Derby: Starting Point for Outback Adventures
photo credit: Cheryl Maslin
Why Start in Derby?
Derby is the gateway to the Gibb River Road—your last major stop for fuel, supplies, and repairs before heading deep into the Kimberley. But it’s more than just a practical launch point.
With a rich history shaped by pearling and pastoral life, and events like the Boab Festival, Derby Horse Races, and Sculptures on the Marsh, Derby holds its own as a destination.
Whether you’re heading up the Gibb or just coming up for fishing, don’t rush it. Spend a day or two. Get your bearings. And come explore with me—this is where the real adventure begins.
The Traditional Owners of Derby
Derby sits on the land of the Nyikina, Yawuru, and Bunuba peoples—each with enduring cultural and spiritual ties to the region.
The Nyikina people are saltwater custodians of the lower Fitzroy River and surrounding coastal areas. Their land, known as Mardoowarra, spans the river, floodplains, and tidal zones that define much of the region.
To the south and west, the Yawuru people’s Country stretches toward Broome and the Roebuck Plains, shaped by a mix of sea, mangroves, and inland spinifex country.
To the east, the Bunuba people care for lands across the rugged ranges of the central Kimberley, including Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek—both significant in Bunuba law and history.
One of this region’s most powerful stories is that of Jandamarra, a Bunuba resistance fighter who led a guerrilla campaign against colonial forces in the 1890s. His legacy is remembered along the Jandamarra and the Bunuba Resistance heritage trail, which traces key locations across Bunuba Country.
Visitors are encouraged to travel with respect, learn from local stories, and support Aboriginal-led tours, galleries, and cultural initiatives.
A Town Steeped in History
Derby is one of the oldest towns in the Kimberley, officially established in 1883. Its early growth was driven by the pearling industry, which also brought exploitation—many Aboriginal people were forced into labour during this period.
Just outside town stands the Boab Prison Tree, a sobering reminder of this history. It was used as a staging point for Aboriginal prisoners in the late 19th century, many of whom were walked in chains to Derby. When you visit, pause with respect.
Derby later became a supply hub for the pastoral industry, serving remote cattle stations across the Kimberley. During World War II, it played a role as an airbase and military supply route.
These layers—cultural, colonial, wartime—give Derby more depth than first impressions might suggest.
Later, Derby became a service town for the pastoral industry, supplying remote cattle stations across the Kimberley. During WWII, the area was also significant as an airbase and supply route. These layers of history give Derby more depth than you might expect from a small outback town.
Cultural & Heritage Trails
One of the best ways to connect with Derby is through its Walking Heritage Trails. These self-guided trails take you past landmarks that tell the story of Derby’s pearling, pastoral, and wartime history. It’s an easy way to explore on foot, with plaques and markers that bring the past to life. Head to the Visitors Centre for maps.
Don’t miss the Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Culture Centre just outside of town. This is a living cultural space run by the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal peoples, and offers an insight into the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art traditions unique to the Kimberley. Exhibitions, workshops, and performances here give you a chance to engage directly with the region’s First Nations culture.
Big Events in Derby
If you’re flexible with dates, plan your trip to Derby around one of these big events—they bring the town to life and offer a deeper look into local culture, community, and outback character.
Boab Festival (July)
A true community celebration. Expect street parades, Indigenous cultural events, rodeo action, art shows, fireworks, and more. One of the Kimberley’s biggest annual events.
Derby Horse Races
Outback racing at its best. Locals and visitors turn out in force, dressed for the occasion and ready for a good time trackside.
Derby Rodeo and Campdraft
Where stockmen and women show their skills. Bull riding, barrel racing, and campdrafting are the main drawcards, all backed by a lively outback crowd. More info here.
Accommodation in Derby
Before you head out on the Gibb River Road, you’ll need somewhere to stay. Derby has a range of accommodation to suit every style of traveller.
Hotels & Motels
- Spinifex Hotel – A central option with modern facilities and meals on site.
- Derby Lodge – Comfortable motel-style rooms, popular with roadtrippers.
Caravan Parks & Camping
- Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park – Spacious sites, powered and unpowered, plus cabins.
- Derby Lodge Caravan Park – Conveniently located, with shady sites and facilities for families.
Unique & Local Stays
- Guesthouses and smaller motels can be found around town, offering a homely touch.
- Look out for eco-stays and B&Bs that give you more local flavour.
👉 I’ll be covering station stays and luxury accommodation along the Gibb in upcoming posts — so consider this your Derby base before the adventure ahead.
Things to Do Around Derby
Even if you’re just passing through, Derby deserves more than a fuel stop.
Derby Jetty
The best place to witness Derby’s famous 11-metre tides. Walk the jetty at sunset, when the sky lights up and the water rushes in or out.
Photo credit: Cheryl Maslin. Find Cheryl on instagram
Myall’s Bore and Cattle Trough
A nod to Derby’s pastoral history. This huge trough once watered up to 500 cattle at a time—quirky, photogenic, and worth a look.
Norval Gallery
Housed in Derby’s old hospital, this gallery showcases local and Indigenous art, with work by Mark Norval and other Kimberley artists. The staff are welcoming and the art is exceptional—this place punches above its weight.
Wharfinger House Museum
Housed in one of Derby’s original port buildings, this small museum offers insight into the town’s maritime and pastoral history. It’s packed with old photos, relics, and local stories that give real context to the area. More info here.
Boab Prison Tree
A sacred site with a heavy past. A short drive from town, this ancient boab was once wrongly used to imprison Aboriginal people. Visit with cultural respect.
Fishing & Mud Crabbing
The massive tides create rich fishing grounds. You’ll find barramundi, threadfin salmon, and mud crabs if you know where to look—or go with a local guide. Always check current conditions and safety advice.
Jandamarra and the Pigeon Heritage Trail
This self-guided drive explores the powerful story of Jandamarra, a Bunuba man who led resistance against colonial forces. The trail offers deep context to the region’s Indigenous history. See the full route here.
Sculptures on the Marsh
A standout art event. Sculptures are installed along the tidal marsh, and as the sun rises or sets, light and shadow transform the landscape. It’s Derby’s natural beauty meeting creative expression.
Derby: The Starting Point of the Gibb River Road
Derby is not just where you fuel up and stock your fridge before tackling the Gibb. It’s the town that gives you a sense of the Kimberley — its history, culture, and resilience.
From here, the road stretches east into the wild heart of the region: gorges, stations, waterfalls, and some of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia. Derby is the launchpad — the place where adventure begins.
FAQs About Derby
Is Derby worth visiting before the Gibb River Road?
Yes — Derby is more than a pit stop. It’s a town rich in history, with cultural experiences, art, and events that make it worth at least a couple of days.
What is Derby famous for?
Derby is known for its record-breaking tides, its jetty, and its place in the Kimberley’s pearling and pastoral history. It’s also the gateway to the Gibb River Road.
Where should I stay in Derby?
Accommodation ranges from hotels and motels to caravan parks and camping. Spinifex Hotel and Derby Lodge are popular, while Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park suits campers and families.
How far is Derby from Broome?
Derby is about 220 km northeast of Broome (just over two hours’ drive).
Aug 2025
Final Thoughts – Why Derby Matters
Derby is far more than a refuelling point — it’s a town with its own stories, events, and a character that lingers. Whether you wander its heritage trails, catch the glow of the sculptures at sunset, or time your visit with the Boab Festival, Derby leaves an impression.
And when it’s time to roll out, this is where the Gibb River Road begins — the launchpad for one of Australia’s greatest adventures. Derby is the starting point, and I’ll be taking you further down the track in my next posts.
A huge thank you to Cheryl Maslin, an up-and-coming photographer who generously shared her images for this post. Cheryl lived in Derby for ten months and, in that time, captured the essence and raw beauty of the town and its surrounds. Her eye for light, texture, and story brings something special to the way this place is seen. Thank you, Cheryl—and good luck with whatever comes next. Big things ahead.
