SSJG Heritage Centre Broome
SSJG Heritage Centre Broome
SSJG Heritage Centre Broome
4.8
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
About
The AWARD WINNING BROOME HERITAGE CENTRE’S Relationships Exhibition, Heritage listed ‘Old Convent’ building and Garden of Healing offers a unique window into the Kimberley’s pioneering past and the relationships between its Asian, Aboriginal and European people. View the significant Kimberley photographic collection displayed in one of Broome’s remaining few Japanese ‘Shinkabe’ buildings, visit the original foundation site where the Sisters lived in 1908 and wander the paths into tranquil garden-rooms to see native fruit trees and listen to narratives on the audio stations.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.8
131 reviews
Excellent
111
Very good
19
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kelly1010
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
June 2021 • Friends
This tour is a MUST when in Broome Broome and . We absolutely loved our visit to Sisters of St. John of God.
Such a rich story about women who contributed so much to the area.
Brought to life by our guides who were a wealth of knowledge ,warm, engaging, articulate, thoughtful, entertaining and humorous . I especially enjoyed the way the tour was very interactive with the guests. Highly recommend the tour and then time taken for the interactive displays and information. When the tour concluded there was the opportunity to spend time in the Garden of Healing , view the exhibitions, photograph's and galleries and the offer of a cup of tea or coffee was lovely as the sisters have aways been known for their hospitality.
Thank-you to our guides Sarah and Helen Mary for opening our eyes to such wonderful women and history .We just loved our visit."
Such a rich story about women who contributed so much to the area.
Brought to life by our guides who were a wealth of knowledge ,warm, engaging, articulate, thoughtful, entertaining and humorous . I especially enjoyed the way the tour was very interactive with the guests. Highly recommend the tour and then time taken for the interactive displays and information. When the tour concluded there was the opportunity to spend time in the Garden of Healing , view the exhibitions, photograph's and galleries and the offer of a cup of tea or coffee was lovely as the sisters have aways been known for their hospitality.
Thank-you to our guides Sarah and Helen Mary for opening our eyes to such wonderful women and history .We just loved our visit."
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Kelly1010,
A MUST-DO in Broome and a five star rating of the Heritage Centre Broome’s brand new ‘Extraordinary Ordinary’ Guided Tour. Wow!
Thank you for mentioning the interactivity and group participation in the Guided Tours. Getting into historical and big characters such as Sr Antonio O’Brien and Captain Ancell Gregory provides cheer and some levity to the occasionally thought provoking narratives.
We are thrilled you loved your visit and reach out to you with a warm ‘Thank You’ for sharing your experience.
Written 29 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim H
Sydney, Australia56 contributions
May 2022
Comprehensive exhibition, mainly photos and documents, that explained the history of Catholic Sisters in education and medical assistance in the Dampier Peninsula. Sheds much light on many topics. Well worth visiting. Helpful staff. Garden also worth seeing.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tim88888888,
Were you able to listen to the recently upgraded (re-created) garden treasure narratives? Perhaps the Leprosarium’s Classical Orchestra 1944 or the School Inspector at Beagle Bay in 1910?
Thank you for including a visit to the Heritage Centre Broome in your itinerary and for your warm comments.
Written 12 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie Louise C
Broome, Australia691 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
A warm welcome is always offered to visitors at the Heritage Centre & we were on this occasion ably led by Helen & her little flag, a special guided tour was a part of this years Shinju Matsuri program. Helen highlighted the dedication of the Irish nuns to this region & it's indigenous inhabitants. Their many & varied duties included education, gardening & doctoring at times, all of these tasks carried out in harsh & spartan conditions without complaint. The Relationships exhibition is housed in the old Convent on Barker Street with convenient parking, shady gardens & a welcome cup of tea on the verandah. Historical records are archived and the pictorial exhibition is changed regularly. There are many other exhibits on display & volunteers on hand to help. Well worth a visit to delve into the rich history of Broome & the Kimberley and all donations gratefully received. A little gift shop provides some souvenirs, books & videos, I particularly like "Sisters, Pearls & Mission Girls"
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks Julie.
What would we do without local support?
Your generous comments meant much to the Sisters, volunteers and staff.
Given the popularity of our Shinju Matsuri tour 'Free Women on a Savage Frontier' we do now provide bespoke tours upon request throughout the year for groups.
Written 19 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul
Ubud, Indonesia1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
A fascinating story, well told with excellent photos, models and narrative. The curator and archivist, Helen, was warm, engaging and knowledgeable. A stand out was the history of the ‘leprosarium’ and the orchestra. The period building has integrity and character. It was wonderful to follow in the footsteps of our sons who visited with their schools in 2012 and 2019.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear PJSNoono,
Agreed…the story of the Derby Leprosarium, Bungarun, is one of hope, resilience and gratefulness, all attributes the Sisters brought to their work and to their relationships. That people can now experience this story at the WA Museum, Boola Bardip, gives it the attention that is has not had before.
Did we have the latest tiny model installed when you visited? It was around the time of the Tiny Oz documentary on the ABC and is the third BIG story told through miniature now on display at the Heritage Centre Broome.
Thank you again for taking the time to post your thoughts. We are so delighted that you did follow in your son’s footsteps!
Written 1 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IBenevolentDictatorI
Perth393 contributions
July 2020
If you've travelled to Broome with your kids for the school holidays, why not attempt to show them how very fortunate they are - and the joy one can find in helping others.
The centre has lots of fabulous photos to keep everyone interested. Also, the staff are lovely and ready to answer any questions.
I enjoyed reading the available material and looking at the fabulous photos.
I would love to have purchased a book containing the stories of the sisters and the majority of the photos displayed.
The centre has lots of fabulous photos to keep everyone interested. Also, the staff are lovely and ready to answer any questions.
I enjoyed reading the available material and looking at the fabulous photos.
I would love to have purchased a book containing the stories of the sisters and the majority of the photos displayed.
Written 14 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you IBenevolent !
Agreed! A history of the Kimberley Sisters is high on the Heritage Centre wish list if for no other reason than to serve as an inspiration for young, middle and older women. (Sr Antonio O’Brian from County Clare, Ireland was 51 years old when she led a group of Sisters to the Kimberley).
What we do have though is a book containing two essays written by author Pat Jacobs and converted to a narrative by the Heritage Centre. One of the titles boasts “Free Women on a Savage Frontier“ and is a great read. Both are available in the one book in the Old Convent Gift Shop
Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts and suggestions.
Written 14 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BabyboomerWA
Dunsborough, Australia239 contributions
July 2020
The Heritage Centre in the Japanese built old Convent in Broome has been expanded and upgraded since our last visit. Looking very professional and a definite must see for Broome visitors. A great window into the past giving us a good view of some incredible pioneering women and their relationship with the Kimberley and the many different cultures of the region's communities.
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear BabyboomerWA,
The Old Girl is almost 100 ! The Old Convent was built in 1926 by Hori Gorokichi, the shipbuilder and carpenter who worked for the pearling master Captain Ancell Gregory, and both firm friends of the Sisters. She is one of only three remaining buildings in Broome featuring the exposed framing of the traditional Japanese carpentry method of ‘shinkabe’. One other is Daniel McDaniel’s house and the remaining one is Captain Gregory’s house (1911), adjacent to Matso’s Broome Brewery and currently housing Gallery Sobrane.
The garden has had a makeover with three outdoor listening stations, one of which even has an original recording of the Bungarun Leprosarium Orchestra of 1944.
Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts. It is much appreciated by the Sisters, volunteers and staff of the Heritage Centre Broome.
Written 15 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Coral M
Fairlie, New Zealand110 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
Well what can you say about this amazing display so worth while visiting so clean and well organised photos and information is superb gardens lovely obviously a well loved place. Staff very friendly nearly didn’t visit as it wasn’t on wiki camps so wasn’t aware of it.
Written 31 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Coral M,
We are so pleased that you noticed!
Meticulous attention to detail (and 'spotlessness') is a value that is integral to the organisational culture of the Sisters and one that it is impossible to resist enjoying. It is a value we insist on maintaining.
Thank you for mentioning Wiki Camps.
Written 9 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jemr72
Perth, Australia9 contributions
July 2018 • Family
What an amazing Heritage Centre. I highly recommend to visit for a $5 donation. What an amazing job done by Sister Pat. Well organised displays/photos of the history in the Kimberleys. As my family history is from Derby I found the database was exceptional to use to find photos of family. A wonderful exhibition. A must see!! Thank you to all who contribute to keep this running, especially Sister Pat.
Written 28 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jemr72,
People looking for family history is the Heritage Centre's core business and our 'reason for being,' so thank you for highlighting your own family and local history, Jemr72. The image archive consists (on the public database) of approximately 60,000 photos, too many of which have no metadata so are in effect, unsearchable by prospective family. We would be very grateful if you would tell all your family and friends to come in to help identify those otherwise unknown people; many people would gain great joy from this.
Written 9 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob W
43 contributions
June 2018 • Couples
Great morning going through this iconic piece of Broome's history. Also Maxine was delightful in giving us an insight to the history. Recommend.
Written 3 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Rob,
Thank you for your 5/5 review !
Having Maxine's experiences to complement the displays, oral histories and photographs was a real bonus for the Saturday visitors. Did you help yourself to a cup of tea and a biscuit on the verandah or in the garden? We hope so !
Written 29 June 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joyce G
Raymond, MN106 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
It was a very hot, humid April day, but inside the Heritage Center it was either air-conditioned or cool because the rooms had been closed up. A volunteer -- Aggie -- told us her story and her connection with the nuns, pointed out pics of herself and her of her husband (when he was a youth) on the walls and was happy to answer all our questions. She was present -- without hovering -- giving us space and time to read what we wanted. There are a number of computers in the Centre that you can click on and learn more about different areas of the work of the nuns in greater depth. There were refreshments available when you finished, if you wanted. There was a free-will donation box at the entry which we choose to put some money into before we left (you have to backtrack through the exhibit to exit, so this was easy to do). The movie that introduces you to the first nuns who arrived is about 5 minutes and gives a great introduction! It's hard to imagine those first nuns arriving in their habits (black) and managing in the heat and humidity of the region. Highly recommend this Centre for the history -- and the hospitality!
There is a small gift shop at the end of the exhibits.
There is a small gift shop at the end of the exhibits.
Written 26 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Joyce G,
Thank you for posting about your experience at the Heritage Centre Broome. What a treat having Aggie give you a tour!
No stranger to TripAdviser reviews, we thought it appropriate to mention your post on the Heritage Centre Facebook page; the darling of her children and grandchildren, perhaps you might like to share in their delight by clicking the link to the Facebook post? http://bit.ly/2w7acjE
And yes, old fashioned Sister's hospitality has gone digital with free wifi as well as the traditional cup of tea and biscuit. Thank you again for visiting our social history museum. It means so much to the volunteers to have such terrific feedback.
Written 3 May 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Administration B
Broome, Australia
Dear Sightseer,
We are currently closed for our annual re-curation and maintenance, re-opening on Feb 5 at what will be a lovely twilight event.
During our open season our regular opening time does not include Sundays, however we have taken group bookings for an hour or two on occasions.
Written 2 December 2018
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