When we were little, we used to believe that at the end of the rainbow, there lies a pot of gold. Little did we know, such a treasure can rather be found in the heart of a breathtaking forest in Derby, Tasmania–disguised as a luxury and unique accommodation.

Talk about “Cabin in the Woods”, but instead of horror, a whole lot of adventure is waiting for you at Blue Derby Pods –a perfect balance of luxury, stunning landscapes, crazy trails, and adrenaline rush! 

Founded in April 2017, a lot of locals and tourists visit the place to put a temporary barrier from the hustle and bustle of the city and just breathe in the relaxing atmosphere of nature. Fully packed with a complete treat, Blue Derby Pods offers both comfort and adventure merged in one. 

Behind this well-thought-of idea is a couple who are fueled with their combined passion for mountain biking and the Tasmanian outdoors. Tara and Steve Howell had to leave their day jobs to pursue what was once a small dream which has now turned into their biggest venture yet.

From a eureka moment on a warm December eve, the couple decided to follow the unknown and hold a tight grip on their dream turning it into something familiar–and even world-renowned today. 

Blue Derby Pods is a three or four-day adventure mountain biking experience featuring Tasmania’s world-class Blue Derby trail network with uniquely crafted private pod accommodation and exceptional food and wine. 

Secluded within the Tasmanian bush setting are the beautifully-crafted spaces and well-designed curves and angles of the warm and cosy Pods ‘floating’ in the awe-inspiring Myrtle forest. Inside feels like glamping in a ship while enjoying the refreshing views of trees around and on a clear night, the stars watch from above as you deep dive into your sleep. 

The adventure just starts from there.

Your experience won’t be complete without coasting through the stunning and epic Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails network. It is a purpose-built 100+ kilometre trail network located in the temperate rainforests of North East Tasmania, encompassing some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the Apple Isle.  

A blend of adventure and challenge in green, blue, and black trails, all leading to a single destination: to have fun! There are trained Experience Leaders who assist and perhaps up-skill a beginner or moderate level mountain biker and challenge an experienced one. So, whether you’re a zero or a hero in terms of experience in mountain biking, there is definitely a place for you here!

After a long tiring day, the equally impressive Hub offers a beautiful central place to eat, drink, shower, and socialise. Architecturally designed, this place complements well with the distinctive style of the Pods. It is situated looking down the Cascade Valley in the heart of the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Network. 

Aside from the secret little library here which is a conducive spot for reading, you can also store your used bikes and finish the day with a hot shower here. Warm hearts and warm stories deserve a roaring fire to keep everything a lot warmer while you sip a Tasmanian wine or beer on the deck.

This place isn’t just famous for the good times but for the good food as well. A mouth-watering menu that has been designed by a local chef and business owner, Olivia Morrison of Bread and Butter, will be served during your stay. Indulge in a crafted feast with produce sourced locally, featuring seasonal ingredients of superb quality. This keeps everything fresh while everyone’s salivating over the tasty servings all year round. 

We won’t be talking much about this beautiful staycation spot without us experiencing it first-hand!

Our very own Directors, Patrick and Abbey Berry, are witnesses of this cracking experience. Patrick shared that Blue Derby Pods Ride was one of the most unique accommodation experiences he had in Tasmania. “Hidden away in the bush really makes you feel one with your surroundings. This experience is heightened with the way the place is laid out: from showers that open up to the outdoors through to the sleeping pods not having curtains thus forcing you to wake up with nature,” he described.  

As the head of a team that advocates for the rehabilitation of the planet, he loved the idea of keeping things simpler and more eco-friendly. “I loved how the complex is fully off-grid with solar panels for power, gas for hot water/cooking, wood fires for heating and composting toilets really made you appreciate a more simple life.”

As a family who loves to go mountain-biking, Pat’s highlight on their stay at Blue Derby Pods was riding mountain bikes on the world-famous Blue Derby Trails, which was also the main reason why they decided to experience the place themselves.

“Being able to get up, grab your bike, and ride straight onto the trails was fantastic. It was also great that because the pods are hidden amongst the trails, you can constantly hear others riding and having a great time which is such a cool experience.”

Speaking of mountain-biking, another Team member of ours whose passion lives in such an adventure, also stayed in this astounding place four (4) months ago. Sam Allwright, along with his partner, Emma, has been privileged to experience life here for five (5) exhilarating days. 

He reckoned they had the entire place for themselves to relax and ride in. “The whole experience was perfect! My favourite part is being out in the rainforest, so close to the trees and the mountain bike trails,” he narrated.

“Nature is really brought in so close and is all around you. You could be riding trails all day within 10 meters of the property and still never know it was there.”

Aside from the suspended Pod accommodation itself, Sam was also wonderstruck with the hidden library situated in the Hub (definitely a must-see!).

Good place, good people, good food, and good times! 

The experience at Blue Derby Pods Ride is certainly one for the books! No wonder, a lot of positive reviews are coming through with 5-star recommendations. It’s not a surprise, too, that the lovely place won Gold in the 2021 Tasmanian Tourism Awards in the Adventure Tourism category.

If you’re looking for a place where adventure and comfort meet, then the number one recommendation we have for you is Blue Derby Pods! 

The management has currently been implementing COVID-19 health and safety measures for everyone’s well-being ensuring a safe yet flexible stay. For more information, you may check out: https://bluederbypodsride.com.au/