What is it about certain places that somehow strip us back and remind us what it is to be connected to something bigger?
One such place is Cygnet Bay. Just over 2,000km from Perth on the Dampier Peninsula, and home to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm – the original, entirely Australian owned and operated cultured pearling company – it's unlike anywhere else in Western Australia.
Bruce Wiggan, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
General Manager of the farm, James Brown, has lived in Cygnet Bay for most of his life and counts himself lucky to live and work in a place so rich in beauty, culture and history. "This whole peninsula has this way of just demanding attention and gets rid of all the distractions," says James. Drive two and a half hours north of Broome to the tip of the Dampier Peninsula and this is where you'll end up: a working pearl farm that, until recently, was only accessible to the pearl farm team and the local Bardi people. "Location-wise, we're probably in one of the most beautiful spots in the world… and still pretty much untouched out here," says Terry Hunter, long-time friend of James and Cultural Tour Operator at the farm.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm's story doesn't begin here, but back when James' grandfather came up to the peninsula and struck up a friendship with Terry's great grandfather. It's a story of connection – something that is still present in the two's friendship today. "About a decade after my mum and dad came up and joined the family business, my sister and I followed," James muses. More than 70 years on and four generations later, and the two families are still working together.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Dampier Peninsula
Both Terry and James have a strong connection to this stunning land. Although their reasons for that connection may differ, over time they have become intrinsically linked. For Terry, it's always been a place of healing, history and the home of his culture. While for James, it's the place where his family set up a farm which quickly grew into a community for all. Together, their family's partnership is what's created such a unique visitor experience.
Since opening up the farm to guests, James and his team have expanded Cygnet Bay to offer not just a unique look inside a traditional pearling village, but a range of accommodation that includes retreats and glamping tents, restaurant dining, and sea safaris, cultural experiences and more. With Waterfall Reef, Staircase to the Moon and countless other natural wonders on their doorstep, it's little wonder why James and Terry want to share it with anyone who chooses to stop by. As Tour Operator, Terry notices the difference just one visit to Cygnet Bay makes to travellers – especially those from the city. "Out here, it's all about healing. When I'm out with guests, I can feel that inner feeling is just lifted," he says.
Terry Hunter, Borrgoron Tours
But you don't have to wait until you arrive for the healing to begin. Take the six-day Ardi Cultural Drive and you'll feel your stress melt away as you watch the scenery change from lush green forests to the striking red pindan soil that makes up this ancient landscape. It truly is a meditation on simplicity. On days one and two, you'll see some of the region's most iconic sights including Cable Beach and Mercedes Cove where you can watch migrating whales from the shore between July and October. On day three of your journey, heading from Cape Leveque to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, why not jump on a scenic flight for a bird's eye view of the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago or a boat ride to Horizontal Falls where you can play castaway on your own private beach?
The final two days will see you explore the region on bushwalks with locals in Lombadina, four wheel drive adventures and camel rides on one of Broome's pristine beaches. Of course, be sure to check out the town's colourful calendar of events while you're there!
Carved Riji Pearl Shell, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Published June 2021.