Derby West Kimberley

Derby West Kimberley Galleries and Museums

Galleries, Museums, and Historical Venues in and Around Derby West Kimberley

Derby West Kimberley, a region of Western Australia, has several galleries, museums, and historical venues that showcase the rich culture and heritage of the area. From art galleries to historical sites, there's something for every visitor to explore. In this article, we'll categorise, list and describe each site, including location details.

Galleries:

1. Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre – This art centre showcases the vibrant work of the traditional Wunambal and Ngarinyin people. Visitors can see a variety of contemporary and traditional artworks, including carvings, paintings, and dancing costumes. It is located on the Gibb River Road, just 10.5km north of Derby.

2. Short Street Gallery – This is a commercial art gallery that features contemporary artwork from both established and emerging Indigenous artists. Its collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures reflects the unique culture and history of the Kimberley region. The Short Street Gallery is located at 33 Short Street, Broome, a 220km drive south of Derby.

3. Derby Art Centre – This centre showcases the work of local artists, including paintings, photographs, textiles and sculptures. The centre has a gallery space for exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. It is located at 2 Clarendon St, Derby, Western Australia.

Museums:

1. Norval Gallery – This is a museum that features the works of Edward and Bertha Norval, who were early pioneers in the Derby region. The gallery has a collection of paintings, photographs, and artefacts that provide insights into life in the early 1900s. It is located at 1200 Derby Hwy, Derby.

2. Boab Prison Tree – This is a museum that is both historic and unique. The Boab Tree was used as a prison cell for the Indigenous people who were being transported to Derby for trial. The tree is over 1,500 years old, with a circumference of 14 meters. It is located on Derby Highway, just north of Derby.

3. Wyndham Museum – This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of Wyndham, the oldest operating port in Western Australia. The museum has exhibits that detail the region's pearling, gold mining, and pastoral industries. It is located at 20 Koolama St, Wyndham, which is about 100km from Derby.

Historical Venues:

1. Pearl Lugger Museum – This historical venue features the history of pearl lugging and diving in the Kimberley region. Located in Broome, it is the only fully restored pearl lugger on display. Visitors can get a glimpse into the history of pearling and the stories of the lugger's crew. It is located at 31 Dampier Terrace, Broome.

2. Myall's Bore – This is a unique historical venue that showcases the importance of water wells in the region's history. The bore was dug in the 1900s and is still in use today. Visitors can see the traditional relics found in the well-room as well as old photos of mustering and floating cattle. It is located at Gibb River Road, about 40km from Derby.

3. Horizontal Falls – This is a natural icon in the Kimberley region, the origin of the falls is when the tide is compressed to four metres and lowered by up to one metre. Visitors can take a scenic flight or boat ride to enjoy the falls, which offer an incredible view of the landscape. It is located at Talbot Bay, Kimberley.

the Derby West Kimberley region is a hub of cultural and historical significance that offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore. The galleries, museums, and historical venues are a testament to the diverse culture and rich heritage of the region.