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 Derby’s jetty (Wharfinger). Its eclectic collection, developed from donations by West Kimberley residents and government departments, reflects the changing history of the region with a focus on the importance of Derby as the former primary port for exports and a regional administrative and communications centre of the north west. As a consequence, many Aboriginal groups came to live and work at Boodolar, the Warrwa and Nyikina name for Derby. In its modest way, the Museum seeks to honour their cultural stories and contributions to the region.

Address:

3 Elder Street
Derby WA 6728
Australia

Opening Hours

Accessible by collecting the key from the Derby Visitor Centre at 30 Loch St

Connecting the Kimberley to Australia

Hands on! This is one of the most popular items on display. Many may have forgotten that Derby, not Broome, was the regional administrative centre for the West Kimberley, including host to the...

Aboriginal watercraft

The Saltwater people of the Kimberly made this canoe, from locally sourced bark. It was suited to the calmer waters of the north Kimberley inlets and bays, whereas the more stable raft was adapted to...

Innovator and leader

One of the museum’s most dedicated supporters is Sam Lovell OA—songman, drover, croc hunter, stockman, saddler, gardener, road maker, tour guide and passionate resident of Derby and the West Kimberley...

More North West collections

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...

Broome community reflected

Broome Library is the community hub of Broome where you can find about what is going on in town. Providing a cool haven for passing visitors and the local community, with around 12,000 borrowers, the...

Pilbara artists and much more

Located in the Red Earth Arts Precinct a state-of-the-art performance and art centre that was built in 2018, the City of Karratha’s impressive art collection comprises many of the acquisitive prize...

Little bit long way

So says the first of many painted car-bonnet signs as you turn off the Great Northern Highway to travel the 350 kms along the Tanami track to the Warlayirti Artists Art and Culture Centre at Balgo...

While you're in the area

Filter
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
Ord River
Attraction
Ord River
The mighty Ord River near Kununurra in the Kimberley region is one of...
via Savannah Way, Kununurra, WA 6743
Pigeon Heritage Trail
Attraction
Pigeon Heritage Trail
Discover the intriguing story of the legendary Aboriginal tracker and...
Derby Gibb River Road, Derby, WA 6728
Wharfinger's House Museum
Attraction
Wharfinger's House Museum
Enjoy learning about Derby’s fascinating history with a visit to the...
Corner Elder and Loch Streets, Derby, WA 6728