Set Sail on a Broome Icon

Discover Broome’s rich pearling history while enjoying a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking views, all aboard Willie Cruises.

Step aboard Willie, a well-known Broome icon and one of the last operating pearl luggers in Australia, as she takes you on a journey through the rich maritime history of Australia’s Northwest. This 67-foot gaffrigged schooner is a faithful reproduction of the traditional early 1900s pearl luggers that once dominated the Kimberley coast.

Built in Fremantle in 1985, Willie was crafted with immense care and authenticity. Originally intended for fishing the Pinctada maxima mother-of-pearl shell, changes to pearling licenses meant she didn't begin her work as a pearl lugger until later in her journey. Instead, Willie quickly carved out a colourful and adventurous career spanning over three decades.

From her early days as a commercial fishing vessel to leading scientific expeditions for National Geographic — including a 1991 feature exploring northern Western Australia

— Willie has explored some of the most remote and untouched parts of the Kimberley coast. She’s hunted for shipwrecks, visited significant cultural sites, and later transitioned into a surf charter vessel cruising the famed breaks of Indonesia.

In the late 1990s, Willie began her iconic sunset cruises along Broome’s Cable Beach, her elegant silhouette becoming synonymous with the golden glow of the Indian Ocean sunset. She briefly returned to her roots in 2011, fishing for mother-of-pearl and fulfilling her original purpose — outlasting many of her predecessors.

After an adventurous spell in Southeast Asia and a full refit during her time as a private leisure vessel, Willie was lovingly restored to her former glory. In 2019, she returned home to Broome, with her sails once again catching the breezes of Cable Beach.

Now operated by Willie Pearl Lugger

Cruises, she offers visitors and locals alike the rare chance to experience traditional gaff-rig sailing, with all sails heaved up manually, just as our forefathers did. Relax on board with comfortable seating, enjoy complimentary canapés, take a refreshing dip in the boom net, and make the most of the open deck bar, where chilled beverages are available for purchase—all while soaking in the majestic Broome sunset.

With a knowledgeable and welcoming crew, Willie offers more than just a cruise — it’s a step back in time. Expect an unforgettable sailing experience filled with history, adventure, and spectacular scenery.

Willie sails daily between April and August in Broome. During the summer months, she slips away to the stunning waters around Rottnest Island.

Book online at visitbroome.com.au/members/ willie-cruises

Join us for an afternoon cruising the calm blue waters off Cable Beach aboard Australia’s last operating pearl lugger. Learn about Broome’s rich pearling history and enjoy a unique afternoon of fun and relaxation sailing aboard Willie, a genuine Broome icon.