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...

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...

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...

More North West collections

Plenty of gold still here

Gold fever hit Marble Bar in the 1890s but the rocky hills and alluvial creeks hold much more that gold. Situated 9 kilometres from Marble Bar, adjacent to the old Comet gold mine, this gem of a...

Growing pearls

More than a ‘pearl shop’, Cygnet Bay Pearls reveals the history of pearling in Broome and the mysteries of how pearls are made. With films, impressive displays and live tours, visitors are taken step...

A social history of the Kimberley

The SSJG Heritage Centre’s award winning Relationships exhibition is housed in the 1926 Old Convent, one of three remaining Japanese ‘Shinkabe’ buildings. The engaging displays offer a unique window...

Art of the Eastern Pilbara

Martumili is the home of western desert artists – a vibrant hub for Martu artists from six remote desert communities scattered across the Western, Great Sandy, Sandy and Gibson deserts. These artists...

While you're in the area

Filter
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
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
Derby Lodge
Accommodation
Derby Lodge
Derby Lodge welcomes you to their oasis in the heart of the Kimberley's...
15-19 Clarendon Street, Derby, WA 6728