Beagle Bay

Beagle Bay is famous for its historic church, built during the First World War. Ngarlarn Burr or Beagle Bay was developed in the area where the Nyul Nyul people lived. It became the site of a mission for the Aboriginal people dating back to 1890. Beagle Bay is an area of many springs, hence the name Ngarlarn Burr. As the mission grew over the years, it became largely self- sufficient growing cattle, fruit and vegetables and running both a bakery and soft drink factory, supplying the Broome market.

With the handing over of the land to the local people in the1970’s, there has been a transition period in which the local people have further developed their own lifestyle and practices.

Today Beagle Bay caters for the tourist market and functions as a modern Aboriginal community moving forward. There are many things that go to making this community a happy place for family, friends and all visitors. Most weekends will see the extended family going out to family blocks. On their return the venturers bring back to their community several meals of fresh fish, dugong or turtle - all traditional foods.

Beagle Bay is a place which offers its people a beautiful, healthy environment where there is plenty of water and great fishing places. Who could not stop to live in or visit this amazingly colourful and vibrant part of the Kimberley! From its Nyul Nyul beginnings and later evolvement as the site and origin of Catholic education in the Kimberley, to its amazing development to where it stands today- a community and people on the move addressing the challenges of the 21st century. The people of Beagle Bay exude great confidence and positivism, whilst consolidating and enjoying the local practices, leisure pursuits and life learning opportunities. The journey forward is filled with the many wonderful experiences of the journey of those who have gone before, a foundation for the current exciting activities and vision shared by all in this Spirit filled community.