Derby - TAS

Derby is a small town located in the northeast of Tasmania between Launceston and St Helens. It is home to around 200 people. The town reached its peak in the late 19th century with a population of about 3,000. It is part of the Dorsett Shire Council based in Scottsdale.

The area was settled around 1874, when George Renison Bell, and others, discovered tin in the area. The Brothers Mine (owned by brothers) was the largest producer in the area, large enough to assure the town's economic future. The town was originally known as Brother's Home but renamed Derby probably after Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The mines closed in 1943 and the town went into decline but in 2015 a network of Mountain Bike trails opened in the wooded hills surrounding Derby. The trails are called Blue Derby and stretch out to the Blue Tier area. Mountain bike tourism has transformed the town and mountain bike and trail running events have been held, with many guided tours also available. World class events have been held.

The boost to tourism from mountain bikes and its place on the main road from Launceston to the east coast have provided the custom to keep many businesses open, including facilities for those travelling through and those who come for the bike trails.