A day in Derby

If you're driving from Broome, the 220km drive to Derby will take you through the start of Kimberley cattle country, passing Roebuck Plains Station, Kilto Station and Yeeda Station along the way. You'll also pass drive over the Logue River, and the Fitzroy Delta. If you fancy a refreshment or need fuel along the way, call into the roadhouses at Roebuck or Willare! 

If you're driving from the east, keep an eye out for the turnoff to Derby about 170km from Fitzroy Crossing. 

One of the finest examples of a Kimberley boab tree is found just 6km south of Derby. Measuring over 14m around, this tree is believed to be over 1,500 years old. Also known as Kunumudj, this is is a culturally significant site for the local Nyikina people. 

The interpretative signage provides some insight into the natural environment and heritage attached to the tree, including its Aboriginal heritage, its use as an important staging post in Derby's early pastoral days, and its reputed use as an overnight holding cell for Aboriginal prisoners. 

In the art centre, visitors can view and purchase artworks by custodians of Wandjina law and iconography from the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes. 

The Mowanjum Museum, which opened in 2021, offers an immersive and interactive experience as well as displays of important pieces from the Mowanjum Collection, and the significant Selsmark Collection of dance totems, costumes and musical instruments. 

If you're travelling in July, make time for the Mowanjum Festival on 9 July 2021 for an evening of Aboriginal culture and art. 

When you get to the Visitor Centre on Clarendon Street, there are a few things you'll want to do: 

• Check the tide times - on display beside the old wooden supports from the Jetty
• Get a copy of the Derby & Fitzroy Crossing Visitor Guide, or pick-up The Derby Checklist or Wander out yonder and visit Derby brochures. 
• You'll also find trail guides for the Derby Heritage Trail, Joon Joo Botanical Trail and Pigeon Heritage Trail
• Tap into some local fishing knowledge from the friendly staff
• Pick up some Kimberley souvenirs. 

Though a small town, Derby has a lot of stories to tell. Home to Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years, in the 1600's noted explorers Abel Tasman and William Dampier made their way to the area, followed by Captain P.P. King in 1818. Sixty years later, an expedition by Alexander Forrest led to the arrival of the first pastoralists, and in 1883 Derby became the first gazetted town in the Kimberley.

Derby has served an important role as a port town - for the pastoralists, servicing the Halls Creek Gold Rush, and supporting the iron ore industry. It's not just transport by sea either - Derby was also the destination of Australia's first scheduled air service in 1921!

To discover Derby's heritage, follow the self-guided trails in and around Derby. 

Derby's most recognisable place, the jetty, is popular with both locals and tourists as somewhere to take a stroll, soak up the sunset, cast a line, and watch the tide roll in. 

The first jetty was built in 1894 as a wooden T-shaped jetty, located at the northern end of today's steel and concrete horseshoe-shaped jetty. Wool and pearl shell were the main exports in the early days, carried by horse-drawn tram from the townsite across the marsh. In more modern times, the town has serviced the cattle industry, and lead and zinc concentrate from a mine near Fitzroy Crossing, as well as passenger ships up to 1973. 

The small but fascinating Wharfingers House Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Derby's role in early aviation, the story of the SS Colac, and more. Get the key from the Visitor Centre to access this historical building on Loch Street. 

Across the road on Elder Street, you'll see the old Wool Shed, once part of the original port facilities. Alongside are some old trams which one used to traverse the marsh to the port, part of the Derby Historic Tramway Project. 

The pictured sculpture is called "Contemplation" by Mark Norval, and can be found on the southern side of the marsh just behind the caravan park. Close by you'll find "Outback Football". They will soon be joined by the "Lady of the Moon" and "Kimberley Ringer" sculptures. Kimberley Moon Lady is the biggest of the sculptures and will stand at nearly seven metres high on the northern side of the Derby marsh just around the bend from Wharfingers House.

This art looks particularly beautiful at sunset. 

The Derby Boab Festival, celebrating its 61st year in 2021 is a celebration of the West Kimberley lifestyle and has fun for all the family! Held in the July school holidays each year, this year's calendar of events takes place from July 2-18. Expect a float parade, Mardi Gras, Bush Poets Breakfast, Long Table Dinner and more. 

Enjoy a round of golf at Derby's unique golf course where you can tee off amongst the Boabs - contact the Sportsman's Club for information. If bowling is more your thing on bowling, how about the greens at Derby Bowling Club.

Expect plenty of fun at the 2021 Derby Cup, due to be held on Saturday July 17, and a little bit more unusual, but great fun are the crab races held at the Mary Island Fishing Club - visit on June 12, July 17 and August 14 in 2021! 

The Kimberley Art & Photographic Prizes have been running for 50 years, and celebrate the rich talent pool of Kimberley artists. Visit the exhibition at Derby Airport from July 3-19 2021. Cast your vote in the People's Choice Award, and how about entering the "Snap 'n Send" category for the photographic prize? 

If you'd like to meet the artist behind the sculptures on the marsh, along with other local artists, call into the Norval Gallery on the corner of Sutherland and Stanwell Streets.  

There are some sensational fishing spots in and around Derby. Cast a line at the jetty or head out to some harder to reach spots along the May River, Fitzroy River or The Cuttings. Out on the water, fish around the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, or the creeks flowing into the King Sound. Don't have a boat? Don't worry! You can join a fishing charter departing from Derby. 

Call into the Visitor Centre for advice from the fishing crazy staff! 

There are plenty of options for your breakfast, lunch and dinner in Derby. On Clarendon Street you'll find the Spinifex Hotel, with dining options in the restaurant or bar, as well as Neaps Bistro at the Derby Lodge and the Jila Gallery & Café, and on Rowan Street, Tasty's Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. 

Ask at the Visitor Centre for more options! 

A new addition to Derby in 2021, Lamartij Tours offers the chance join with Edwin Lee Mulligan on an easy journey through Derby, and to gain some insight into the spiritual connection traditional owners have with the land and their resilience to survive. Book with the Visitor Centre!