Wharfinger House Derby

I was not familiar with the word "wharfinger" prior to visiting the museum
in Derby. It actually means "to own or have charge of a wharf". The museum
in Derby is housed in the original wharf manager's house which was built in
1928 and was lived in until the mid 1960's. It is a fine example of a
prefabricated wooden housing from the late 1920's that was adapted for
living in a tropical climate without air conditioning. There are very wide
verandahs which are partially built in with netting and no windows. It is
still in very good condition and we thought with a little renovation could
easily be lived in today.

Inside the museum there are various items of interest divided into three
sections - shipping, communication and aviation. At the back of the house
one room has been set out in the style of furnishings from the 1920's.

The house is located at the end of the road which leads to the jetty, with
mud flats on either side of the road. Originally there was a tramway along
the road pulling loads of wool and other agricultural exports. The wool
shed still stands opposite the wharfinger house.