Beagle Bay - WA

Beagle Bay is one of three Aboriginal communities on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome and an interesting part of Western Australian history.A short 150-kilometre drive along the sealed road to Cape Leveque will deliver sights of the beautiful Beagle Bay Sacred Heart Church with its famous mother-of-pearl shell altar. This is one of the most beautiful churches in Australia.The church was built entirely by hand by local Aboriginal people and the Pallottine monks who started the Catholic mission in the late 1800s. The detailing mother of pearl, cowrie, volute and olive snail shells is gorgeous.The area is home to the Nyul Nyul people who’ve existed in this harsh but pristine coastal environment for thousands of years. The traditional owners have known it as Ngariun Burr which means "surrounded by springs".Beagle Bay has an interesting history. It was named after a boat that was moored at the bay during a brief stay.Once used as a home for Aboriginal children separated from their families, it is now administered by those same children. The monks are still there and are responsible for running the church and school.There is no accommodation available in Beagle Bay but it is a must-stop destination if you visit Broome and the Kimberley.Community Entry fees apply if going into store. Separate entry fee to church.