Welcome

The town of Derby is the oldest established town in the Kimberley, located at the base of King Sound. It experiences the highest tides in Australia. As the first port established in the Kimberley (1883) it was a service point for the fledging pastoral and pearling industries and the Hall’s Creek gold rush.

With wide streets and avenues of boab trees, it’s huge tidal range, the town is surrounded by mudflats, the legacy of its location adjacent to the mighty Fitzroy River. Derby’s setting is unique in Western Australia.

Only a few hours away along the Gibb River Road is some of the Kimberley’s most intriguing Gorge country. The fascinating Devonian Reef Gorges of Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek and further into the King Leopold Ranges, Bell Gorge, Dimond and Sir John Gorges invite exploration.

Derby is the closest point to and only a short flight or cruise from the magnificent islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, with it’s amazing natural attraction, the Horizontal Waterfalls.

The longest river in the Kimberley, the Fitzroy is a half hour’s drive south of the town and popular with those desiring to catch a Kimberley barramundi.

The Aboriginal cultural heritage of Derby gives it a special feel. With five different Aboriginal language groups, Derby has a vibrant cultural heritage expressed at the Mowanjum Art Centre, Jila Gallery & Ngunga Designs and explored along the Joon Joo Botanical Trail.

With the highest tides in Australia, up to 12m, a visit to Derby is not complete without seeing high and low tide at the Jetty. Watching the sunset or fishing off the jetty as the tide comes in is a very relaxing holiday experience. The mangroves attract specialist bird species and the town boasts a bird list of some 210 species including migratory waders. Those interested in the natural environment can enjoy exploring the created wetlands adjacent the town and the surrounding natural bush land.

Throughout it’s history Derby has been a provisioning point for pastoralists, explorers, miners and travelers. Today is no exception. In Derby you can find medical services, a variety of dining experience, accommodation, provisioning stores, fair prices and friendly service.

Whether you spend a day or two in Derby, or take a few more to absorb the Kimberley atmosphere, Derby is a special holiday experience.