Grab your tide book, we’re off to Derby
April 17th, 2008 by Liz220 kilometres North East of Broome, we arrive at the pioneer town of Derby.
Renown for the highest tides in the Southern Hemisphere; get to know your tide book before you even think about taking your boat or car near the ocean!! Derby sees 11.8 metres of tidal movement on a King spring tide, the highest tides of the year.
Derby developed as a port for the Pastoral properties located along the Fitzroy River following the exploration by Alexander Forrest in 1879. The high tides facilitated the docking of the larger ships, turning the Wharf into a thriving hub for the region.
The current population is 4,500, half the population being Aboriginal Australians, made up of 3 different indigenous languages. (Source: Derby Visitors Centre)
Even though Derby is the gateway to the heart of the region and the Gibb River Road do not pass the town without taking in some its sights or doing a Derby Discovery Tour.
The local attractions include the Prison Boab Tree; estimated to be 1500 years old with a girth of 14.7metres, it is believed that the tree was used as a staging point for prisoners being walked to Derby (visitors are asked to respect this culturally significant site and to enjoy the attractions from beyond the marker). For the art lovers, head to the Mowanjum Art Centre to see some spectacular pieces created by local artists. Then there are the Bird Watching Tours, the Fishing Charters, not forgetting your Scenic Flights that will take you to the famous Horizontal Waterfalls.
Leaving Derby you have a choice between bitumen and corrugation!! The Gibb River Road is 600 kilometres of unsealed outback travel that will take you almost as far as Kununurra. This pristine area is dotted with gorges, stations and breathtaking landscape.
We will return to explore the Gibb River Road another time but for the moment, must stick to the map. We’re going “Beyond the Boabs”, next stop Fitzroy Crossing.
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