Derby
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Derby, TAS 7264.
About Derby
Welcome to Derby
Derby sits in Tasmania's north-east, in the valley of the Ringarooma River roughly 80 kilometres from Launceston, in country better known these days for its mountain bike trails than its 19th-century tin mines. Once a booming mining town, it slipped into quiet decline for decades before a network of world-class trails put it firmly back on the map — this time as an outdoor recreation destination rather than an industrial one.
With a population of just 109 and a median age of 49, Derby remains a small, close-knit community rather than a suburban address in the usual sense. It suits people drawn to a slower, nature-focused way of life — mountain bikers and tourism operators, tree-changers, and anyone happy to trade big-city conveniences for bush, river and a genuine sense of place.
Lifestyle & dining
Derby's character has been reshaped by the Blue Derby mountain bike trail network, which draws riders from across Australia and overseas to tracks carved through the surrounding forest. The main street reflects this shift, with cafes, a bakery and places to eat that cater to trail riders and visitors as much as locals, giving a town of this size a surprisingly lively weekend buzz. The old tin-mining history is still visible too, most notably at the Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre and the flooded remains of the historic Briseis Dam, which sit as a reminder of the town's earlier boom-and-bust past.
Getting around
Derby is a car-dependent town, reached via the Tasman Highway and connected to the broader north-east region through towns such as Scottsdale and Branxholm. Launceston, around 80 kilometres away, is the nearest major centre for airport access, larger shopping and specialist services, making it a regular trip for residents needing anything beyond day-to-day essentials. There's no train line here; a private vehicle is essential for work, school runs and stocking up on supplies.
Parks & recreation
Recreation is really the point of Derby. Beyond the renowned Blue Derby trails, the town borders state forest and reserve land offering bushwalking, fishing on the Ringarooma River, and swimming at the old dam. The surrounding north-east region, including nearby Scottsdale and the drive toward the coast, opens up further options for exploring waterfalls, forest reserves and quiet back roads, making an active outdoors lifestyle easy to come by.
Schools & families
Derby is a small town and families needing full schooling options typically look to larger nearby centres such as Scottsdale, which offers primary and secondary schooling within a reasonable drive. With a median age of 49 and a population of only 109, Derby's demographic skews older and more toward tourism operators, tradespeople and retirees than young families, though its relaxed pace and natural setting still appeal to those wanting to raise children away from city life.
The property market
Current listings in Derby are evenly split between houses and vacant land, each making up 50% of what's on offer — reflecting both the town's small existing housing stock and genuine interest in new builds capitalising on its tourism profile. This mix suits two distinct buyer types: those after an established home in an established pocket of town, and those wanting to design a build suited to short-stay accommodation or a personal retreat. With a population of just 109, the market here is inherently thin, meaning listings can be limited and buyers benefit from local knowledge and patience when the right property comes up.
History
Derby's origins lie in tin mining, with the Briseis mine once one of the richest in the region before the catastrophic 1929 dam collapse devastated the town. That history still shapes the streetscape and is preserved at the Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre, which tells the story of the Chinese and European miners who worked the area. Decades after the mines closed, the arrival of the Blue Derby trail network has given the town a second life, blending its mining-era heritage with a new identity built around mountain biking and tourism.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Derby, TAS 7264.
Population
109
residents (2021)
Median age
49
years
Household income
$900
median, per week
Median rent
$210
per week
Median mortgage
$770
per month
Mortgage / income
20%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Recent results
Recently sold in Derby
$610k
4 Renison Street
Sold ~July 2026
$685k
50 Main Street
Sold ~June 2026
$499k
39 Main Street
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Derby
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Price map around Derby
Every listing for sale near Derby, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Common questions
Derby suburb FAQ
Is Derby a good place to live?
Derby is a town in the north-east of Tasmania, Australia. Derby is an established residential suburb in TAS, with a population of around 109.
What is the population of Derby?
Derby has a population of 109 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 49.
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