Boab Prison Tree

The basics

Regardless of whether it was used as a prison or not, the boab is impressive. Believed to be about 1,500 years old, the tree has a huge diameter of 48 feet (14.7 meters) and a hole cut into its side. It is a registered Aboriginal Site and culturally significant for the local Nyikina and Warrwa people, who may have used it as either a resting place or a sacred site. The tree and adjacent Myalls Bore were also the last overnight stop for local pastoralists driving cattle to the port at Derby.

Interpretative signage close to the tree provides information on the history, natural environment, and Aboriginal heritage of the site and its surroundings.

Things to know before you go

• There is no admission fee to visit the tree.

• Respect the cultural sensitivity of the site and do not climb into or get too close to the tree.

• Due to past instances of vandalism, the tree is protected by a fence.

How to get there

The Boab Prison Tree is located just off the Derby Highway, around 4 miles (7 kilometers) south of Derby. It is around a 2-hour drive from Broome and less than a 5-minute drive from Derby Airport. Visitors will find plenty of parking in the parking area, just a short walk from the tree.

When to get there

There are no designated opening hours at the Boab Prison Tree, so travelers can visit any time. Because it can get uncomfortably hot during the day, it is a good idea to arrive early in the morning to beat the heat.

Myalls Bore

A short trail at the prison tree leads to a picnic area and a view of what is allegedly the southern hemisphere’s longest cattle trough: Myalls Bore. Stretching 394 feet (120 meters), Myalls Bore was built in the early 1900s to provide water to cattle on their way to Derby. An impressive feat of engineering, the trough could cater to up to 1,000 cattle at any one time.