What’s special about Derby?
Visit the Derby Tin Mine Centre where you can learn about Derby’s early days and pan to find your own nuggets. The town retains the atmosphere of its pioneering history, when George Renison Bell discovered tin. You can explore quaint shops for antiques, second-hand books, modern crafts and enjoy a traditional Devonshire tea.
In 2003, an archaeological excavation at a Chinese mining hut unearthed thousands of artifacts, including what might be Australia’s oldest soy sauce bottle. The discovery revealed a fascinating story of the Chinese mining community that lived and worked the area in the late 1800s.
One of the interesting side effects of the mine is Blue Lake, on the B82 Highway, between Pioneer and Gladstone. The Lake was formed from the waters used in sluicing the ore but it is the most stunning shade of blue.
In October each year, you can enjoy the madcap Derby River Derby - a river race with very different rules. The event also includes plenty of dry activity including wood-chopping displays, children’s rides, craft stalls, music and of course plenty to eat and drink.
More things to do:
The story of Derby:
This northern Tasmanian town came into existence following the discovery of tin in the area in 1874-75. Within a few years there were thousands of miners, both European and Chinese, working in the general area up and down the Ringarooma Valley. Derby was originally called Brothers' Home for the Krushka brothers' mine, the first in this locality. In May 1887 the name was changed to Derby in honour of the then Prime Minister of England, the Earl of Derby.
It reached its peak in the first decade of the 1900s, after the consolidation of several mining operations under the Briseis Tin and General Mining Company, and was for a few years the most productive tin mine in Tasmania. Operations were temporarily halted in 1929 as a result of the Briseis Dam disaster, when water swept through the town and mine killing fourteen people.
The mine was re-opened in 1937, but the main operation closed again in 1946.
Travel directions:
The town is about one hour and 15 minutes’ drive (104 kilometres/65 miles) north east of Launceston on Highway A3.
Open