Derby, Western Australia

Derby, Western Australia Derby is located two hours north of Broome in Western Australia's North West. With its friendly, easygoing outback character, it has become a popular stopover for visitors heading into the gorge country of the vast north.

Derby was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley and is the main access point to Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek and the small islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. The warm winters and hot humid summers provide perfect conditions for watching the highest tides in Australia, peaking at over 11 metres.

The streets have a distinctive character as Derby is the home to the boab tree. In the early days, Derby serviced the fledgling pastoral industry of the interior and the pearl shell industry of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Today it is a regional administrative and supply centre with approximately 5,000 permanent residents. A variety of accommodation, shops and restaurants make for a pleasant stay.

Derby offers a variety of air, land and sea experiences. Crabbing trips and sea safaris into the Buccaneer Archipelago depart from the unique Derby jetty. Saltwater crocodiles can often be seen from the vantage point of the jetty.

Derby's history includes the story of the Aboriginal outlaw Jandamarra, also known as Pigeon. He led a resistance group against the European encroachment on tribal lands. He was eventually 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 enroute to the Derby Lockup.

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

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Buccaneer Archipelago

The Buccaneer Archipelago is a stunningly rugged area off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, consisting of up to 1,000 islands. The scenery is spectacular with white sandy beaches, patches of rainforest, mangrove estuaries, cliffs, indigenous rock art and hidden reefs. more

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Known as the Gateway to the Gorges, Derby sits on the edge of King Sound with the vastness of the Kimberley at its doorstep. It's a perfect place to stock up on provisions and take in the local sights - such as a boab tree once used as a prison.

Experiences/Activities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander:
Adventure:
Caravan and Camping:
Cruise:
Educational Tourism:
Farm Stay:
Fishing:
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Industry/Mining/Agriculture:
Island:
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Outback:
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Birdwatching:
Bushwalking:
Caravan and Camping:
Crabbing:
Cruising:
Cycling:
Farm/Station:
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Fishing - Estuary:
Fishing - Fly:
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Horseriding:
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Meditating:
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Scenic Flights:
Self-Guided:
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Derby, Western Australia

Articles

Buccaneer Archipelago

Prepare for adventure

Experiences/Activities

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Australia's North West Weather

Derby is located two hours north of Broome in Western Australia's North West. With its friendly, easygoing outback character, it has become a popular stopover for visitors heading into the gorge country of the vast north. Derby was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley and is the main access point to Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek and the small islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. The warm winters and hot humid summers provide perfect conditions for watching the highest tides in Australia, peaking at over 11 metres. The streets have a distinctive character as Derby is the home to the boab tree. In the early days, Derby serviced the fledgling pastoral industry of the interior and the pearl shell industry of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Today it is a regional administrative and supply centre with approximately 5,000 permanent residents. A variety of accommodation, shops and restaurants make for a pleasant stay. Derby offers a variety of air, land and sea experiences. Crabbing trips and sea safaris into the Buccaneer Archipelago depart from the unique Derby jetty. Saltwater crocodiles can often be seen from the vantage point of the jetty. Derby's history includes the story of the Aboriginal outlaw Jandamarra, also known as Pigeon. He led a resistance group against the European encroachment on tribal lands. He was eventually 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 enroute to the Derby Lockup. Other town attractions include Wharfinger's House Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Royal Flying Doctor Base and School of the Air. Aboriginal art and design is on show at a gallery in the town.
Articles Buccaneer Archipelago The Buccaneer Archipelago is a stunningly rugged area off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, consisting of up to 1,000 islands. The scenery is spectacular with white sandy beaches, patches of rainforest, mangrove estuaries, cliffs, indigenous rock art and hidden reefs. more Prepare for adventure Known as the Gateway to the Gorges, Derby sits on the edge of King Sound with the vastness of the Kimberley at its doorstep. It's a perfect place to stock up on provisions and take in the local sights - such as a boab tree once used as a prison.
Experiences/Activities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: Adventure: Caravan and Camping: Cruise: Educational Tourism: Farm Stay: Fishing: Flora/Fauna: Historic/Heritage: Industry/Mining/Agriculture: Island: Nature based: Outback: Sport: The Arts: Wildlife: Art and Craft: Birdwatching: Bushwalking: Caravan and Camping: Crabbing: Cruising: Cycling: Farm/Station: Fishing - Deep Sea: Fishing - Estuary: Fishing - Fly: Golfing: Horseriding: Lessons/Tutorials: Meditating: Off Road Driving: Scenic Flights: Self-Guided: Shopping: Swimming: Tennis: