Kimberley, WA
About the Kimberley region
This region takes up the 419,558 km² of land that makes up Western Australia's top end, and is the northernmost of the state's regions. It is bordered to the north by the Timor Sea, to the south by the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts of the Pilbara region, to the west by the Indian Ocean and to the east by the Northern Territory state border.
The Kimberley is home to the key regional centres of Broome, Derby and Kununurra, along with other smaller localities and rural communities.
50% of the region's residents are Aboriginal people, who represent over 30 traditional language groups. Over 91% of the land in this region has been determined under Native Title and thus is largely under the control of these people. We invite readers to learn more about the traditional owners and current Aboriginal inhabitants of the Kimberley via the Aboriginal Communities State Map.
Local councils
WA's Kimberley region includes 4 municipalities: Shire of Broome, Shire of Derby-West Kimberley, Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley, and Shire of Halls Creek.
Climate information
The Kimberley's climate is sub-tropical, and years there are separated into a wet season (November-April) and a dry season (May-October). The region has a mean maximum temperature of 35.1 °C and a mean minimum of 20.7 °C.
Rainfall varies significantly across the Kimberley region, with the far north coast receiving an average of 2000 mm annually and parts of the interior receiving just 400 mm.
Population
The estimated population of the Kimberley region is reported as 36,014. This can increase by as much as 50,000 during the winter months, when tourists flock to the region.
Education
The Kimberley region is home to numerous kindergartens, pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools, both in its regional centres and its more remote communities. For those who are unable to attend school in person, there are also distance schools available.
Students wishing to pursue tertiary qualifications can do so at the University of Notre Dame in Broome, or at the two campuses of the University of Western Australia (the Rural Clinical Schools of Western Australia) located in Derby and Kununurra. Those studying vocational fields can enrol at one of Kimberley's TAFE campuses, located in Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra, and Wyndham.
Employment and local businesses
The Kimberley region has a Gross Regional Product of $4.4 billion, and boasts more than 15,000 local jobs.
The region's top five industries by number of people employed are healthcare & social assistance, education & training, accommodation & food services, transport, postal & warehousing, and retail. Although they are not necessarily major employers, mining, agricultural production and tourism are also significant contributors to the region's economy.
Housing
The median house price for the Kimberley region sits at $340,000 as of 2020.
The median weekly house rental (for a 3-bedroom home) varies across the region. It is $493 in Broome, $420 in Kununurra, and $300 in Derby. The medians of both Broome and Kununurra lie above the WA median of $395.
Events
Where: Broome, WA
When: Annually, in August and September
What: There is nothing quite like this event in the world. Shinju Matsuri, or Festival of the Pearl, has its origins in Broome's long history as a cultural melting pot. In the early pearling industry, workers from across Asia and Europe would traditionally stay out at sea for 6-8 weeks at a time during the pearling season. Each group had their own way of celebrating their return to shore, an event that, for many, coincided with major cultural festivals from their own countries. In 1970, return from the ocean and observance of the Japanese Obon Matsuri, the Chinese Hung Ting and the Malaysian Hari Merdika were all brought together in one huge festival. Today, Shinju Matsuri features a rich calendar of events including parades, sporting competitions, rodeos, pageants and a Grand Ball.
Where: Kununurra, WA
When: Annually, in May
What: With 30 singular events and experiences spanning its nine-day run, it's no surprise that the Ord Valley Muster has garnered acclaim from the tourism community across WA and Australia at large. Visitors are invited to dine under the stars, cheer on competitors at the rodeo, and enjoy some of the best music and comedy acts on offer.
Where: Derby, WA
When: Annually, in July
What: This unique local celebration is an ode to the food, music, art and culture of the Kimberley region. The festival kicks off with a float parade through town, followed by colourful Mardi Gras celebrations. It continues over the next two weeks to bring residents and visitors the very best of the Kimberley's events and activities, from dancing to crab races. Highlights include a Long Table Dinner under the brilliant night sky, and the Mowanjum Festival, an unforgettable evening of traditional Aboriginal performances.
Additional Information
Kimberley has 4 subregions. Use the list below or the map above to learn more about individual subregions.
Kimberley Schools
- Government Schools
- Independent Schools
Combined
- Derby District High School DERBY WA 6728
- Fitzroy Valley District High School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
- Halls Creek District High School HALLS CREEK WA 6770
- Kalumburu Remote Community School KALUMBURU WA 6740
- Kununurra District High School KUNUNURRA WA 6743
- La Grange Remote Community School BIDYADANGA WA 6725
- Looma Remote Community School LOOMA WA 6728
- Ngalapita Remote Community School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
- One Arm Point Remote Community School BROOME WA 6725
- Wangkatjungka Remote Community School CHRISTMAS CREEK WA 6765
- Wyndham District High School WYNDHAM WA 6740
Primary
- Bayulu Remote Community School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
- Broome North Primary School BROOME WA 6725
- Broome Primary School BROOME WA 6725
- Cable Beach Primary School BROOME WA 6725
- Dawul Remote Community School KUNUNURRA WA 6743
- Djugerari Remote Community School DJUGERARI COMMUNITY WA 6765
- Jungdranung Remote Community School GLEN HILL STATION WA 6743
- Kimberley School Of The Air DERBY WA 6728
- Muludja Remote Community School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
- Roebuck Primary School BROOME WA 6725
- Wananami Remote Community School DERBY WA 6728
Secondary
- Broome Senior High School BROOME WA 6725
Combined
- Christ the King Catholic School BROOME WA 6725
- John Pujajangka Piyirn School HALLS CREEK WA 6770
- Kulkarriya Community School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
- Kururrungku Catholic Education Centre HALLS CREEK WA 6770
- Luurnpa Catholic School HALLS CREEK WA 6770
- Ngalangangpum School KUNUNURRA WA 6743
- Nyikina Mangala Community School DERBY WA 6728
- Purnululu Aboriginal Independent Community School KUNUNURRA WA 6743
- Sacred Heart School BROOME WA 6725
- Wulungarra Community School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
- Yakanarra Community School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
- Yiyili Aboriginal Community School HALLS CREEK WA 6770
Primary
- Birlirr Ngawiyiwu Catholic School HALLS CREEK WA 6770
- Holy Rosary School DERBY WA 6728
- St Joseph's School KUNUNURRA WA 6743
- St Joseph's School WYNDHAM WA 6740
- St Mary's College - Primary Campus BROOME WA 6725
- Wanalirri Catholic School DERBY WA 6728
- Warlawurru Catholic School HALLS CREEK WA 6770
Secondary
- St Mary's College BROOME WA 6725
- Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School FITZROY CROSSING WA 6765
Special
- Alta-1 College - Kununurra Campus KUNUNURRA WA 6743
Kimberley Census Information
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Dwelling Type
What types of residential properties are available in Kimberley?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Tenure Type
Which residential properties in Kimberley are owned, mortgaged or rented out?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Change in Residence
Did people in Kimberley change address in the last year?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Working Population
What age groups are most strongly represented in Kimberley?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Top 5 Industries
What industries do people in Kimberley work in?
- Health care and social assistance
- Education and training
- Public administration and safety
- Accommodation and food services
- Construction
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Family Size
How many people live in a household in Kimberley?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP
Jobs in Kimberley
What's happening in Kimberley
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The Best Beaches in Western Australia Children play amongst the boulders of Lucky Bay.
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The Sun Shines on Derby, Western Australia Boab trees baking in the sun in Derby-West Kimberley.
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Home In The Ranger The shifting patterns and colours of the Gascoyne seen from the air. Image credit Blue Dog Digital.
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Go Regional With Move to More Early mornings watching the sunrise, quiet afternoons with the family, vast stretches of land untouched by houses – there’s so much to...
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Acreage for Sale in Western Australia Median acreage prices reached a record high in Western Australia this past year, up by 28.2% to $2,569 per hectare according to Rural...
Properties in Kimberley
- For Sale