The Derby revolution

Meet the people behind Derby’s mountain biking renaissance.

How did this passionate community transform Derby from quiet country hamlet to mountain biking mecca and adventure playground?

Their lightbulb moment came in 2015, when the local council decided to create a network of purpose-built bike trails that’s since grown from 20km to 125km. Just two years later, Derby hosted the epic Enduro World Series, cementing the town’s reputation as a worldclass mountain biking destination.

Today, this historic mining town nestled in north-east Tasmania is a buzzing community filled with cafes, bike shops, luxe accommodation and an inimitable floating sauna. Come for the rides, stay for the vibes.

A chance discovery 

It’s been a wild ride for Ben Jones, the man behind Evolution Biking and the Derby Lodge. Back in 2017, Ben and his wife Anastasia were planning a move to Canada when a chance phone scroll steered him to real estate listings in Derby.

“We booked a trip that weekend,” he recalls.

Five weeks later they had officially decamped to Derby – with Anastasia 32 weeks pregnant and their two-year-old in tow. The wheels were in motion to build their bespoke lodge and kickstart a bike hire, retail and repair business.

I could just sense that there was this energy.

That energy is contagious, drawing people to Derby with its alluring mix of towering trees, hidden creeks, giant boulders and beautiful climate, making biking (and hiking) a revelation in any season.

For all its popularity with the pros, Ben enthusiastically points out that Derby’s trail network has something for everyone.

“We have every piece of the recipe that you need,” he says, be it cruisy lakeside cycles, full throttle descents, bridges or berms, tall trees or tunnels, switchbacks or shady fern glades. And if you need a little extra boost, Evolution Biking’s e-bikes take the effort out of uphill climbs.

From pedal to pod  

As a lifetime local in north-east Tasmania, Tara Howell has witnessed Derby’s evolution first-hand. It's this intimate connection to the area that inspired Tara and her husband, Steve, to open Blue Derby Pods Ride around a decade ago.

 “We thought: what about we combine mountain biking and luxury tourism and make a luxury adventure experience?” she says.

And that’s exactly what they did. Blue Derby Pods Ride offers all-inclusive, multiday mountain bike adventures that thread through the town’s renowned trails. Each exhilarating day ends with guests relaxing and refuelling with fine Tasmanian gourmet food and wine, before bedding down in off-grid pod accommodation nestled amidst the forest.

Tara believes Derby’s success comes from the perfect mix of natural beauty, seamless connection to the trails and a passionate community. And then there’s the “magic dirt”: a grippy, loamy soil that makes the trails some of the best in the world, like the epic Blue Tier trail.

You can't not get to the end of that trail and be smiling.

It’s these reactions – the “hooting, hollering, high fives”– that make it special for Tara. When riders completely immerse in the adventure and lose track of time, she knows she’s done her job.

Taking the plunge 

Mountain biking may be the major drawcard but Nigel Reeves believes the magic of Derby is that there’s so much more to explore.

“Even if you don't bike ride there's so many walks. There’s platypus, the sunsets are amazing, the food's great,“ he says. “The Floating Sauna is a worldclass experience.”

It took Nigel eight weeks of hard slog to build the Floating Sauna Lake Derby, with little more than an 18-volt hand tool, a helping hand from a mate and an endless supply of bacon and egg rolls. 

Since opening in 2020, his wood-fired sauna has summoned people to the shores of Lake Derby for a soothing steep, soak and plunge straight into the refreshing waters. It’s the perfect post-pedal recovery.

You would be absolutely amazed how many Hollywood A-listers have visited and had a great time. But I can't say who.

What makes this place special? Nigel loves the serene early mornings on the lake, the mist rising above the water, the breathtaking sunsets and that unbeatable rush of endorphins after an invigorating cycle of hot and cold therapy.

 “That's what people take away,” he says. “That special feeling after a sauna – you feel absolutely amazing.”

The pit stop  

For Jason Hayden and wife Jacqueline, it was a TV show highlighting Derby’s mountain biking revolution that sparked their idea to swap southern Queensland for north-east Tasmania.

“We thought, ‘what a great idea to re-energise an economy’,” says Jason, owner of the Hub Pizza and Beer.

Coming down to buy the pizza restaurant they quickly fell head-over-handlebars in love with Derby, its community and surrounding countryside, despite a “fairly fresh” first few weeks camping in mid-winter with two dogs, a cat, two cars and a camper trailer.

Today, the Hub is the beating heart of Derby – it’s a top spot to unwind after a ride. Think wood-fired pizzas, cold beers and cider served with a side of dazzling Derby Valley views.

We’re passionate about what we do here.

Flop into a chesterfield, lounge by the open fireplace, nab a spot on the verandah or relax in the beer garden.

“You can ride in and out of town… you can get a pizza or a coffee and then ride off again,” he says. “The location isn't something you can create. It's just a fantastic place.”

As you roll out of Derby, you’ll be hard pressed not to agree.

Derby FAQs

How to get to Derby

Derby is nestled amongst a patchwork of farmland, forest and rivers between Launceston and the east-coast town of St Helens. It’s a 90min drive north-east of Launceston via Scottsdale or Lilydale and a 1hr drive west of St Helens. Arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry? Allow a 2.5hr drive from Devonport. Heading north from Hobart, Derby is a 3.5hr drive via Campbell Town or 4.5hr drive via Bicheno and St Helens.

When is the best time to visit Derby?

Derby works its charms in any of Tasmanian's distinct seasons. If you plan to hit the mountain biking trails, the network is open 365 days a year – and it’s absolutely free. The biggies, Blue Tier and Big Chook trails, are closed each year between July and late September and trails close periodically for maintenance. Up to date information is available on the Blue Derby Trails website.

Trails are in peak condition April to mid-June and September to mid-November.

What to do in Derby if I don’t ride a bike?

For non-riders, a gentle stroll to Derby Tunnel or Devils Wharf will immerse you in the natural beauty of Derby – we're  talking granite rock formations, waterfalls and creeks to explore. At night, you might spot possums, wallabies and owls. Or trace the shores of Lake Derby and book in for a sauna session.  

Tucked away in the surrounding countryside you’ll find opportunities for fossicking, kayaking and birdwatching. Fancy a feast? Pop into cellar doors en route to Bridport, get a dose of dairy at Pyengana’s cheese factory or swap biking for sweeping beaches on the east coast.

What’s on in 2025 for Derby’s mountain biking milestone?

In 2025, Derby celebrates 10 years since the first trails opened. Strap on your helmet for a lineup of festivities from 10–12 April, including a brand new trail, live music, food and drink, guided rides and more...