Derby
WA 6728 • Rest of WA
About Derby
Derby is a major Kimberley town in far northern Western Australia on King Sound, around 220 km north-east of Broome. The 2021 population is 3,222, with a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and strong regional service functions. It is known for extreme tidal ranges, historic boab landscapes and its role as an administrative and logistics centre for the West Kimberley. Derby has a distinctly remote-town character shaped by climate, culture and long-distance connectivity.
The town supports health, education, justice and local government services for surrounding remote communities, alongside tourism and transport activity. Daily life is largely car-oriented, with local shopping and schools available but specialised services often requiring travel to larger centres. Air links and regional road/coach services are more important than rail in this part of WA. Derby attracts regional workers, long-term local families and residents connected to Kimberley community networks.
Derby falls under postcode 6728 and is governed by Derby-West Kimberley Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kimberley electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Kimberley regional coach services — Broome 2.5-3.5 hr
- Regional road services — Fitzroy Crossing / Kununurra corridor 4-10 hr
- Local community transport — Derby township facilities 10-25 min
Commute to Broome (regional centre)
🛣️ Derby operates as its own remote centre; air services are critical for longer-distance connectivity across the Kimberley.
Town trips can be short, but heat, distances and limited transit mean private vehicles are the primary transport mode.
Supermarkets Nearby
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Woolworths131-135 Loch Street Derby 6728 WA
Schools
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Anderson Street
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385 Loch Street
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Marmion Street
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Jarlmadangah Baru Aboriginal Community
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Rmb 992
Housing 2021 Census
206 state housing + 54 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. New Zealand 77
- 2. England 49
- 3. India 29
- 4. Philippines 25
- 5. China 10
- 6. United States 10
- 7. Zimbabwe 10
- 8. Bangladesh 9
- 9. Malaysia 8
- 10. Papua New Guinea 7
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)