Broome Port Jetty — Attraction in Minyirr

The Broome Port Jetty stands on Yawuru Country, where Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years, guided by the bugarrigarra (Dreaming) that connects land, sea, and sky. Before colonisation, this coastline was a place of abundance, where the tides, winds, and seasons shaped traditional fishing, hunting, and trade. The waters of Roebuck Bay were central to Yawuru life, providing food and holding stories that link people to their ancestors.

Colonisation brought profound disruption to this balance. The construction of the port and the rise of the pearling industry changed the landscape, bringing new industries that profited from Aboriginal labour while displacing people from their traditional ways of life. The early pearling industry was built on the exploitation of Aboriginal divers, many of whom were forced to work in dangerous conditions with little regard for their wellbeing. The arrival of settlers, industries, and maritime trade imposed new laws that denied the Yawuru people access to their own lands and waters, disrupting cultural practices and livelihoods.

The Broome Port Jetty became a symbol of economic development, facilitating trade and tourism, but it also represents a history of dispossession. The land beneath the jetty remains Yawuru land, and the waters still carry the cultural memory of those who lived and worked here long before colonisation. Today, Yawuru people continue to assert their rights to sea and land, ensuring that their knowledge and connection to Country are recognised and respected.

Reconciliation means acknowledging this history—both the resilience of Yawuru people and the impacts of colonisation that still shape the present. The jetty could be more than a structure for industry and tourism; it could be a place of learning, where the deep history of Yawuru custodianship is shared through language, art, and storytelling. Recognising Aboriginal sovereignty and ensuring that Yawuru voices lead discussions about land and sea management are essential steps toward a future that values truth, justice, and...

I like piers and wharves however this one was more or less inaccessible and so apart from some fisher people was a waste of time. I reckon it should be opened up so we can all walk down out to the end. Some marginal parking at the start. Seemed to be lots of construction happening with very little shade. At least it wasn't the usual dirt you would get if Parks were...

Went to fish of this iconic location just to find out that more then 3/4 of the walkway available for public is fenced due to some damage. Seems like the Shire of Broome doesn't care much about fishos, yet still describes itself as a great fishing place. Not everyone can jump on the rocks out of the...