Day 73. Willie Creek Pearl Farm. 23/07/2015

We have become so accustomed to waking up each morning to blue sunny skies that if a day should be different we will be wondering what has happened.  

Todays adventure was to visit the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, a distance of about 28 kms away and most of the journey was on unsealed but graded roads. The farm is situated on the Willie Creek inlet that is influenced by the tides from the Indian Ocean. The water is a beautiful turquoise colour reflecting the limestone surrounding the creek itself. Broome has been famous for its moon bright pearls and mother of pearl for more than 100 years and the region’s South Sea Pearls fetch top prices around the world as they are the largest and most lustrous oceanic gems.

On arrival we were taken to a shed where we were given a talk and demonstration on all aspects of the pearling industry by a young man Seve (a very cute Irishman) who was both knowledgable and extremely humorous. His talk lasted about 45 mins in which time we learnt so much about pearls, how they are harvested, what size they have to be before they can be seeded and how that seeding takes place. We learnt all about the techniques for controlling oyster growth, health and production. We also learnt about each individual type pearl how they are graded and the price of the pearls.

To become a pearl technician, a person has to do a 4 year Marine Biologist course at University followed  by a 4 year apprenticeship in the industry. These technicians are highly regarded and very well paid for their delicate work.

At the completion of the talk and demonstration we had a very lovely morning tea followed by a visit to the nearby fish breeding tanks where we saw a number of tropical fish and in the larger tanks some huge female Barramundi. We then went to the waters edge to board the boat to take us out to view the oyster frames that are suspended beneath bouys so that the tides can control and develop the pearls in the shell. We also saw examples of some oyster shells that were being attacked by various clams etc. that have to be cleaned from the shell so the growth of the pearl is not harmed in any way. 

A short cruise followed along the mangroves to see if we could spot the resident 5 metre croc that inhabits the creek. One was seen but not by us. On returning to the shore we then visited the very lovely showrooms where there was a fantastic display of jewellery featuring the magnificent Willie Creek Pearls and which of course were for sale. A quick demonstration of pearls to have us guess the prices and then we were left to browse the cabinets. 

After hearing about the cultivation process of these beautiful pearls we had a new appreciation and understanding of the price ticket. Nothing was within our budget so we left empty handed!

Returned to the town to get petrol and some shopping then later we attended Happy Hour barbecue, followed by coffee and cake at the camp of Keith and Pats’s friends John and Donna who made us feel most welcome.   

Tomorrow the Broome g.g’s.

Wendy can't wipe the smile off with this $4,000 pearl. (She had to return it).

The willie Creek Showroom.

The classroom.

Seve our guide and instructor. He was excellent.

Removing the pea crab. Every pearl shell has one.

Showing where the pearl grows.

Pearl shells in frames that are left in the creek tides for two years to grow before collecting pearl.

A line of bouys where the frames are suspended.

A tour of Willie Creek only one croc seen.

An aboriginal story worth reading.

A large female barramundi.