of Cygnet Bay as you explore the rocks during low tide, forage for fresh oysters and learn traditional hunting techniques. This would be a Kimberley adventure tour for those who are wanting to take it to the next level as this journey can get a little bit rocky.

Cape Leveque is the jewel in the crown of the Dampier Peninsula and is well worth visiting for its pristine untouched beauty and wilderness. The indigenous people call the peninsula “Ardi” meaning north-east. The area is filled with history and has only been inhabited by small remote communities for centuries.  

Waterfall Reef

Another way to explore Cygnet Bay would be with a Kimberley safari tour. These tours take you on a 2-hour-long sea adventure around the turquoise waters of the Kimberley. Explore the hidden reefs and some of the world’s largest tides and followed by a stunning view of Waterfall Reef. So, pack some sunscreen and snacks and head up to Cygnet Bay as your sea safari tour awaits.

Hire a Boat

Another fun activity to do during your stay is to hire out a boat to cruise through Cygnet Bay, Cape Leveque, or anywhere on Dampier Peninsula. You could spend a whole day fishing with friends or just exploring the open sea. A great option for those who are a little bit more adventurous.

How to travel there?

By Tours

Cygnet Bay is located in the Kimberley, only a couple of hours away from Broome. It can be accessed through a tour or by car. Booking a tour means you get to see the Kimberley region and the main Broome attractions on offer. Sometimes places that the general public cannot go to and you will learn interesting things about the local area. This can be a great way to tour the best of the Kimberley as you make your way up to Cygnet Bay. If you are already in the area on a holiday, or as a local, day tours are also available from Broome.

By Car

If you’re wanting to go at your own pace, booking a 4WD can be a better option. You can hire a 4WD vehicle such as a Landcruiser or an Outback from Kimberley Tours 4WD Hire to travel to Cygnet Bay. This option allows you to travel at your own speed and offers amazing views of the Kimberley along your road trip. The road from Broome to Cygnet Bay (Cape Leveque Road) is now completely sealed and is now suitable for 2WD journeys. Bear in mind that the Pearl Farm is located up a 3km unsealed driveway. The 7km journey from Cygnet Bay to Cape Leveque is also only accessible by 4WD so it is best to book a 4WD tour to experience the best of this region.

History

Although you will learn all about the interesting history through a Kimberley adventure tour, we can give you a little taste of what you will be learning about.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm was founded in 1960 by Dean Brown and is currently run by James Brown and his team. It was the first Australian-run pearl farm that contributed to the 80% of pearls being supplied to the rest of the world. In 2009, Cygnet Bay became the first pearl farm to welcome visitors, opening many more opportunities for the pearling industry. As the ever-changing marine ecosystem continues to be unpredictable over the years, Cygnet Bay has had to adapt to the new challenges that come with pearl farming. As a result, by opening up to the public and allowing tourists to explore, dine and stay in their little slice of paradise, the business has continued to thrive and stay open for travellers to wander across.

So if you’re on a tour of The Kimberly you should add Cygnet Bay to the list! Need some help to plan your trip? We at Kimberly tours specialise in the best of Australia. So we can help you find a tour that suits your style. We work with companies that have the best products and offer value for money. You have several choices when it comes to a holiday in the Kimberley. From 4WD tours, cruises, glamping or hotels. And even a mix of all options!