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
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...

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...

Nyikina—a language of the river country

Nyikina is one of the main languages of the West Kimberley region, particularly around the lower end of the mighty Fitzroy River. It is spoken by more people than Warrwa, which is the language group...

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Keeping language strong in the Kimberley

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While you're in the area

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Myalls Bore
Attraction
Myalls Bore
Visit Myalls Bore, near Derby to witness the ingenuity of the early...
Derby Gibb River Road, Derby, WA 6728
Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre
Attraction
Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre
The Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre is a creative hub for the...
Gibb River Road, 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
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