Discover Westbury

Westbury combines a historically significant town centre with insights into agriculture, art and nature. At Village Green, open lawns, mature trees and monuments meet the history of colonial settlement. There is also a collection focused on steam power, a large cricket wicket installation, artworks and opportunities for fly fishing. The themes range from local history and technology to the landscape and river activities.

History at Village Green

Village Green was laid out in the 1830s and once served as a venue for military parades, archery competitions and fairs; prisoners were also put in the stocks there. Its cultural and historical significance lies in the way it illustrates the development of settlement in colonial Westbury. As an open lawn with mature trees and monuments, the Green is also the town’s landscape focal point. The site’s former uses and its present form as a green space are closely connected here.

Cricket and notable people from Westbury

The Big Wickets commemorate local cricketer Jack Badcock: the six-metre-high cricket wicket installation makes a single sporting theme visible from afar. The Westbury Silhouette Trail offers a different focus, with eight artworks depicting notable members of the Westbury community. The two features offer a brief comparison: the Big Wickets honour a cricketer, while the trail puts several community members in the spotlight. Local commemorations thus range from sport to notable people from Westbury.

Agricultural technology at Pearns Steam World

Pearns Steam World displays agricultural equipment from the Meander Valley, with a particular focus on steam power. The collection ranges from early hand tools to machinery from the early 1960s. This span of time gives the visit a clear thread: you can compare the early tools with the later machinery, while steam power remains the collection’s distinctive focus. On most days, rides on a 7¼-inch narrow-gauge railway are also available with museum admission. There is no extra charge; availability may vary. Be sure to check the details before your visit.

Pearns Steam World is on the B54, on the northern side of Meander Valley Road, and near the stop for Redline’s long-distance bus. As transport arrangements can change, check the provider’s latest information before travelling.

Town Common and river activities

Westbury Town Common is a floodplain that combines natural habitats with open lawns. Its surface is level and even, with no steps or steep sections. These specific features help you understand the landscape, rather than seeing it simply as an open space.

In the cold, clear Meander River around Westbury, anglers can fly fish for brown and rainbow trout; there is good access for anglers. Fly fishing offers a different focus from the town’s historical and technological themes: here, the river and the two trout species take centre stage.

Another local highlight

Western Tiers Distillery offers a flight tasting of spirits. This adds a tasting experience that differs from the themes of history, art and landscape. When planning your trip, you can choose among different focuses, including local history, agricultural technology, nature and river activities.

Discover more destinations: Adventure Bay, Falmouth, Petcheys Bay, Granton, Cygnet, Naracoopa, Gravelly Beach, Kettering.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.