✨🏮From its pearling history to its unique multicultural character, Chinatown remains the vibrant heart of Broome and a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Nestled on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people, Chinatown reflects the rich cultural heritage of Broome, where Aboriginal, Asian and European communities lived, worked and shaped the town together.
Pearling History
⚓ At its peak, Broome had one of the largest Japanese communities in Australia. Japanese divers were regarded as among the most skilled in the pearling industry. During the pearling industry's peak, Broome supplied around 80% of the world's mother-of-pearl shell, attracting workers and entrepreneurs from across the globe. Unlike most Australian towns of the era, Broome's economy depended heavily on Asian labour and expertise.
Chinatown settlement
⛵ The settlement that became Chinatown grew along the foreshore near Dampier Creek, where pearling luggers could be moored and serviced. Corrugated iron sheds, stores, boarding houses, workshops, gambling rooms and restaurants sprang up around the industry. Many of Chinatown's historic buildings feature wide verandahs, corrugated iron and elevated designs that were developed to cope with Broome's tropical climate, remoteness and multicultural influences.
Pearling History
As you wander its streets, you'll find the distinctive Broome architectural style, developed to suit the tropical climate, remote location and limited building materials available at the time. Influences from several Asian cultures can still be seen throughout the precinct today. The Pearler’s Boardwalk on Dampier Terrace, Kennedy’s Store, Streeter's Jetty and the Roebuck Bay Hotel are great spots to visit for history enthusiasts. For a fascinating comparison, view some ‘then and now’ photos on the Broome Historical Museum website > https://broomemuseum.org.au/then-now/chinatown/
Public Art in Chinatown
✨ Chinatown is home to a diverse collection of public art. As you explore the streets and laneways, keep an eye out for creative works that tell the stories of Broome's multicultural past and connection to the Kimberley landscape, adding character and charm to this location. A few places in our open-air art gallery include Divers Quarters (corner of Short and Carnarvon St), Sam Male Statue (end of Short Street), Yawuru Artwork and Pearling Timeline (Dampier Terrace, close to Streeters Jetty), the Johnny Chi Lane Story Panels, Cultured Pearl Memorial (Napier Tce), The Start of the Pearling Story (near Streeter's Jetty) and 'The Japanese in Broome', located along Napier Terrace in Chinatown.
Johnny Chi Lane
🏯 Johnny Chi Lane is a historic laneway in the heart of Broome’s Chinatown. Johnny Chi Lane remains one of Broome’s most popular heritage attractions, blending history, shopping, cafés and local culture in a unique setting. Today, visitors can stroll through the shaded laneway and discover a series of interpretive story panels that recount the colourful history of Broome’s pearling era, from the arrival of Asian and European migrants to the growth of the town’s vibrant Chinatown precinct.
Streeter’s Jetty
Streeter’s Jetty, near Dampier Terrace, was used by the pearl luggers and merchants. This historically significant jetty is a favourite for tourists visiting the area and remains an important reminder of Broome's past. One of Broome's most recognisable landmarks, Streeter's Jetty, reopened in April 2022 after a major reconstruction. While maintaining its historic charm and connection to the town's pearling heritage, the new structure has been built to modern standards, ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.
Sun Pictures
🎬 The Sun Pictures building in Broome’s Chinatown was constructed in 1903, opened as a picture theatre in 1916. Walk through and uncover history with the film posters, equipment, projectors and other cinematic treasures kept on site. Sun Pictures still operates today, and holds the record for the world’s oldest operating open-air picture gardens.
Fusion Sculpture
🌕 Fusion Sculpture is a contemporary public artwork located in Broome, Western Australia, near the iconic Cable Beach area. Installed as part of the Shire of Broome’s public art initiatives, the piece celebrates the region’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, and deep connection to land and sea. On selected dates (twice a year) the full moon rises over Napier Terrace, it aligns perfectly with the iconic Fusion sculpture, a must-see moment that blends Broome’s rich cultural heritage with the beauty of its natural environment.
Roebuck Bay Lookout
📸 The Roebuck Bay Lookout provides a rich visual history with unique personal accounts from those living in Broome during the height of the pearling trade. Acknowledging the Aboriginal significance of the location, Yawuru artists Matha Lee and Ricky Roe have worked with Broome Senior High School students in the development of artwork and cultural information panels incorporated into the Lookout’s structure and signage.
Dining in Chinatown, Broome
🍜 Broome's Chinatown precinct is a vibrant dining destination, offering everything from fresh local seafood and modern Australian cuisine to Asian-inspired flavours, cafés, bars and sweet treats. Whether you're looking for a relaxed breakfast, a long lunch or dinner under the tropical night sky, Chinatown serves up a delicious taste of Broome's multicultural heritage.
☀️ Today, Chinatown remains the cultural and commercial heart of Broome, combining heritage buildings, pearl retailers, galleries, cafés and public art while preserving the stories of the multicultural pearling town that shaped modern Broome.
Getting to Chinatown, Broome
🚗 Getting to Chinatown is easy, with the precinct located in the heart of Broome and just a short drive from Cable Beach, Town Beach and most accommodation areas. Chinatown is serviced by the local bus service, with stops throughout Broome and Cable Beach. Taxi services are also available. Convenient parking is available throughout the area. Chinatown is also easy to explore on foot, making it a great place to wander between shops, galleries, attractions and dining venues.
Resources to help you explore Chinatown, Broome
🔹Download the Explore Broome app for the Chinatown Arts & Heritage Trail and Chinatown Highlights Trail.
🔹 Yawuru’s award-winning Jetty-to-Jetty heritage trail starts in Chinatown and runs along the foreshore of Roebuck Bay to Town Beach. 🗺️ Download the app on your phone and look out for the red signs as you move along the 2.5km long trail. 🚶Start near Streeter’s Jetty in Chinatown, or in reverse from the Old Jetty (Guwarri) at Town Beach. Be sure to take a hat and water! This trail connects 13 historical and cultural sites that explore Yawuru culture, Broome's pearling heritage and the town's multicultural history.
🔹Learn about the history of Chinatown
🔹Pick up local maps and brochures at the Broome Visitor Centre (just a short walk across Male Oval from Chinatown) or contact us
Did you know? The original Chinatown was located closer to Dampier Creek. After a devastating cyclone in 1897 destroyed much of the settlement, the town was rebuilt further inland in its current location.
Call the Broome Visitor Centre for personalised booking assistance for tours, accommodation, car hire and more!
Phone 08 9195 2200 or email [email protected] or book online below. Our website chat feature is a quick way to ask any questions too!
