Broome Tramway

The Broome Tramway was a privately owned, narrow gauge tramway located in Broome, Western Australia. It operated primarily to transport cargo, particularly pearl shell, between the deep-water port of Mangrove Point and the town’s pearling industry hub.

Constructed in the late 19th century and operating until the mid-20th century, the Broome Tramway played a vital role in the early development and economic success of the pearling industry in the region. The tramway significantly reduced the time and effort required to move large quantities of shell and other supplies, supporting the growth of Broome as a major pearling center.

The tramway's infrastructure consisted of narrow gauge tracks, locomotives, and rolling stock designed for carrying goods. It traversed the relatively short distance between the port and the town, navigating sandy terrain.

Over time, the tramway's importance diminished with the advent of improved road transport and the decline of the traditional pearling industry. The tramway eventually ceased operations and its infrastructure was largely dismantled. Few traces of the Broome Tramway remain today, although its historical significance is recognised as a key element in the development of Broome.