North West

Spectacular Natural Landscapes, Fascinating Human Stories

Welcome to the home of red dirt, endless skies, rich history, and misnamed towns (it is jasper you’ll find in Marble Bar, not smooth white stone). Life this far north was like nowhere else on Earth, with a hitch-hiking dog, headdresses made of bark, and – curiously – Britain’s first atomic weapon.

A bizarre atmosphere to fathom, but a normal day for those who lived here. A group of people that included drovers, pearlers, cameleers, and members of a near 50-piece, classical, Aboriginal orchestra at the Derby leprosarium.

Ready to dive in and learn their stories?

If you are looking for more information about all the Kimberley Aboriginal art centres, have a look at this map, drs art trail map, to get you started.

Shire of Derby, West Kimberley Library Overview

Shire of Derby / West Kimberley Library - local studies collection

Muddy Waters

Named after the Earl of Derby, the town has a rich colonial history as the first regional and administrative centre, supporting the sheep and cattle stations of the west Kimberley. Keeper of this...

Cygnet Bay Pearls

Growing pearls

More than a ‘pearl shop’, Cygnet Bay Pearls reveals the history of pearling in Broome and the mysteries of how pearls are made. With films, impressive displays and live tours, visitors are taken step...

Onslow Visitors Centre and Goodshed Museum

Cyclone city survives

For dedicated lovers of ‘old things’, the Onslow Goodshed Museum is a treat not to be missed when travelling the west coast. The Museum documents the history of Onslow and its well-deserved reputation...

Kimberley Language Resource Centre

Keeping language strong in the Kimberley

The Kimberley Language Resource Centre (KLRC) is the peak regional languages organisation of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Incorporated in 1985 as an independent, Aboriginal corporation...

Ganalili Centre and Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation

Ganalili - A Place of New Beginnings

Ganalili is the Yindjibarndi word for the light in the morning before the rising of the sun. Living up to its name of new beginnings, the centre is set in Roebourne’s old Victoria Hotel, a site of...

Wangka Maya Aboriginal Language Centre

Keeping language strong

Servicing over 30 language groups of the Pilbara, Wangka Maya was the first Aboriginal language centre in the north. Established in 1987, elders committed to preserving their language, culture and...

Karijini Visitors Centre

Karijini - history, culture and nature

Twisting through the Hamersley Ranges, now famous for iron ore deposits, lies Karijini National Park, with Karijini being the Banyjima name for this area. Visitors can explore the ancient country of...

Waringarri Aboriginal Arts

One big mob altogether so that our grandchildren’s, children’s children will know their culture.

The artists say, ‘This place - it’s a good art centre!’ And it is. In the heart of Miriwoong country the Centre is focused on maintaining and passing on culture through dance, story and painting to...