Derby
Town
Population 3091
It is said that Derby, known as the 'Gateway to the Gorges', is where the real Kimberley region begins. The first town settled in the Kimberley, it features some spectacular natural attractions nearby: the Devonian Reef Gorges of Windjana and Tunnel Creek are only a few hours' drive along the Gibb River Road, and the magnificent islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago are just a short cruise away. Although King Sound was first explored in 1688, it wasn't until the early 1880s that the Port of Derby was established as a landing point for wool shipments and Derby was proclaimed a townsite. The first jetty was built in 1885, the same year that gold was discovered at Halls Creek. Miners and prospectors poured into the port on their way to the goldfields but by the 1890s, as gold fever died, the port was used almost exclusively for the export of live cattle and sheep. In 1951 iron-ore mining began at Cockatoo Island, which revitalised the town. Derby is now a service centre for the region's rich pastoral and mining industries. Rain closes some roads in the area from November to March, so check conditions before setting out on any excursion.
Visitor Information
2 Clarendon St; (08) 9191 1426 or 1800 621 426
Nearby national parks
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Windjana Gorge National Park
Windjana Gorge National Park, in the Kimberley’s Napier Range, is renowned for its dramatic scenery and geological significance. The...more -
Tunnel Creek National Park
Tunnel Creek National Park, in the Kimberley’s Napier Range, is home to Western Australia’s oldest cave system. Like Windjana...more -
Geikie Gorge National Park
Set in the far north of the Kimberley, the focus of this national park is the spectacular 30-metre-deep Geikie Gorge, with its colourful...more
Nearby towns
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Broome - Introduction
Broome is distinguished by its pearling history, cosmopolitan character and startling natural assets including white sandy beaches,...more -
Fitzroy Crossing
Fitzroy Crossing is in the heart of the Kimberley region. As its name suggests, the original townsite was chosen as the best place to ford...more
In Town
Old Derby Gaol: built in 1906, this is the oldest building in town; Loch St. Wharfinger House Museum: built in the 1920s for the local harbourmaster, the design is typical of the tropics. Now houses an extensive collection of historical memorabilia and Aboriginal artefacts. Key from visitor centre; Loch St. Derby Jetty: some of the highest tides in Australia, up to 12 m, can be seen from the jetty. Now used to export ore from various local mines.
Nearby
Windjana Gorge National Park A 350-million-year-old Devonian reef rises majestically above the surrounding plains. An easy walking trail winds through the gorge, taking in primeval life forms fossilised within the gorge walls. 145 km E.
Tunnel Creek National Park Wear sandshoes, carry a torch and be prepared to get wet as you explore the 750 m long cave that runs through the Napier Range. Nearby Pigeon's Cave was the hideout of an 1890s Aboriginal outlaw, Jandamarra, also known as 'Pigeon'. Contact visitor centre for tour details. 184 km E.Prison tree: 1000-year-old boab tree formerly used as a prison; 7 km S. Myall's Bore: beside the bore stands a 120 m long cattle trough reputed to be the longest in the Southern Hemisphere; 7 km S. Gorges: Lennard Gorge (190 km E), Bell Gorge (214 km E), Manning Gorge (306 km E), Barnett River Gorge (340 km NE) and Sir John Gorge (350 km E); 4WD access only. Mitchell Plateau: highlights include the Wandjina rock art and spectacular Mitchell Falls, King Edward River and Surveyor's Pool. In this remote region, visitors must be entirely self-sufficient; via Gibb River Rd and Kalumburu Rd; 580 km NE. Scenic flights can also be arranged from Drysdale River Station and Kununurra. Pigeon Heritage Trail: follow the story of the Aboriginal outlaw Jandamarra, nicknamed Pigeon, and his people, the Bunuba; contact visitor centre for map. Gibb River Rd: 4WD road between Derby and Wyndham traverses some of the most spectacular gorge country of the Kimberley; contact visitor centre for guidebook and current road conditions. Buccaneer Archipelago: in Derby you can arrange a scenic flight or cruise around this archipelago which begins north of King Sound; see Broome.
Fishing spots near town
Broome 164 km
While pearling in Broome is pushed for its tourism merits, the serious attraction at Broome, at least for anglers, is its fishing. The city sits on Roebuck Bay and has become the hub in the wheel of angler tourism in... Find out moreEco Beach - Fishing Sub-region 200 km
Cyclone Rosita wiped out Eco Beach resort, about 130 km south of Broome, several years ago. It reopened for business in 2009. I fished here before the cyclone with guides Dan O’Sullivan and Greg... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Indigenous tours - Dampier Peninsula 126 km
Swan Point Tag-Along Tours offers half-day tours departing from Kooljaman through spectacular scenic areas off-limits to the general public. The guides provide information about plants, animals and local history, and... Find out moreBirdwatching around Broome 165 km
Dedicated to the conservation of migratory shorebirds, the Broome Bird Observatory receives visits from an estimated 150 000 birds each year and is one of the best spots in the world to see some of these well-travelled... Find out moreIndigenous tour - Mimbi Cave 227 km
An hour from Fitzroy Crossing you can take a three-hour guided tour with the traditional owners of Mimbi Cave. You will see fossils of ancient creatures and rock art on this recently developed tourism venture. Bookings... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Derby is known as the home of the barramundi, so you can be sure this fishy favourite features on the menu at the Oasis Bistro. Situated in the King Sound Resort Hotel, it’s conveniently located close to the town... Find out more
Much like its namesake in Broome, fresh seafood is served with spectacular ocean views. Situated on the edge of the King Sound, the specialty here is the Barra Wings, which is an unusual cut from local barramundi. There... Find out more
Nearby breweries
Matso's Broome Brewery 165 km
They’ve been brewing at Matso’s since 1997, but the plant has been substantially upgraded in recent times and now includes a bottling line. And while it might qualify as the country’s most farflung... Find out moreCampsites around town
Birdwood Downs Station 15 km
Birdwood Downs Station is north of the Gibb River Rd, 17.6 km east of Derby. The camping area is situated in a nature park setting near the homestead, and is frequented by numerous birds and wildlife. You need to bring a... Find out moreLa Djardarr Bay Community camping area 70 km
With basic facilities for campers who enjoy a bit of solitude and fishing, La Djardarr Bay Community camping area is 42 km east of the Broome–Cape Leveque Rd. The small camping area is under the shade of some gum... Find out moreKooljaman camping area 126 km
Kooljaman camping area at Cape Leveque is a multi award-winning Aboriginal-owned wilderness camp, 208 km north of Broome. A beautiful remote paradise, it offers visitors a quiet place to get away... Find out moreMiddle Lagoon Natures Hideaway camping area 128 km
This camping area is 32 km west along the Cape Leveque Rd, sited in shady native scrub near the foreshore. It has basic facilities and is a good spot for fishing and swimming or just relaxing on the beach. Bring your own... Find out moreThe Generator Campground 139 km
This camping area has a good range of facilities in the lee of the gorge amongst shady trees. It is 1.2 km off the Fairfield–Leopold Downs Rd, 20 km east of the Gibb River Rd and 35 km west of the access road to... Find out moreQuiet Campground 139 km
You can use a generator in the Quiet campground, and preferably a gas/fuel stove. You’ll find this camping area 1.2 km off Fairfield–Leopold Downs Rd, 20 km east of the Gibb River Rd. There are good... Find out moreMount Hart Homestead 146 km
Mount Hart Homestead camping area is located 189 km east of Derby via Gibb River Road and then 49 km north to the homestead. Visitors to this area will enjoy a true Kimberley experience with a good range of facilities in... Find out moreBarred Creek camping area 158 km
This is a good spot for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a bit of fishing. There are no facilities, so bring firewood or preferably a gas/fuel stove, and drinking water. The camping area is 9.2 km north of Willie Creek... Find out moreQuondong Point camping area 160 km
A good spot for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a bit of fishing, the track to this camping area is 7.6 km north of Barred Creek. You need to come equipped with drinking water and firewood, or preferably a gas/fuel... Find out moreWillie Creek camping area 160 km
Bring in drinking water and a stove (there may be fire bans in place) to this small area on the beach. It is a good spot for boating and fishing for self-sufficient campers, but has no facilities. The camping area is... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Cable Beach Caravan Park 166 km
This is a very large park, two blocks from the beach. Our experience is that the park has a disastrous reservation system. They do not take bookings in busy times, as they know the park will fill. Unfortunately, this... Find out moreBroome Vacation Village 168 km
This park is located between the town centre and the port, and is near the golf club. Bookings are required in peak periods. The park will take reservations for ensuite sites but not for normal powered sites.... Find out moreBarn Hill Beachside Station Stay 206 km
Located 95 km south of Roebuck Plains Roadhouse and facing the sea, this park has become very popular with anglers and dog owners. It has some special features including a lawn bowling green. There is limited power to... Find out moreFitzroy River Lodge and Caravan Park 229 km
The Fitzroy River Lodge is a quality accommodation complex that includes a comfortable caravan park. The park has very good amenities and a tennis court, and is a convenient overnight stop or base from which to explore... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Conveniently located in the centre of town and close to amenities, the Jila Gallery Apartment is contemporary in style. The two-bedroom apartment is fully self-contained and includes barbecue facilities. Pets are... Find out more
Surrounded by peaceful bush, the Kimberley Cottages offer two- or three-bedroom accommodation. The air-conditioned cottages are fully self-contained and comfortably appointed. There are also conference facilities for 20... Find out more
Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park
Within easy walking distance of the town and jetty, the Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park offers shady bays. There are powered and unpowered sites available, three ablution blocks, an undercover barbecue area and a shop.... Find out moreIn the town centre, the King Sound Resort offers hotel-style accommodation and all the rooms have ensuites. Within the resort is a bistro, cocktail bar, beer garden and a pool surrounded by tropical plants. The resort is... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque 126 km
Aboriginal owned, this resort sits in a sensational spot on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, 220 kilometres from Broome. It offers accommodation from beach shelters with sand floors, to comfortable safari tents with... Find out moreRest areas around town
Nillbubbica Rest Area 66 km
72 km E of Roebuck (L) or 60 km W of Willare (R) Large secluded area surrounded by scrub just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S17 39.358 E123 08.039... Find out moreBoab Rest Area 85 km
76 km E of Willare Bridge (L) or 156 km NW of Fitzroy Crossing (R) Small area just off the highway around a very large boab tree. Limited shade. GPS: S17 49.462 E124 14.015... Find out moreEllendale Rest Area 146 km
145 km E of Willare Bridge (R) or 87 km W of Fitzroy Crossing (L) Large area just off the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Limited shade. GPS: S17 57.672 E124 50.138 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Market: Clarendon St; each Sat May–Sept.
King Tide Day: festival celebrating highest tide in Australia; Apr/May.
Moonrise Rock Festival: June.
Derby Races: June/July.
Mowanjum Festival: indigenous art and culture; July.
Boab Festival: Mardi Gras, mud football, mud crab races and bush poets; July.
Derby Rodeo: Aug.
Boxing Day Sports: Dec.
