About Beagle Bay Church
Beagle Bay Church, officially Sacred Heart Church, is a heritage-listed Catholic church in the Aboriginal community of Beagle Bay on the Dampier Peninsula, about 120 km north of Broome, Western Australia. Built in 1918 by Pallottine missionaries with the local Nyul Nyul people, it is renowned for its interior decorated with mother-of-pearl shell, which covers the altar and walls in intricate patterns.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small white timber-framed church with a corrugated iron roof set in the Beagle Bay community. Inside, the altar, columns and walls are extensively inlaid with mother-of-pearl shell creating shimmering patterns. The interior also features shell-decorated Stations of the Cross and simple timber pews. Outside are lawns, palm trees and a small museum and gift shop area. Access is via the community and visits are typically self-guided or as part of a guided tour from Broome.
Key highlights
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Altar and interior extensively decorated with mother-of-pearl shell
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Heritage-listed church built in 1918 by Pallottine brothers and Aboriginal residents
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Example of mission architecture on the Dampier Peninsula
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Shell-inlaid Stations of the Cross and decorative wall panels
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Located in the living Aboriginal community of Beagle Bay