Are you looking for a day getaway? Look no further than Sydney Seaplanes package to indulge in a Shellar door immersion at the Central Coast’s hidden Jem, Broken Bay Pearl Farm.
Established in 2003, Broken Bay Pearl Farm is the only pearl farm on Australia’s East coast to home the rarest, most affluent Akoya pearls. It is in only these waters that these exclusive pearls are found in their natural, radiant form. Contrary to the Akoya pearls found in the waters of Asia, the broken bay gems are naturally coloured and merely pure, absent from any modification by chemical product. What makes them so exquisite is the brilliance of their natural colours. From warm white and cream to yellow, orange, blue, green and pink hues, Broken Bay Akoya pearls are the most organic form of virtuosity.
In an attempt to promote the exclusivity and excellence of Australia’s unique Akoya pearls, Broken Bay joined forces with Cynet Bay Pearls from Broome Australia in 2018. Creating the Shellar door experience was part of a joint vision to gain an appreciation for the unique Australian industry. According to Pearl Farmer at Cynet Bay Pearls James brown, this is just the first step in bringing awareness to Australian pearls, hoping its success “can bring in other Australian farms as well under Pearls of Australia. Imagine South Sea pearls coming from the Kimberley, beautiful Akoya pearls from NSW, and black pearls from Queensland.” This experience is kick-starting the hope for Australia’s East Coast to develop an Akoya pearl market as celebrated as the west coast’s South Sea pearl market, which the Paspaley family has dominated since 1956.
Sydney Seaplanes is offering two packages that give you exclusive access to take in the pristine waters of the Hawkesbury River from above and touch down to explore the newly opened Broken Bay Cellar Door in Mooney Mooney. Think a winery tour but for pearls, this experience invites you into their authentic working pearl farm. First, submerge yourself in the rich knowledge of the story of the Australian pearls and meet the founders to experience their understanding of this unique industry. Then, top the day off with a cruise to tour the farm of locally grown pearl jewellery and discover the secrets of how the process of cultivating such precious gems.
Take your pick from a classic or deluxe cellar door experience.
The classic pearling experience takes you from rose bay to the skies in the late morning to fly above stunning views of the Pittwater and Hawkesbury River converge. Upon touchdown, you will be met with the story of Australian pearls and then get hands-on experience grading and valuing pearls. Guests will then board a group on-water pearl farm tour to explore iconic wildlife that gives life to the pearl ecosystem and witness the workings of farming the Akoya pearls. Upon return, pearl farmers allow you to join in on a harvesting session to explore the virtues that underpin pearl grading. Following the specular day, you will take in the views with a refreshment platter. Finally, return to rose bay with views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera house. At $675 per person, This package includes flights, cellar door experience, group on-water pearl farm tour and a picnic hamper.
For a more intimate and personal experience, upgrade to the deluxe package. For $985 per person, you can indulge in private pearling expertise that includes a take-home priceless souvenir, your choice of pearl from the recent harvest. Then, enjoy the conclusion of the bespoke champagne picnic with views of the island before heading back to home base.
Ready to experience the sublime? Book your pearl farming adventure here.