One Arm Point (Ardyaloon)

The basics

Travelers who want to see how coastal Aboriginal communities live in the Kimberly region of Western Australia should detour to One Arm Point. At the Ardyaloon Hatchery and Aquaculture Centre, you'll learn about the local Bardi-Jawi people’s connection to the ocean and see where stocks of the beautiful trochus niloticus shell are being replenished. You can buy jewelry made from these shells, which only the local people are allowed to collect.

Many people visit One Arm Point independently, but some tours operate from Broome. These tours typically involve Aboriginal guides who introduce visitors to their culture and traditions.

Things to know before you go

• Limited local camping is possible, but otherwise, there’s nowhere to stay. Instead, head to nearby Cape Leveque, Lombadina, or the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.

• Day visitors need a permit from the community office to visit One Arm Point, which includes hatchery entry.

• Swimming and fishing are popular activities here, but the area is home to sharks and crocodiles—check with locals about safe spots.

• Fuel is available in One Arm Point.

How to get there

One Arm Point is on the Dampier Peninsula, 134 miles (217 kilometers) northeast of Broome. The journey takes about three hours, and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended, although the road is now sealed to One Arm Point. Most visitors travel there independently, but some organized tours depart from Broome.

When to get there

The best time to visit One Arm Point is in the dry season, May–October. Although the road between Broome and One Arm Point is sealed so wet-season washouts are less of a concern, some parts may still be inaccessible from November–April. Facilities on the Dampier Peninsula are limited in the wet season, and the conditions are uncomfortable.

Visit the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

If you enjoy the hatchery in One Arm Point, don’t miss the nearby Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. The working pearl farm offers tours, accommodation, a pool, a restaurant serving pearl oyster meat (among other dishes), and opportunities to learn about local pearling. It’s a short drive from One Arm Point.