Western Australia location profile
Derby WA 6728
Derby is a remote Kimberley township on King Sound known for colossal tides, boab trees and a laid‑back outback feel. It serves as a regional service hub for surrounding Aboriginal communities, pastoral stations and tourism to the Gibb River Road and Buccaneer Archipelago.
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Why families consider Derby
Diverse and strongly Indigenous community with a practical, outdoorsy lifestyle centred on fishing, boating and seasonal tourism. Work is driven by health and government services, pastoral and resource support, and visitor operations; pace is relaxed with strong community ties.
Amenities & services
- Supermarket and local shopping precinct in the town centre
- Derby Hospital and Aboriginal Health Service
- Cafes, pubs and takeaways
- Pharmacy, hardware, post office and banking agency
- Service stations and visitor information centre
- Derby Public Library – Shire of Derby/West Kimberley (town centre)
Transport & connectivity
- No train services
- Regional coach services to Broome and Kununurra (seasonal/limited timetable)
- Local taxis and school bus services
- Derby Highway linking to Great Northern Highway
- Gibb River Road (seasonal access)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Derby Wharf/Jetty for fishing and sunset viewing
- Derby Recreation Centre and Aquatic Centre
- Derby Golf Club
- Mowanjum Art & Culture Centre and festival
- Annual Boab Festival and community events
- Lions Park (Derby Foreshore)
- Derby Town Oval & surrounding parklands
- Boab Prison Tree Reserve
- Mangrove boardwalk and marshlands on King Sound
Education context
Limited but available via one to two early learning centres and family day care; places can be seasonal with waitlists common.
- Kimberley Universities Centre – Derby Study Hub (Derby)
- University of Notre Dame Australia – Broome Campus (Broome, ~220km SW)
- Distance study support to WA universities via KUC hubs