Derby is rarely seen on Western Australia's mood board of dreamy destinations. It goes against the grain of the ‘stock standard’ coastal beauty the state vigorously promotes: endless white sandy shores bound by inviting blue waters. With saltwater crocodiles lurking in its murky waters, you can leave those starfish-at-the-beach days for Broome's Cable Beach, 223km west of Derby.
Instead, discover what makes Derby different. The town of 4000 is less intense, more rugged and removed. Marshes, mangroves and muddy tidal flats dominate its sceneries. Derby's landscapes satisfy curious types looking for something less shiny and tourist razzmatazz. Its wide streets are absent of bustle; leisure time is about being out there, getting hands-on.
I discovered that the deeper you go in Derby, the more colourful it gets. Its big art galleries, stencilled artworks on salty grounds, intimate storytelling of country and hidden cultural and natural fascinations make it a place to appreciate beyond face value. Compared to its Kimberley counterpart, I can attest that Derby is worth the detour.
“More than just giant sentinels of the outback, boabs embody a way of life”
