The Tasmanian settlement of Westbury is often referred to as the most English village in Australia … and it’s not hard to see why.
Like many of the more attractive country towns, its tree-lined streets are filled with historic buildings and churches, but it is the traditional village green at its heart which sets Westbury apart.
Back in the 1830s, Westbury developed as a garrison village and troops were barracked around the village green.
Ironically, considering its supposed ‘Englishness’, the area was predominantly settled by the Irish back in the mid 19th century … and the Westbury Irish festival held every March is still the community’s biggest and most popular event.
Highfield Estate, just outside of Westbury. PIC: Chris Crerar
Pearn’s Steam World. PIC: Chris Crerar
Located 30 kilometres west of Launceston on the Bass Highway, Westbury now boasts a population of around 2,000 people and has good services and facilities, including the Westbury Hotel, an RSL, an IGA supermarket, two café/bakeries, a distillery/café, a takeaway … and a kebab shop.
The best way to enjoy the numerous heritage buildings and to soak up the village ambience is simply to walk around.
Highlights include St. Andrew’s Church which was built between 1836 and 1890; the bluestone Holy Trinity Catholic Church which was consecrated in 1874; the Old Westbury Bake House; James Earle’s Cottage; Fitzpatrick’s Inn; and Quamby’s Store.
The BIg Wickets at Westbury. PIC: Chris Crerar
Another must-see building is the White House, which has previously been a museum, a steam flour mill, a bicycle factory, and a store.
There is a 3-5 kilometre ‘Silhouette Trail’ which visitors can follow past eight artworks depicting some of the characters who helped build the Westbury community over the years.
The most famous attraction here is Pearn’s Steam World which boasts a collection of some 200 steam engines – reputedly the largest such collection in the Southern Hemisphere – and which includes fire engines, tractors, water carts and steam rollers.
Other quirky points of interest include the Big Wickets, a six-metre high set of cricket wickets that commemorate star local cricketer Jack Badcock.
For anyone keen to try their hand at fly fishing, the Meander River is a great place to catch brown and rainbow trout.
In terms of places to stay, camping at the Westbury recreation ground and showgrounds are currently not supported, but there is a free RV rest area and camping site at the corner of Meander Valley Road and Peyton Street. There is also a new campground at Hagley, a few kilometres east of town, which has apparently been getting excellent feedback. Theer are also some excellent van parks in surrounding towns, including Deloraine to the west and Longford to the east.
