Derby is the oldest settled town in the Kimberley and was one of the original port towns in the region. The wide streets in were designed so that teams of mules and horses could turn around with their load. It is home to a giant Boab tree, measuring 14 metres in diameter, so big that it was hollowed out and used as a prison 100 years ago.
Located in an area that has the highest tidal range in Australia, and the second highest in the world, Derby is often seen as a jump off point for the Buccaneer Archipelago and the Gibb River Road, one of the greatest road trips in WA. Rough in places with several water crossings, the Gibb is best suited for 4WDs, but is sometimes tackled by normal cars – don’t try this if you’re precious about your motor though, the rough road will shake the arse off it and you may end up stranded by a flooded creek.
The sealed road from Derby goes through Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. Check out Geike Gorge, just out of Fitzroy Crossing and some of the local Aboriginal guided tours - see Derby Visitor Centre.
The Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park - WA’s other World Heritage listed area - are unique, distinctively striped domes which have only been widely known for about 20 years and are accessible only by 4WD, small plane or helicopter. A few safari operators go to the Bungle Bungles on their way to or from Kununurra.
 |
 |
 |