How do you take an ailing town—once celebrated for its role in Tasmania’s 1870s mining boom—and trigger an economic revival so that it becomes a jewel in the state’s tourism crown? For historic Derby, the story begins with a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund and an initiative by Dorset Council to showcase its “hero dirt”—that beautiful alchemy of soil and moisture that creates perfect riding conditions.
What started in 2015 with the launch of the Blue Derby Trail Network—20 kilometres of single-track trails winding through temperate rainforests and along picturesque streams—is now one of the world’s premier destinations for mountain bikers. The network now spans more than 125 kilometres of trails and welcomes more than 80,000 visitors each year—a success story that has seen Derby transform into a bustling tourism destination teeming with restaurants, accommodation and guided tours.
A luxury mountain-biking experience
Tara Howell is the director of Blue Derby Pods Ride, a luxury multi-day mountain-biking experience she runs alongside her husband, Steve.