Derby

TAS 7264 • Tasmania

109
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
77.85 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricTourist HubMountainRural

About Derby

Derby is a small historic town in the north-east of Tasmania, situated on the Ringarooma River at the junction of the Cascade River, approximately 35 kilometres east of Scottsdale and 100 kilometres east of Launceston. Administered by the Dorset Council, Derby has a population of 109 residents and was established in 1874 as a centre for the region's thriving tin mining industry. At an elevation of 164 metres, the town is set amid the rugged, forested hills of Tasmania's north-east highlands.

Derby has undergone a remarkable transformation from a declining mining town to one of Australia's premier adventure tourism destinations, now renowned internationally for the Blue Derby mountain bike trail network — an expansive system of world-class single-track trails that draws riders from across the country and overseas. The town's heritage buildings, community character, and dramatic landscape create a compelling backdrop for both visitors and permanent residents. Scottsdale provides the nearest range of everyday services, while Launceston offers full retail, medical, and transport connections.

Derby falls under postcode 7264 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (McIntyre) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
7264
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.02°, 148.03°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
77.85 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Scottsdale Approx. 40 min

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
No rail service in Derby; Hobart is approximately 300km south
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 hours

🛣️ Car is essential. Scottsdale (35km west) and Launceston (100km west) are the nearest service centres. Regional bus services connect to Scottsdale.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

The town centre is walkable within itself, but a car is needed for most daily shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
109
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Derby known for? +

Derby is best known as the home of the Blue Derby mountain bike trail network, a world-class system of single-track trails that has transformed the town into one of Australia's top adventure tourism destinations. It also has a rich tin mining heritage dating back to the 1870s.

How far is Derby from Launceston? +

Derby is approximately 100 kilometres east of Launceston, making it roughly a 1.5 hour drive through the scenic north-east highlands of Tasmania.

Does Derby have public transport? +

Derby has limited public transport. Regional bus services connect the town to Scottsdale (approximately 35km to the west), but there is no rail service. A car is the most practical way to travel to and from Derby.

What is the population of Derby? +

According to the 2021 Census, Derby has a population of 109 residents across an area of approximately 78 square kilometres in the Dorset Council area of north-east Tasmania.

Is Derby a good place to live? +

Derby offers a unique lifestyle combining a small, tight-knit community with an increasingly vibrant tourism scene centred on the Blue Derby trails. It suits outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and those working in tourism or hospitality, though everyday services are limited and Scottsdale or Launceston trips are needed for major shopping.

What is the postcode for Derby? +

The postcode for Derby in Tasmania is 7264.