Western Australia Tourism & Accommodation Guide

Derby - The Gateway to the Gibb River Road

Situated on the edge of King Sound, only a short cruise away from the magnificent islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, Derby is ideally located for exploration of the West Kimberley.

No visit to Derby is complete without driving out to the jetty on the edge of King Sound - go twice to see low and high tide contrasts, and to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Sound.

Fishing is a popular past time at the jetty, where shark, north west salmon, golden grunter, silver cobbler and the occasional barramundi are caught. The large brown mud crab is a particular delicacy. Charter boats and tours are available to take the keen fishermen up the local creeks and further into King Sound on mud crabbing and fishing tours.

Derby is only a short cruise away from the magnificent Buccaneer Archipelago where you'll see the amazing tidal feature - the Horizontal Waterfall - and find a paradise of deserted islands just waiting for discovery.

Scenic flights with a choice of short stop overs at Cape Leveque, Mt Hart Station, Bell Gorge or Windjana Gorge give an aerial view of the captivating scenery of the Buccaneer Archipelago, Walcott Inlet the Prince Regent River,
Mt Trafalgar and as far as Mitchell Falls.

The Gorges of the Gibb River are special features of most tours. Early in the season April/May the waterfalls are usually at their best.

Hire a fully equipped 4WD in the town and trek up the legendary Gibb River Road to some of the Kimberley's best scenic and camping destinations.

Travel via the unsealed Windjana Way past the Devonian Reef National parks of Windjana Gorge.

Derby offers a selection of meals from a la carte to takeaway from a variety of outlets. Dine in airconditioned comfort or al fresco and enjoy local seafood delicacies or a more traditional menu.

Derby is only two hours from Broome (221km) and 2.5 hours from Fitzroy Crossing (256km).

Information from the Derby Tourist Bureau
Derby was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley and is known as the home of the Boab tree. These trees give a distinctive character to its streets.

In the early days Derby serviced the fledgling pastoral industry of the interior and pearl shell industry of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Its prosperity depended on the economic fluctuations of the mining and pastoral industries of its hinterland.

Today it is a regional administrative and supply centre with 5,000 permanent residents. With its friendly, easy going outback character it has become a popular stopover for visitors heading to the outback regions of the West Kimberley along the Gibb River Road. A variety of accommodation, shops and restaurants make for a pleasant stay.

Located at the base of the King Sound, Derby has the unique distinction of having the highest tides in Australia, peaking at over 11 metres. Crabbing trips and ocean safaris into the Buccaneer Archipelago depart from the unique Derby jetty.

Derby's history includes the story of the Aboriginal outlaw Jandamarra, also known as Pigeon.. He lead a resistance group against the encroachment on tribal lands by Europeans. He was finally tracked down and killed near Tunnel Creek in 1897. The famous Prison Boab Tree still stands on the outskirts of town as a reflection of this time. Aboriginal prisoners were chained here on route to the Derby Lockup (historic site).

Other town attractions include Wharfinger's House Museum, Botanical Gardens, Royal Flying Doctor Base and School of the Air. Aboriginal art design is on show at a gallery and Aboriginal enterprise in the town.

Derby is the main access to the gorge country of the Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge National Park and Tunnel Creek, as well as the Buccaneer Archipelago, and offers a variety of air, land and sea tours.

The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
This north west coastal town was originally created as the supply centre for the prosperous cattle industry and as a deep water port to export cattle to the south and overseas markets.
Today the cattle are moved by road train. The port ceased operations in 1965 as new industries sprung up.

Oil has been found at nearby Blina, diamonds have been found in the area, and a black marble deposit is being worked.
For those attempting to tackle this route (the Gibb River Road) it is essential to check with local authorities on road conditions as not only is it extremely rough in sections but subject to flooding. Those that venture on the track will be rewarded with magnificent scenery, colourful bird life, native flora and fauna for their trouble.

Local tour operators visit Windjanna Gorge and Tunnel Creek as well as conducting a two-hour town tour, there is much, much more to see and do in and around Derby.

Popular tourist attractions include Wharfingers House Museum, Royal Flying Doctor Base, Kimberley School of the Air, the Art Gallery and Botanic Garden. There are three scenic charter air operators to choose from. A helicopter service, three ocean charter companies along with four land based safari style services.

For those choosing to fly over the region, the options are many and varied. The most spectacular of these options is without doubt the “horizontal waterfall” where at high tide 11 metres of water rushes through a narrow neck of land into Talbot Bay and at low tide goes into reverse. The force of the tidal flow is so powerful that, despite its remote location, there have been many surveys done to assess the possibility of harnessing it for electricity production.

From Derby north is crocodile territory. There are two species – freshwater and saltwater. Though “freshies” are reputed to be harmless and “salties” dangerous and aggressive, don’t trust either and always heed notices and warnings, no matter how placid and tempting the water may look. Remember, the “croc” is in his own domain. Don’t underestimate his speed over land.

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