Derby
Town
Population 302
This small north-eastern town was born when tin was discovered in 1874 and the 'Brothers Mine' opened two years later. The Cascade Dam was built and the mine prospered until 1929, when the dam flooded and swept through the town, killing 14 people. The mine closed and, although it eventually reopened, the town never fully recovered. Tourists stroll through the charming streets to view the old buildings and tin mine memorabilia.
Visitor Information
Derby Tin Mine Centre, Main St; (03) 6354 1062
Nearby national parks
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Mount William National Park
Tucked away in the remote north-east corner of the state, Mount William National Park is fringed with gorgeous bays stretching from Ansons...more -
Ben Lomond National Park
Ben Lomond National Park, enclosing the largest alpine plateau in the state, is a mountain environment with extensive and dramatic dolerite...more -
Douglas–Apsley National Park
Situated between the Douglas and Apsley rivers, this national park spans rugged hills clad in superb dry sclerophyll forest. Its tranquil...more
Nearby towns
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Scottsdale
Scottsdale, the major town in Tasmania's north-east, serves some of the richest agricultural and forestry country in the state. Indeed, as...more -
Gladstone
The north-eastern district surrounding Gladstone was once a thriving mining area, yielding both tin and gold. Today many of the...more -
Bridport
Bridport is a popular seaside holiday retreat for Launceston and Scottsdale residents. It has many safe swimming beaches and fishing....more
In Town
Derby Tin Mine Centre The town's major attraction, the centre is a reconstruction of this old mining village. It includes a miner's cottage, general store, butcher's shop, huge sluice and the historic Derby gaol. The old Derby School houses a comprehensive museum with history displays, gemstones, minerals and tin-panning apparatus. Main St.Red Door Gallerae: paintings, carvings and furniture; Main St. Bankhouse Manor: arts, crafts and collectibles; Main St.
Nearby
Ralphs Falls The longest single-drop waterfall in Australia. A 20 min return walk under a myrtle rainforest canopy arrives at Norms Lookout at the top of the falls. From here views of the Ringarooma Valley, Bass Strait and the Furneaux Islands. Picnic and barbecue facilities are available. 15 km SE of Ringarooma.Gemstone fossicking: Weld River in Moorina, where the largest sapphire in Tasmania was discovered; Tasman Hwy; 8 km NE. Miners cemetery: historic cemetery where early tin miners, including some Chinese, were buried; Moorina; 8 km NE. Fishing: excellent trout fishing along Ringarooma River north of town.
Fishing spots near town
St Helens 44 km
Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out moreLake River 101 km
‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out moreFlinders Island 110 km
Flinders Island is halfway across Bass Strait. Air travel to the island is limited but it’s worth the effort. Most anglers who visit the island and sample the fishing return full of praise for the place. Flinders... Find out moreArthurs Lake 121 km
Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out moreGreat Lake 131 km
A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out moreLittle Pine Lagoon 139 km
Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out moreBronte System 159 km
Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out moreTwin Lakes 174 km
I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out moreSalmon Ponds 191 km
Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out moreThe Springs 196 km
Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Forest Ecocentre, Scottsdale 24 km
The uniquely designed building is probably the key attraction here. Designed to use 20 per cent less energy than conventional structures, it has a building within a building, with a central funnel and large fan. Learn... Find out moreBay of Fires Walk 44 km
A deluxe four-day walk along the magnificent north-east coast at the edge of Mount William National Park, staying in solar-powered accommodation designed for sustainable living, is one of the newer ecotourism treats in... Find out moreTamar Island 64 km
This important wetland habitat just 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston features a great bird-viewing hide, 3.2 kilometres of easy walking tracks and an interpretation centre.... Find out moreLow Head Penguin Tours 84 km
Every night at dusk this comprehensive but inexpensive tour takes visitors to a little penguin-nesting site near the mouth of the Tamar River, where you can watch the penguins waddle ashore to return to their nests. The... Find out moreDiving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 91 km
Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out moreFreycinet Adventures 116 km
One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out morePlatypus Encounters, Latrobe 117 km
Three brothers almost single-handedly turned an old quarry site into one of the most reliable places in the world to see wild platypus. In fact, the guided tours have never failed to encounter a platypus in Warrawee... Find out moreTrowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 125 km
One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out moreBirdwatching on Flinders Island 130 km
Logan Lagoon in the south-east is an internationally recognised wetland, vital for rare migratory species such as the red-necked stint, common greenshank, eastern curlew and bar-tailed godwit.... Find out moreGiant crayfish research, near Ulverstone 136 km
Tasmania has the largest freshwater crayfish in the world, and they can grow up to a metre in length, with claws that could cut a person’s hand off. You can go out on a research trip with the world’s expert... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 34 km
When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out moreBarnbougle Dunes Links 35 km
Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out moreTasmania Golf Club 187 km
The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out moreRoyal Hobart Golf Club 191 km
Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Tasmania is famous for its world-class cheeses, and Pyengana’s traditional cloth-bound cheddar is made using methods unchanged for 100 years. The quality speaks for itself, with 3 tonnes of this multi-award-winning... Find out more
There are good-value counter meals at this country pub, but a clue to its real attraction is the sign at the highway turn-off: ‘Come and see our beer drinking pig’, it reads. Armed with special pig beer from... Find out more
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 58 km
Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out moreNearby breweries
Iron House Brewery 64 km
When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out moreBoag's (J.Boag & Son) 64 km
With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out moreTwo Metre Tall Company 189 km
Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out moreMoo Brew 190 km
With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out moreCascade Brewery 199 km
It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out moreCampsites around town
Branxholm Centenary Park camping area 6 km
Branxholm is a sleepy little timber town on the Ringarooma River, east of Scottsdale. The camping ground is right in the middle of town near the Red Bridge and the start of the historic Briseis Walking track, a great... Find out moreWeldborough Hotel camping ground 10 km
Tiny Weldborough (blink and you’d miss it) has shaded green camping sites with good amenities out the back of its delightful historic pub. Before you get too comfortable with a cold beer in the pub, be sure to have... Find out moreNorth East Park Campground 24 km
Surrounded by beautiful parkland, trees and lakes, this pretty camping ground is 1 km east of Scottsdale on the A3. There’s a playground on-site and you can stay at the park for up to 7 days, giving you plenty of... Find out moreBlackmans Lagoon camping area 31 km
This camping area is used by duck shooters in season and is suited to big rigs. It is reached along Blackmans Lagoon Rd off Waterhouse Rd, 23 km east of Bridport. Camping is in a pine plantation by a network of lagoons... Find out moreBig Waterhouse Lake camping area 32 km
A few cleared camping sites are provided here on the northern shore of the lake, but there are no facilities at this location frequented by anglers and duck hunters. Access is signposted 4 km along Homestead Rd, then it... Find out moreRansons Beach camping area 35 km
At the eastern end of Homestead Rd there is a small camping area and beach boat launching place near a couple of fishing shacks. This is a popular spot for off-roaders because Ransons Beach is open to trail bikes and... Find out moreGriffin camping area 36 km
Along the banks of the South Esk River there are pleasant green camping sites close to a network of tracks heading into the Fingal Forests, so this place is ideal if you are into trail bikes or ATVs. There is good trout... Find out moreWaterhouse Beach camping area 36 km
From the coast north of Waterhouse these campsites sit behind the beach and are sheltered by coastal scrub. Head towards the coast along Homestead Road turning left to Croppies Point, then left again at the y-junction.... Find out moreCasuarina Hill camping area 36 km
Leave Homestead Rd east of the main track to camp at this sheltered site, with 4 camping areas. You’ll need a 4WD to cope with the steep entry.... Find out moreSouth Croppies Point camping area 36 km
These campsites are at the northern side of this scenic point. They have spectacular ocean outlooks but are relatively exposed to the weather. From Homestead Rd, turn left 2 km north of the Big Waterhouse Lake track,... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park 43 km
This is a good quality establishment 1.5 km south of town. The park is a popular holiday destination and bookings are required in peak periods; a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas, Easter and long weekends.... Find out moreTreasure Island Caravan Park 65 km
Launceston has just this one caravan park. It is about 2 km south of the city centre and is easily accessible from the freeway when approaching from the south. The park has good facilities and is a good base to use when... Find out moreLongford Riverside Caravan Park 75 km
This park, with good amenities, is located on the banks of the Macquarie River, only a few hundred metres from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreLow Head Tourist Park 83 km
A lot of recent development has transformed this into an attractive park. There are large grassy areas, and most facilities for the discerning traveller are here. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday Park 86 km
The park is set on a large expanse of grassy, maintained grounds and includes a small golf course. It has good amenities, a wellstocked store and a great outlook over the broad estuary of the River Tamar. Wombats... Find out moreBicheno East Coast Holiday Park 91 km
This is a good quality tourist park with a larger number of sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over public holidays.... Find out moreRoss Caravan Park 101 km
Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out morePort Sorell Lions Caravan Park 105 km
This popular beachfront park is owned and operated by the Lions Club. It is close to the centre of town, adjacent to the boat ramp and ideal for family holidays. It is an easy drive to the Devonport ferry terminal from... Find out moreDeloraine Apex Caravan Park 105 km
With good facilities, this park is about a oneand- a-half hour drive to Cradle Mountain and about half that to Great Lake. There are good bushwalks in the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
The trail of the Tin Dragon follows the history of Chinese tin miners in north-eastern Tasmania and invites you to walk in their footsteps. These little cottages in pretty farmland surroundings are on the trail and offer... Find out more
In one of the most isolated corners of Tasmania, this historic pub has that warm country welcome only found in out-of-the-way places. They have seven comfy rooms with shared bathrooms, and serve good hearty pub meals and... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Rainbow Retreat 58 km
The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out moreMountain Valley, Loongana 156 km
Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out moreCradle Mountain Lodge 164 km
Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out moreWaldheim Cabins 165 km
You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out moreCurringa Farm 177 km
Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out morePeppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 229 km
Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out moreRest areas around town
Derby Park Area 1 km
North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the river. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 08.517 E147 47.843 ... Find out moreScottsdale Rest Area 23 km
East side of town Large area just off the highway. Very good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 09.977 E147 31.380... Find out moreSideling Lookout Park Area 33 km
17 km SW of Scottsdale (L) or 45 km NE of Launceston (R) Small area adjacent to the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Good facilities. GPS: S41 15.440 E147 25.844... Find out moreMyrtle Park Camp Area 41 km
31 km SW of Scottsdale (R) or 31 km NE of Launceston (L) Large grassed camp area just off the highway on the banks of St Patrick’s River. Kiosk and telephone nearby. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 18.664... Find out moreCosy Corner North Camp Area 41 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting near the foreshore 15 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 13.302 E148 16.924... Find out moreCosy Corner South Camp Area 41 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub on the foreshore 14 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.532 E148 16.977 ... Find out moreSwimcart Beach Camp Area 41 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 13 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.729 E148 17.053... Find out moreJeanneret Beach Camp Area 42 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 12 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 14.220 E148 17.435... Find out moreGrants Lagoon Camp Area 43 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting 10 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 15.295 E148 17.421 ... Find out moreMoulting Bay Camp Area 43 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large campground in the scrub near the foreshore 7 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 1 kilometre south of Binalong Bay Road. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. ... Find out moreSt Helens Park Area 44 km
South side of town on the foreshore Small parking area on the foreshore adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S41 20.455 E148 15.812... Find out moreDora Point Camp Area 46 km
T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub near the foreshore 8 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 5 kilometres south of Binalong Bay Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 16.627 E148... Find out moreScamander Forest Camp Area 48 km
T/O at Beaumaris Small camp area 11 kilometres west of Beaumaris via Skyline Drive among trees on Trout Creek. Good shade. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out moreDianas Basin Camp Area 48 km
T/O 10 km N of Scamander (R) or 8 km S of St Helens (L) Large area well off the highway between the basin and the beach with numerous secluded campsites located in the scrub. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. ... Find out morePaddys Island Camp Area 49 km
8 km N of Scamander (R) or 10 km S of St Helens (L) Very small campground located just off the highway in the scrub. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 23.716 E148 17.340... Find out moreShelly Point Camp Area 51 km
4 km N of Scamander (R) or 14 km S of St Helens (L) Small camp area located just off the highway in the scrub near the foreshore. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out moreLittle Beach Camp Area 68 km
32 km N of Bicheno (R) or 25 km S of Scamander (L) Large area just off the highway near the beach. Limited shade. GPS: S41 37.574 E148 18.736 ... Find out moreLagoon Beach Camp Area 69 km
29 km N of Bicheno (R) or 28 km S of Scamander (L) Large camp area well off the highway with numerous secluded sites in the scrub between the lagoon and the beach. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S41... Find out morePerth Park Area 71 km
North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 34.286 E147 10.184... Find out moreConara Rest Area 81 km
11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out moreDenison Beach Rest Area 85 km
6 km N of Bicheno (R) or 51 km S of Scamander (L) Very small secluded area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub near the foreshore. GPS: S41 49.639 E148 15.901... Find out moreBicheno Park Area 90 km
North side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. GPS: S41 52.265 E148 17.742... Find out moreCampbell Town Rest Area 91 km
South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out moreRoss Park Area 101 km
South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out moreFriendly Beach Camp Area 102 km
T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Small camp area located 14 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.533 E148 17.096 ... Find out moreParramatta Creek Rest Area 108 km
26 km NW of Deloraine (L) or 17 km SE of Latrobe (R) Pleasant area just off the highway among some large trees on the bank of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 19.830 E146 31.826 ... Find out moreMoulting Lagoon Camp Area 110 km
T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 22 kilometres south of highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.213 E148 13.986... Find out moreSwansea Park Area 111 km
South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out moreCressy Beach Park Area 116 km
44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out moreColes Bay Camp Area 116 km
T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 29 kilometres south of highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available. GPS: S42 07.435 E148 17.810 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Derby River Derby: raft race down Ringarooma River with markets, exhibitions and children's activities; Oct.