Keven Foulkes Adventurer, Guide, and Local Legend

For those lucky enough to join Kev on one of his tours, you’ll find Broome's magic revealed in all its glory, one story at a time.

By TORI WILSON

Brimming with wonderful contrasts and layered with history, culture and local characters; Broome is a coastal gem that beckons those who visit to discover its depth.

With pristine aquamarine beaches and rugged pindan earth; an astonishing formative history with modern-day vibrancy; and a pervasive sense of wonder met with relaxed, regional charm — this unique town is best experienced through the eyes of a local with a deep understanding of its stories and secret spots.

Keven Foulkes, a knowledgeable guide and seasoned adventurer, is one with a knack for imparting the true essence of Broome upon visitors. Delivered with charm, wit and captivating personal anecdotes, Kev brings Broome's past and present to life for all who embark upon one of his tours. And as a Broome local, his own story and appreciation for his surroundings adds a layer personal connection to every trip.

Having moved with his family at just three years of age, Kev grew up with Broome as his playground. "My early memories are filled with the vast, open spaces and the unique wildlife that surrounded us.

“I feel I belong here in Broome, having spent most of my life here.”

As a child, Kev was fascinated by the pearl luggers and the Japanese pearl divers who were a common sight around Streeter Jetty. "Pearling was the main industry of Broome," he explains. "We swam around the jetty, played on the mudflats, and dreamed of becoming pearl divers ourselves."

This dream stayed with Kev, who entered the industry as a pearl diver at the age of 20, a role he held for 14 exhilarating, but equally challenging, years.

"On the lugger, there was no toilet, no shower, no air conditioning, no TV, and no refrigeration," he recalls. "The trips lasted about 10 days, and the conditions were far from comfortable.

"I lost a few friends to carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen toxicity, and some were lost at sea and never found," he remembers. "Many divers got the bends, caused by nitrogen bubbles in the blood, and had to undergo in-water recompression at night."

He was lucky to never experience the bends himself; but despite the heavy sacrifices, diving was an unshakable part of Broome culture that was far more to most than a way to make ends meet. "Diving for pearls was more than a job; it was a way to connect with the ocean and understand the town's deep-seated maritime traditions," says Kev.

Born for Adventure

Some who know Kev say he was born with adventure in his blood. His father, Paul Foulkes, was a man of many talents and passions. A concreter by trade and environmental activist in practice, Paul had a remarkable knack for producing botanical drawings.

During his years identifying the plants along the Dampier Peninsular with the West Australian herbarium, he made an astounding discovery.

"He discovered hundreds of dinosaur tracks in the area, some of which were so significant they named a dinosaur after him,” says Kev. “He really found the most significant place to find the largest range and amount dinosaur footprints in the world.”

Paul's discoveries highlighted the unique paleontological and ecological importance of Broome, and his efforts have left an indelible mark on the town. Along with the stretch of local reef and areas known for traditional Aboriginal food gathering, the dinosaur footprint site was one of several significant areas Paul fought to conserve.

"Seeing the areas my dad fought to protect still preserved today is incredibly gratifying," says Kev.

Reflecting on the changes in Broome over the years, Kev notes a transformation from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling town of over 15,000 residents. "Broome was once a small town with a population of around 1,500," he recalls. "Now, it's much larger, but it's heartening to see that the natural areas we cherish remain untouched."

Though the town has naturally evolved since his time as a child, Kev is confident Broome's essence — the weather, culture, and community spirit — has remained intact. "The pearl history that started the town is slowly fading, but the town's unique character endures," he says.

Broome’s Quirky Tales & Wild Adventures

By harnessing his innate understanding of Broome, Kev’s tours — Broome’s Quirky Tales & Wild Adventures — become more than just sightseeing trips; they are immersive journeys into the fabric of the town.

Starting with a pick-up in his vehicle, Kev takes visitors to the lighthouse, where he shares fascinating tales of Broome's unique dinosaur tracks and his personal accounts of their discovery.

The tour continues with a walk to the Cedar Rica tracks at the lighthouse, followed by a drive to Entrance Point, cruising along the cliff top and beach.

Along the journey, Kev's stories bring the scenes of Broome to life. Ranging from pearl diving adventures to close encounters with marine life, he shares insights and tales with a blend of humour and reverence for the town's history. "I talk about everything from jellyfish that put me in the hospital to a close encounter with an eight-foot tiger shark," Kev shares wryly; divulging details of being tangled in a fishing line and dragged by the shark for several minutes before breaking free.

“When I talk about my pearl diving experiences, a lot of people are very surprised at how such a little jellyfish can cause so much injury. One put me hospital for three days.”

An endless fountain of staggering stories, it’s this personal touch and wealth of firsthand experience that make Kev’s tours truly unique.

As he continues to guide visitors through the wonders of Broome, his stories and insights ensure that the town's rich heritage is preserved and celebrated.

"I want visitors to walk away with a deep appreciation for Broome's history and natural beauty," he says. "My tours are about sharing my knowledge and experiences in a way that's engaging and memorable."

Kev’s advice for visitors to Broome is simple. "Take the time to explore and appreciate the unique history and natural wonders of this place. There's so much more to Broome than meets the eye."

To book a Broome’s Quirky Tales & Wild Adventures tour, connect via the Facebook page or call Kev on 0424 245 261.