The Derby Jetty is an unusual horseshoe-shaped jetty across the marshes from the township of Derby.
The jetty is open to pedestrian access and you will find tourists and locals dropping by to watch the massive tides and dropping in a fishing line or two. The massive tides in the King Sound, up to 12 metres, are best seen from Derby Jetty around 2-3 hours either side of high tide.
There is a parking area at the start of the jetty with plenty of space. Historical information boards tell about the jetty and the King Sound area.
A café is also located at the same spot. After a walk on the Derby Jetty, finish off at the café to watch the sunset.
The wooden railing along the jetty is rotting and falling away in places, making it look run down. It could use a bit of maintenance to at least fix up the wooden railings.
The jetty has a long history in Derby, the first wharf build in 1885 and further upgraded in the 1890s. The wooden T-shaped jetty serviced the early pastoralists in the area.
A horse-drawn tramway connected Derby Jetty with the township across the marshes, about 1.5 kilometres away. The tramway transported both goods and passengers.
The current jetty was built in 1964. Where Loch St becomes Jetty Rd is the remnants of the old port area. The Wool Shed is one of the oldest buildings in Derby and rolling stock from the tramway can be seen beside it.
Opposite the Wool Shed is the Warfingers House Museum with displays of the history of the area and the communications history of the town. The Warfingers House Museum is open on request only by obtaining a key from the Derby Visitor Information Centre.
The main exports of Derby Jetty were wool and pearls in the earlier days. With the new jetty, live cattle was exported and fuel, oil, and provisions are imported.
The jetty used to be passenger wharf but it is now mainly goods, with the last passenger ship visiting in 1973.
To get there:
Coming from the Great Northern Hwy, continue to Derby on the Derby Hwy (continue straight ahead from Broome or turn right from Fitzroy Crossing). Follow Derby Hwy all the way into Derby, about 39km.
At the end of the Derby Hwy, continue straight ahead north from the Woolworths supermarket on Loch St. Follow Loch St for 2.5km to the junction of Jetty Rd and Elder St. Continue straight ahead onto Jetty Rd for 2km to the parking area at the café and start of the jetty.
