Derby

Along with Broome and Kununurra, Derby is one of only three towns in the Kimberley to have a population over 2,000. Located on King Sound, two hours north of Broome, Derby has the highest tides in the southern hemisphere, with the peak differential between low and high tide reaching 11.8 metres.

Derby is home to several Aboriginal language groups and is rich in Indigenous culture. The Mowanjum Festival is held annually at Mowanjum Community and features a showcase of traditional art. You can experience the unique art and culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunambal people at this special celebration.

The Boab Festival is also a highlight of this area, with the boab lined streets creating an amazing visual on arrival.

It is the main access to the Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek and the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.It is home to the Boab Prison Tree and Mowanjum Art Centre. There are amazing gorges and wilderness retreats within a short 4WD tour of Derby.

Derby has a strong pastoral and cultural history. The Pioneer Cemetery, Wharfinger House Museum (covering the town's aviation history), Old Derby Gaol (the oldest building in Derby) being places to rediscover the history of this town.

A lovely place to stop while you are exploring the Kimberley...


Boab trees at sunset
Tourist enjoying Wandjina artworks by Donny Woolagoodja (left) and Pudja Barunga at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, located in Derby
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Art in Derby

Art in Derby

The Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre is a creative hub for the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes, who make up the Mowanjum community outside Derby, Western Australia. These three language groups are united by their belief in the Wandjina as a sacred spiritual force and the creators of the land. They are the custodians of Wandjina law and iconography.

Western Australia's largest traditional Aboriginal performance event

Western Australia's largest traditional Aboriginal performance event

The Mowanjum Festival is held annually at Mowanjum Community and features a showcase of traditional art.

Derby is the place to go when you wish to travel the Gibb River Road.

Derby is the place to go when you wish to travel the Gibb River Road.

Drive for a few hours to discover wilderness retreats, gorges and national parks, station stays and camping. The first gorge turnoff leads you to Windjana Gorge some 145kms from Derby. Keep driving to Tunnel Creek, Lennard gorge, Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Manning Falls and Mt Barnett.

Windjana Gorge

Windjana Gorge

Windjana Gorge National Park is located on the Leopold Downs Road that connects the Great Northern Highway with the Gibb River Road. The turn off is very close to Derby or you can come via Fitzroy Crossing. The walls on both sides of Windjana Gorge are 30 to 100 metres high and the gorge is over 100 metres wide.

Our members

KAS Helicopters

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