Derby had its heyday during the late 1800s when it was famous for its tin mining - in particular the renowned Briseis Mine. The first to explore the area was Surveyor James Scott in 1855, but it was not until 1876 when tin was discovered that true settlement of Derby began.

Several mines operated in the area, but it was the Briseis Mine discovered in 1882 which became the richest tin mine in the northeast, and the deepest hydraulic tin mine in the Southern Hemisphere. By 1900 Derby had three churches, postal and telegraph services, a branch of the National Bank of Tasmania, several hotels and a school with an attendance of 100 pupils. About 3,000 people lived in the town and were dependent on the mine's success.

In 1929 the town was devastated by a massive flood when the Briseis Mine Dam burst, resulting in a high death toll and extensive damage to the properties of the town. The Briseis Mine never returned to full production.

Today, Derby hasn't altered very much, and there is now a concentration on the rural industries as opposed to the mining industry which brought the town so much good fortune in the last century. The town is classified by the National Trust as an Historic Town.

Derby is situated in the north east of the state, near the towns of Branxholm and Moorina.


The Derby Tin Mine Centre is a memorial to the mining days of the town, and contains a history of the development of mining in the town and the hardships which early miners had to endure to make a living. Highlights include a fully restored miner's cottage, a blacksmith's shop, general store and a pictorial documentation of the history of mining in the area.

The Cascade Dam is worth visiting to see the power station which has been generating power for the last 85 years. Bushwalk, fish or fossick for gemstones in the surrounding area.

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