Derby Jetty

Derby WA 6728 (Pop 4 000)
Pic: by PeterWH

Derby is known as the ‘Gateway to the Gorges’ surrounded as it is by spectacular Kimberleys scenery. Located in far northern WA 2 328 km n-e of Perth, it was the first town in this region to be settled with the port established in 1880s. The port and nearby goldfinds helped the town prosper and in 1950s iron-ore mining operations began at Cockatoo Island. Today Derby serves as an important service centre to surrounding mining and pastoral industries. Derby market (each Sat May-Sept). King Tide Day (May) Moonrise Rock Festival (June), Derby Races (June/July), Mowanjum Festival (July), Boab Festival (July), Derby Rodeo (Aug), Croc Festival (Aug), Flower & Produce Show (Aug).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Wharfinger House Museum, Loch St (1920) housed within old harbourmaster’s home. Old Derby Gaol, Loch St (1906) town’s oldest building. Derby Library, Clarendon St Aboriginal artefacts and historic memorabilia. Derby Botanical Gardens, Clarendon St. Derby Jetty Australia’s highest tide fluctuations (up to 12 m) can be viewed from here and original cattle loading ramps still visible.

Nearby:
Boab Prison Tree (7 km south) 1 000 year old tree used as a lockup for Aboriginal prisoners with an entrance 1 m wide x 2 m high. Myall's Bore (7 km south) (1912) sunk to a level of 322 m produced 315 000 litres daily. Beside it is said to be the Southern Hemisphere’s longest cattle trough (120 m). Windjana Gorge NP (145 km east) 350 million year old limestone gorge (3.5 km long) through the Napier Range, part of an ancient barrier reef with the Lennard River flowing through during the Wet season. Tunnel Creek NP (184 km east) covers over 90 ha and is WA’s oldest cave system. The tunnel runs for 750 m through the Napier Range and is the habitat for a number of bat species and the odd freshwater crocodile. Nearby Pigeon’s Cave was used as a hideout by famous 1890s Aboriginal outlaw Jandamarra aka ‘Pigeon’. Gorges (4WD only) include Lennard (190 km north), Bell (214 km east), Manning (306 km east), Barnett River (340 km n-e), Sir John (350 km east). Mitchell Plateau (580 km n-e) a stunning remote area featuring Wandjina Aboriginal rock art, Mitchell Falls, King Edward River and Surveyor’s Pool. Gibb River Rd 4WD road between Derby and Wyndham comprising magnificent Kimberley gorge landscapes.

Accommodation:
Derby has 3 hotels, holiday lodges and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 2 Clarendon St. Tel (08) 9191 1426 or 1800 621 426.

Airport:
Derby Airport (DRB), Derby Hwy. Tel (08) 9191 0999.

Hospital:
Derby Hospital, Clarendon St. Tel (08) 9193 3333.

Police: Tel (08) 9191 1444.

SES: Tel (08) 9191 1501.

Volunteer Fire Brigade: Tel (08) 9193 1194.