Derby Tin Mining Tunnel
Originally a tin mining district, Derby is now a haven for mountain bike riders, with an established series of bike trails in the district. A remnant of the mining history has been incorporated into the bike and walking trails, making an excellent addition to the usual Australian bush you usually go through. The old Derby tin mining tunnel is easy to walk through, but bring a torch, so that you can see.
Getting There
Located in north-east Tasmania, Derby is 90 minutes from Launceston and three and a half hours from Hobart. We travelled here from the Bay of Fires, only an hour away, stopping on the way at Paris Dam Wall.
Bike Tracks
The town is surrounded by bike tracks, which attract people from all over Australia. Generally, the tracks are dual use, biking/riding, but check before setting out and be polite to other users. We only walked to the tunnel and found the bike riders to be polite and friendly, but we always moved off the track to let them through.
The tracks wind through Tasmanian temperate rainforest making them magical to walk through.
Track Through the Trees 
Walking / Bike Track 
Walking / Bike Track
The Tunnel
The tunnel was one of several used to move waste from mines to the river, but is the only one now accessible. During our visit, the lights were not working, but we had a torch, so walking was not a problem. Without light, the tunnel would be pitch dark and dangerous.
While walking, keep an ear out for bikes, so that you can keep out of their way. You will hear them a long way off and they will see your light. Several groups passed us as we walked, with no problems.
Good footwear is essential as the floor is uneven in places and can be wet.
At 600m long, it does not take long to walk through before entering daylight again.
Entrance to the Tunnel 
Tin Tunnel 
Light to the Outside of the Tin Tunnel 
Exit From the Tunnel
What Did We Think
This was a really fun walk and something different to the usual bush walks we do. The tunnel was easy to walk through using a light and wearing good walking shoes.
To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.
Our photos are available for purchase on