Visit a north-eastern Tasmanian village that was once the site of a tin mining boom. Today, it fascinates with its history, industrial relics and wild scenery.
Derby is a small village with a fascinating past. During the late 19th century it was a booming mining town, home to one of the richest tin mines in the world. Discover more about this important chapter in its history and then set out to explore the stunning scenery of mountains, lake and rainforest.
To learn about Derby’s tin mining boom, visit the Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre. View interpretive displays and videos and browse historical artefacts. In its prime, the village's Briseis Tin Mine produced millions of pounds of tin, but this came to a sudden and dramatic end in 1929. The mine was destroyed when the dam above Derby failed and flooded the area. Fourteen people lost their lives. Learn about this tragic story in a 25-minute movie presentation on the large screen.
Next door to the interpretation centre is the Derby Schoolhouse Museum. Among the items on display are World War I and World War II artefacts and documents as well as photographs and relics from the mining era.
There is more mining heritage to be uncovered on the Trail of the Tin Dragon. This touring trail links nearby towns and other sites associated with the tin mining industry. One of the reminders of Derby's mining past is the Blue Lake, an old mining hole now a man-made body of freshwater. Come here for canoeing and boating.
Investigate more of the local scenery on a mountain bike ride. The Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails pass through a temperate rainforest and include the intermediate level Dam Busters Trail. This route travels around the Cascade Dam and through beech and eucalypt forests.
Derby is on the banks of the Ringarooma River in northeast Tasmania, 104 kilometres (64.6 miles) from Launceston, where there is an airport with flights to the Australian mainland. A rental car is a good idea to get around, especially if you want to go on the Trail of the Tin Dragon.
