Derby

Along with Broome and Kununurra, Derby is one of only three towns in the Kimberley to have a population over 2,000. Located on King Sound, two hours north of Broome, Derby has the highest tides in the southern hemisphere, with the peak differential between low and high tide reaching 11.8 metres.

Derby is home to several Aboriginal language groups and is rich in First Nations culture. The Mowanjum Festival is held annually (next event is in 2024) at Mowanjum Community in Derby and features a showcase of traditional art. You can experience the unique art and culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunambal people at this special celebration.

The Derby Boab Festival is also a highlight of this area, with the boab lined streets creating an amazing visual on arrival.

It is the main access to the Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek and the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. It is home to the Boab Prison Tree and Mowanjum Art Centre. There are amazing gorges and wilderness retreats within a short 4WD tour of Derby.

Derby has a strong pastoral and cultural history. The Pioneer Cemetery, Wharfinger House Museum (covering the town's aviation history), Old Derby Gaol (the oldest building in Derby) being places to rediscover the history of this town.

SHIRE OF DERBY / WEST KIMBERLEY ROAD CONDITIONS
The Shire of Derby / West Kimberley also provides a road condition report. Please be advised that this advice is only updated when conditions have changed.


Boab trees at sunset
Tourist enjoying Wandjina artworks by Donny Woolagoodja (left) and Pudja Barunga at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, located in Derby
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Art in Derby

Art in Derby

The Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre is a creative hub for the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes, who make up the Mowanjum community outside Derby, Western Australia. These three language groups are united by their belief in the Wandjina as a sacred spiritual force and the creators of the land. They are the custodians of Wandjina law and iconography.

Western Australia's largest traditional Aboriginal performance event

Western Australia's largest traditional Aboriginal performance event

The Mowanjum Festival is an amazing afternoon of workshops, followed by an evening of Junba under the stars.

Where: Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, Gibb River Road, Derby.

Festival-goers will continue to learn about and appreciate the culture of the Ngarinyin, Woddordda and Wunambal peoples. The performance and revival of Junba, traditional song and dance, is significant for our community, ensuring the passing on of knowledge and culture to the next generation.

Derby is the place to go when you wish to travel the Gibb River Road.

Derby is the place to go when you wish to travel the Gibb River Road.

Drive for a few hours to discover wilderness retreats, gorges and national parks, station stays and camping on the Gibb River Road. The first gorge turnoff leads you to Windjana Gorge some 145kms from Derby. Keep driving to Tunnel Creek, Lennard gorge, Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Manning Falls and Mt Barnett.

Derby Prison Boab Tree

Derby Prison Boab Tree

The Derby Boab Prison Tree | Kunumudj is believed to be over 1,500 years old and is located approximately 6-7 kilometres south of Derby on the Derby Highway. It is protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. This place has cultural significance for the Nyikina and Warrwa people, and the tree played a notable role in the early history of Derby and later the region’s pastoral industry. There are also claims the tree was used as a rest point for police and a holding area for prisoners being transported to Derby. Please read the signage at the tree and observe requests to not proceed beyond the fenced area.

Windjana Gorge

Windjana Gorge

Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park is located on the Leopold Downs Road that connects the Great Northern Highway with the Gibb River Road. The turn off is very close to Derby or you can come via Fitzroy Crossing. The walls on both sides of Windjana Gorge are 30 to 100 metres high and the gorge is over 100 metres wide.


A lovely place to stop while you are exploring the Kimberley...


Browse the Derby members below to find out more...

Our members

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

Broome, Derby, Buccaneer Archipelago

As the region’s longest-running Horizontal Falls Tour operators, we know there’s no better way to experience the Kimberley than at close quarters. That’s why we pioneered seaplane tours over this magnificent wilderness.We have our own fleet of…

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Birdwood Downs Station

Birdwood Downs Station

Gibb River Road, Derby

20 km from Derby on the Gibb River Rd. Bush style campground for caravans and campers of all sizes. Cabin accommodation. Caravan Storage. Camp kitchen & BBQs. Cooked meals. Takeaway bbq packs with our own beef.

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Willare Bridge Roadhouse

Willare Bridge Roadhouse

Derby

Willare Bridge Roadhouse is located 100 metres east of Willare Bridge on the Fitzroy River, in the heart of free range beef country. We offer a fully licensed restaurant & bar (for breakfast. lunch and dinner), a beer garden, outdoor pool,…

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Unreel Adventure Safaris

Unreel Adventure Safaris

Derby

Join us aboard MV King Tide for small group coastal wilderness adventures in the untouched Kimberley region. All cruises depart Broome then to/from Derby, the gateway to the magnificent Buccaneer Archipelago. Cruises can be tailored to suite your…

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Dumbara Burru Caravan Park

Dumbara Burru Caravan Park

Derby

The Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation welcomes you to the picturesque Dumbara Burru Caravan Park, inviting you to relax in its tranquil surroundings - your home away from home! Get involved in our community art space or relax and enjoy a BBQ whilst…

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