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...

Sheep on the run

Few may remember that it was sheep, not cattle, that were brought to the rich pastures along the Fitzroy River in the 1880s. Since that time Derby has been the regional centre and port for the west...

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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Plenty of gold still here

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Growing pearls

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While you're in the area

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Pigeon Heritage Trail
Attraction
Pigeon Heritage Trail
Discover the intriguing story of the legendary Aboriginal tracker and...
Derby Gibb River Road, Derby, WA 6728
Mt Elizabeth Station Stay
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Mt Elizabeth Station Stay
Mt Elizabeth Station is about as close to the heart of the Kimberley...
Derby-Gibb River Road, Derby, WA 6728
Derby Pioneer Cemetery
Attraction
Derby Pioneer Cemetery
The Derby Pioneer Cemetery was the final resting place for several...
Lovegrove Street, Derby, WA 6728
Galvans Gorge
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Galvans Gorge
Galvans Gorge is the most accessible gorge along the legendary Gibb River...
Galvans Way, Derby, WA 6728