Derby, Australia

Capital City

With a population of just 3,009, Derby is a remote outpost in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The town has the highest tides in the country, with a staggering 39-foot differential between low and high water. And while nearly half the residents are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the local leprosarium only closing in 1986. Those looking to escape the rat race may find Derby's quiet charms appealing, but the harsh climate and geographic isolation make it a poor choice for most.