Broome - Java Submarine Telegraph Cable

The first submarine cable to Australia was laid in 1872 from Banjoewangie (at the Eastern end of the island of Java) to Port Darwin where it connected with the overland telegraph to Adelaide. A second cable following the same route was laid in 1880.

Due to frequent breaks from volcanic activity, it was decided to lay a third cable from Banjoewangie to Broome and connect with the Western Australian telegraph to Perth and then via the East West Telegraph to Adelaide.

The 1,650km cable from Banjoewangie to Broome was laid for the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company. Cable laying was contracted to the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company, using the SS Seine.

The supervising Engineers were Clarke, Forde and Taylor. The operation took ten days and the cable came ashore on the 26th February 1889, hence the name Cable Beach.

Broome Cable/Court House, HEM Plaque on small pillar to right of Court House
Source: Wikipedia User:Bahnfrend

HEM Plaque
Source: Mike Taylor

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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	15 September 2006
Heritage Significance	The planning and execution of the contract to manufacture, transport to Java and lay a 890 nautical mile submarine cable from Banjoewangie to Broome in a little more than eight months was a remarkable achievement. The design, prefabrication, transport and erection of the Cable Station (now the Broome Court House) was also a notable technical achievement.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Ceremony Booklet available here. Ceremony Report available here.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	See above.