Derby

 

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Administrative centre of the west Kimberley, 221km from Broome. From Derby it is a relatively easy drive to Fitzroy Crossing (256km) and Halls Creek (555km). Facing the Indian Ocean near the mouth of the Fitzroy River. It is the centre of the beef cattle industry in the Fitzroy Valley and the King Leopold Ranges. The town was named in 1882 after Lord Derby, Secretary of State for the colonies. The first European explorer here was probably William Dampier who made contact with the Aboriginal people in the area in 1688.

Derby is an excellent base from which to explore the legendary ranges and rivers of the East Kimberley and by more difficult road to the West Kimberley gorges which is probably why Derby is known as the Gateway to the Gorges.

• Fitzroy Crossing - another gateway to some of the region's attractions. Nearby Geikie Gorge on the Fitzroy River is a wildlife haven in a small National Park, 90 metre high Windjana Gorge on the Lennard River and Tunnel Creek in the Napier Ranges.
  
  
• Halls Creek - a tiny cattle centre with a short lived gold rush history. Gold fossicking is possible behind the town. The Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater lies to the south. Best viewed from the air.

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