During World War II, Derby was bombed by Japanese planes because of an air base and jetty that was used by Australian forces.

More recently, refugees were housed at Royal Australian Air Force Base Curtin, however the detention centre was closed in 2014.

A A$2 million steel and concrete jetty was built in 1965 to provide adequate port facilities for the shipment of live cattle.

[16] Convicted child killer James Ryan O'Neill was living in Derby at the time of Taylor's disappearance but he has denied any involvement.

[19] Historically, Derby has played a major role in the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service for the Kimberley region.

The school provides education to isolated Primary-aged children living on cattle stations and in remote Aboriginal communities and outstations scattered throughout the 423,517 square kilometres (163,521 sq mi) Kimberley region.

Granite is quarried from the Wunaamin-Miliwundi Ranges and lead and zinc from Cadjebut and an iron ore mine at Koolan Island.

[21] Derby has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh), with a short, highly variable wet season lasting from late December to March.

The dry season lasts from April to November and features very little rain, warm to hot daytime temperatures, and mild to cool nights.