Derby and the Buccaneer Archipelago

Situated on the King George Sound, 220 kilometres northeast of Broome, Derby in Western Australia (WA) was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley.

Its wide streets, lined with boab trees, were originally built to allow a mule or camel team to turn easily. Follow the Derby Pastoral Trail to the Derby Wharf, or visit the Wharfinger House Museum, Pioneer Cemetery and the Old Derby Gaol for a taste of pioneering history.

Long before the early settlers, Derby in WA was home to several Indigenous groups. Their vibrant cultural heritage can be explored at the Mowanjum Art Centre, Ngunga Designs and the ancient Boab Prison Tree, or along the Joonjoo Botanical Trail and Pigeon Heritage Trail.

Highest tides

A visit to Derby in WA is not complete without seeing high and low tides at the Derby Wharf – at up to 12 metres they’re the highest in the southern hemisphere. The outlying mangroves attract over 210 bird species including migratory waders, and you can explore the surrounding natural bush land.

Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls

Derby in WA is the closest access point to the Buccaneer Archipelago – a group of around 1,000 beautifully rugged islands. Take a 30 minute light aircraft flight or join a boat cruise and explore their secluded beaches, lush rainforests, the South Sea Pearl farms and fringing mangroves surrounded by turquoise water.

Huge tides in the Buccaneer Archipelago create the amazing phenomenon known as the Horizontal Falls - caused by huge tidal movements forcing masses of seawater through a narrow gap in the high cliff walls. Search for tours from Derby.

Your gateway to outback adventure

Derby is also the western gateway to your outback adventure along the Gibb River Road. Just a few hours in a four-wheel drive will bring you to the stunning Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, wilderness retreats, station stays and waterways where you can try Barramundi fishing.

For more information about Derby in WA and the Buccaneer Archipelago, including tours and accommodation, contact Derby Visitor Centre.