Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Gain an appreciation for the lives sacrificed by the Japanese migrants who settled in Broome to prosper from Broome’s lucrative pearling industry. The Japanese Cemetery in Broome is the largest Japanese Cemetery in Australia and dates back to 1896.

Reflect on the diverse multicultural history of Broome as you wander amongst the 707 graves, with unique headstones crafted out of coloured beach rocks.

This immaculately restored heritage icon is an integral stop on your historic tour of Broome. The sheer enormity of the number of deaths in the early pearling days resonates from this poignant tribute. The serene beauty of the memorials makes for a striking photograph.

A large stone obelisk in the cemetery recalls those who were drowned at sea in the 1908 cyclone. The cyclones of 1887 and 1935 each caused the deaths of at least 140 men. The majority of deaths commemorated in the cemetery resulted from the bends or drowning.

The cemetery is on Port Drive, midway between old Broome town and nearby Cable Beach.