Tips to Plan an epic Blue Derby adventure
What are the trails Like in Derby?
The Blue Derby Trail network is located amongst a lush temperate rainforest that resemble scenes from Jurassic Park. With professional built trails weaving through a canopy of oversized ancient man ferns we guarantee you will be gobsmacked! The soil type is a rich thick loamy soil made up of decomposed granite which offers grip for days. The other crucial ingredient to what makes Derby so special over other destinations is the rock! Our network offers an abundance of oversize granite rock slab features and rock gardens to keep you on your toes! To experience the best of these slabs and rock gardens we recommend hitting trails like Cuddles, Detonate and signature trail Trouty!
How long should I visit for and are the trail open all year round?
The Blue Derby trail network is open 365 day a year with shuttles running daily from the Blue Derby trailhead! The Blue Tier and Bay of Fire wilderness trails do close for a winter break between late June and late September. When planning a trip to Derby we recommend at a minimum of 4 nights! This will allow you to ride most of our trails and re ride your favourite ones!
How to get to Derby?
Jetstar, Virgin and Qantas airlines fly direct into Launceston daily from most Australian major airports. The most convenient way to get to Derby from the airport is booking and picking up an Avis or Budget rental car from the airport. Once you are loaded up it will take around 1.5 hours to arrive in Derby. Derby Airport Transfers offers transport from the airport to Derby for individuals and groups. This requires a pre booking for all passengers. As there is no large grocery store in Derby we recommend picking up supplies in Scottsdale which you will drive through on your way to Derby.
Where to stay?
There are over 70 Airbnb's available for nightly rental in Derby, offering a wide range price points and comfort levels to suit individuals to large groups. The Derby Lodge offers high quality mountain bike accomodation for up to 15 guests. The Lodge was custom built for mountain bikers in 2017, boasting a large open plan living and entertaining area, BBQ's, bike workshop and ample bike storage all within steps to the Blue Derby trail head, hospitality venues and bike shops.
Should i hire a bike or bring my own?
If you absolutely love your own bike then we always recommend packing and bringing your own bike. However if you like the convenience of less luggage to manage, potential travel damage to your bike and having to pack down and build bikes when you arrive, then we offer the latest range of Trek and Norco bikes as an option. With a Fleet of 75 hire bikes and a focus on performance models such as Slash+ 9.7, Rail+ 8, Fuel EXe in the ebike range and Slash 8 as our versatile analogue bike we can ensure you will be comfortable and confident on the bike out oin the trails. We also cater for the novice rider offer the Roscoe 8 hardtails! The kids shouldn't miss out on performance so we offer a range of Norco youth dual suspension hire bikes.
Should i hire a regular pedal bike or an E-Bike?
In the spirit of enduro riding its not all downhill in Derby. We have some amazing descents however we make you earn it. If you are not conditioned to riding 4 Days in a row you can burn out pretty quick! This is why we recommend hiring an e-bike for your visit! It will also allow better access to the non shuttle accessed areas of the Blue Derby network.
How close is Evolution Biking to the trail head?
Evolution Biking is located in the centre of the Derby village which is just 200m from the Blue Derby Trail head! Once you pick up your hire bike you can ride directly onto the network or shuttle bus.
Do i need a car to get around Derby?
Once you have arrived in Derby the town is small enough that you can walk or ride to get around! The Shuttles all operate from the main Blue Derby trailhead. The town and trails works like a ski in ski out alpine ski resort where you feel like you are staying on the mountain. Once at your accomodation you can ride the trails from your driveway and you will circulate back in and out of the town throughout the day!
Food and Beverage?
There are some great hearty hospitality venues within the Derby village that can assist with post ride hydration ie. Beer and wine ;). Check out the the Hub Pizza restaurant, Dorset Hotel or Lot 40 bar and cafe for some local craft brews and gin!
What else can we do while visiting Derby?
As the town has grown over the past 10 years we have seen new complimentary experiences and product offerings become available in Derby. Ensure you book yourself or group into the Floating Sauna Derby located on Lake Derby to assist with the post ride leg aches. The Derby Tunnel which is located just beyond the trail head is accessible by foot for a scenic walk through a 100 year old mining tunnel. The tunnel is illuminated by solar lights and is an absolute must for the whole family. If hiking is your thing then head up the the Blue Tier and hike one of the many hiking trails or if you are looking for something for the whole family check out the goblin forest walk. Little Blue Lake is a short 30mins drive from Derby or if you live a world class sparkling wine take 1 hour drive via the seaside village of Bridport and visit one of 14 wineries in the Pipers brook area. At the top of the list would have to be a sparkling wine at Janz winery.
