Derby, Western Australia

A small town located in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia, Derby has a distinct character of its own. About 3 hours by flight from Perth, located near the mouth of the Fitzroy River, Derby has a peaceful, bask to basics environment which allows one to come close to some of West Kimberley’s natural surroundings. The ‘dirt-red’ patches around Derby roads add colour to and create a unique identity towards its natural surroundings of Flora & Fauna. 

One distinct feature of Derby would the the Derby Wharf or what some may call the Derby Jetty, where the beauty of the Fitzroy River is very much distinct at different times of the day. Calming, peaceful walks along the jetty can be very therapeutic and there is so much joy just to be watching sunset from the Jetty. At times, watching people fishing along the jetty can also somehow be a joyful activity and something to look forward to each evening. Due to the nature of the surroundings, always keep that insect repellent handy when going around Derby!

Derby is one out of three main towns in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, aside Broome and Kununurra. The local Indigenous culture is very much distinct in Derby’s community. The Mowanjum Art and Cultural Centre would be one place to not miss when visiting Derby. It holds the works of really strong artists who stay true to their culture and roots. 

On some lucky or more adventurous days, Baby Kangaroos can be seen hopping around in the wild. With a couple of supermarkets, petrol stations, one main cafe, close to a handful of smaller cafes, one hospital, one post office, accompanied by a few other basic facilities, all very much at their basics, it is amazing and eye-opening to see how the Derby live on their Derby identity – makes us realize what and how much we really need to live life in this ever crazy and wild world!