Daru, port and small island, southwestern Papua New Guinea, southwestern Pacific Ocean. Daru Island is located in the Gulf of Papua near the mouth of the Oriomo River, southwest of the Fly River Delta. The island rises to 79 feet (24 metres) and has mangrove swamps. Daru town is an administrative centre and has a small wharf used by fishing vessels; fish-processing factories freeze barramundi and crayfish for export. Crocodile skins from farms in the province are also exported. Local transport is mainly by shallow-draft vessels up the Fly River or from the airstrip at Daru. Area 7.5 square miles (19 square km). Pop. (2000) 12,879.