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...

Broome Museum

Broome stories

The Broome Historical Museum reveals the character and history of the unique, multicultural town of Broome, dubbed 'the pearling capital of the world.' Originally housed in the Old Broome Lockup the...

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...

Town of Port Hedland - South Hedland Public Library Overview

South Hedland Library - local studies collection

A community space – a space for community

A young girl, cast in bronze, sitting on a wooden bench reading her book, welcomes visitors to the South Hedland library. In the ‘new’ town of South Hedland, the library quietly weaves together the...

Wharfinger House Museum

Muddy waters

Situated on the edge of the Derby marsh, surrounded by the iconic boab trees of this region, stands the Wharfinger House Museum. Built in the 1920s, it is situated in the former home of the manager of...

Wyndham History and Museum Collection

Not forgotten – the story of Wyndham

Sitting at the confluence of five rivers on the Cambridge Gulf, lies the old town of Wyndham, the most northerly port of Western Australia. After the great cattle treks by Nat Buchanan and the Duracks...

Broome Bird Observatory

Shorebird capital of Australia

The BBO is a veritable twitcher’s paradise on beautiful Roebuck Bay, where up to 120,000 shorebirds gather every year. Once you have arrived, the first port of call is the Clive Minton Discovery...

Warmun Art Centre

Ochre and rust

Ochres of black, red and mustard yellow, mixed with greys and whites are the hallmarks of the very distinctive style of the Warmun community artists. One of the early engine rooms for the contemporary...