 Visit Derby West Kimberley WA
Known as the 'Gateway to the Gorges' Derby sits on the edge of King Sound with the vastness of the Kimberley at its doorstep.
This remote regional centre is the perfect place for travellers to stock up on provisions and take in the local sights.
Take a look at the Prison Boab Tree and hear of the tales that have etched it into Kimberley history.
There are also spectacular sunsets which can be enjoyed even more by driving out to the King Sound jetty. Go twice, then you can see the contrast between high and low tide... it has one of the largest tidal shifts in the southern hemisphere.
Inland you will find Fitzroy Crossing... a small township resting on the banks of the powerful Fitzroy River and from here it is only a short drive to Geikie Gorge National Park.
This area is part of an ancient Devonian reef and the steep gorge walls, carved by the river, are yellow, orange and grey.
These walls, like naturally painted murals, form a mirror image in the water as you cruise along the river. Majestic and impressive... the scenery is quite breathtaking.
Keep your eyes open and camera ready whenever you are in the Kimberley... the sunsets are like picture postcards.
Wide skies and a unique landscape combine to produce stunning silhouettes, like that made by the unusually shaped Boab Tree... a Kimberley icon.
Derby
Derby is located about three hours' drive south of Broome in Western Australia's north west. With its friendly, easygoing outback character, it has become a popular stopover for visitors heading in to 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. Its prosperity depended on the economic fluctuations of the mining and pastoral industries of its hinterland.
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.
Hotels, motels, self-catering accommodation and caravan parks are available for visitors in Derby.
For more information on travelling to Derby and the North West region visit Western Australia Tourism's website or alternatively the regional tourism website of Broome offer very useful information.
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WA's National Parks & Reserves can be closed at times because of bushfire danger, Cyclone or flooding and other natural emergencies. Phone 1300 657 721 for emergency alerts or visit the FESA for more information. Find out about the National Parks and forests of WA by visititing CALM. Remember, play it safe and tell others where you go and when you will be back.
All images © WA Tourism.
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Disclaimer: The information contained about this region is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Break Loose Publishing disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For our complete Disclaimer please follow the link at the foot of the page.
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