Derby and Surrounds in June

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 03, 2026 at 11:09
ThreadID: 152233 Views:204 Replies:2 FollowUps:0
To put my query in context, we are well experienced in offroad and remote travel over the years.

There is not a lot of WA we havent travelled and seen over the last 40 odd years or so with swag or camper trailer. Kimberley and Pilbara

Including all the Beadell tracks and associated areas, Carowine and Upper Carawine (long before the Rippon Hills road existed), Rudall River etc.

Travelled the Gibb River twice, Mitchell Falls, AWC Mornington station, Charnley and so on.

Now getting a little older and with a caravan we are revisiting areas that we have not seen for many years. Taking it slower and staying longer to re visit old haunts and those we perhaps missed.

Last year for example we spent time in the Gascoyne and Murchison, lower Pilbara and Old Onslow. Some new sites, some old spots.

This year its the Derby area for a week based at Birdwood Downs for 6 days before heading back up the Dampier Peninsula for some old/new spots.

Derby is an area we feel we have overlooked previously, simply in/out pre/post the Gibb River road.

We will slip out to to Winjana for a day trip (since its been more than 20 odd years) since we were there.

Hopefully catch up with a local fella at Derby Bush Adventure for a day barra fishing.

Obviously time on the jetty is on the list.

Appreciate comments on what else we need to enjoy in the area. Im sure there is much to see leisurely.

TIA
Life is a journey, it is not how we fall down, it is how we get up.
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Reply By: Member - Michael H25 - Tuesday, Mar 03, 2026 at 12:43

Tuesday, Mar 03, 2026 at 12:43
Head down to the Derby wharf at low tide and return at high tide for a bit of fun - huge tidal movements. It was a 8m tidal difference that day, but it can be over 11 metres at King tides. I bought a Milkshake at the Cafe for the afternoon sunset.

I also visited the old Bungarun Leprosarium, aka Leper Colony. You can access it from the Gibb River Road, but I went up and back on the Derby mudflats. Be careful if you go that way.

http://thedocaus.com/blog/?p=4324

I also carefully explored the Derby mudflats, but that is not for everyone.

I also had an overnight stay at the Horizontal Waterfalls out of Derby. You also get a flight over the coast and mudflats (amazing). Superb if the budget permits.

I chartered a helicopter and got 2 days over the area. A once in a lifetime experience. Some of the images I took, with the doors off the helicopter:

DERBY MUDFLATS AND COAST FROM THE AIR
http://thedocaus.com/blog/?p=10604
http://thedocaus.com/blog/?p=10683

THE BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
http://thedocaus.com/blog/?p=10564

CHARNLEY RIVER GORGE AND THE ARTESIAN RANGE
http://thedocaus.com/blog/?p=10514







AnswerID: 648989

Reply By: Member - Gordon B5 - Wednesday, Mar 04, 2026 at 00:16

Wednesday, Mar 04, 2026 at 00:16
I like trawling thru the ExploreOz maps to see what's in an area . wish I had it earlier as I've found some good stuff we missed.
He who hesitates is lost

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