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 history is the Derby library and its Local History Collection which is a trove that includes thousands of photographs, archived newspapers and a variety of books that visitors are welcome to view on demand. Like the namesake of one of the Derby tabloids, the Boab Babbler, the West Kimberley Library is the place to find out what’s been happening in the region. Providing a sanctuary from the Kimberley heat, the library also exhibits many of the acquisitions from the Kimberley Art Award, an integral part of Derby’s annual Boab Festival.

Address:

Clarendon Street
Derby WA 6728
Australia

Opening Hours
Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 9.30am - 12pm; Thurs 1 - 5pm; Sat 10am – 12pm
Two in one

A favourite pastime of many locals was to carve whatever enduring materials were at hand—turtle shell and catfish bones for the saltwater people, and cow horns and boab nuts for those from the station...

Namarali, the great wandjina

Namarali is one of the greatest and most powerful Wandjinas of the Worrorra people, characterised by a halo of several lines and a shell pendant on his chest. The feared Wandjina, who enforces the law...

Valued skills

Larry Kunamarra, a Bunuba man, once ran with Jandamarra and his gang through the Napier and Wunaanim-Miliwudi Ranges. After finally being shot and captured, Larry, like Jandamarra, became a valued...

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While you're in the area

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Mt Elizabeth Station Stay
Accommodation
Mt Elizabeth Station Stay
Mt Elizabeth Station is about as close to the heart of the Kimberley...
Derby-Gibb River Road, Derby, WA 6728
Pigeon Heritage Trail
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Pigeon Heritage Trail
Discover the intriguing story of the legendary Aboriginal tracker and...
Derby Gibb River Road, Derby, WA 6728
Manning Gorge
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Manning Gorge
For camping under a star-filled outback sky and immersing yourself in...
Derby-Gibb River Road, Mount Barnett Station, Derby, WA 6728
Joon Joo Botanical Trail
Attraction
Joon Joo Botanical Trail
The Joon Joo Botanical Trail provides an excellent opportunity to view a...
Corner of Derby Highway and Worsley Road, Derby, WA 6728