Often described by visitors as a hidden treasure, somewhere that they have stumbled across, Westbury is a pretty English-style village on the Great Western Tiers tourist Route between Devonport and Launceston.
A village green, lots of tree-lined streets, old courtyards and stables, elegant old inns and a feast of charming old buildings means a visitor could easily spend a day just wandering around the streets. A classic Georgian village and classified historic town, Westbury was developed as a military garrison and the troops were barracked around what today is the Village Green, reputedly one of the few traditional village greens in Australia. Prisoners were put in stocks on the green.
The scale of the town’s original survey was such that it is clear there were plans for Westbury to become a city, but the town never did grow. It is today a town where time has stood still.
This quaint 19th century village offers a number of reasons to stop and explore. It has numerous museums, housing collections of agricultural machinery, antique steam engines, vintage cars, 19th century toys and historic furniture. Westbury’s Village Green is said to be the only true village green in Australia. In the 1830s with soldiers stationed nearby, it was used for parades and archery competitions amongst other things. The site is now used each year for the St Patricks Day Festival which runs over 3 days in March.
Where Is it?
16 km east of Deloraine; 214 km north of Hobart; 64 km west of Burnie; 34 km west of Launceston on the Bass Highway.
Things To See And Do
Annual Events
the St Patricks Festival is a major annual cultural activity that celebrates the historical links with Westbury and its early Irish community. The Festival celebrates via song and dance as well as a street parade and other family activities.
Markets
WESTBURY ANGLICAN CHURCH MARKET
Westbury Anglican Church, 11 Lonsdale Promenade, Westbury
Trading: 3rd Saturday of the month – 9am – 2pm
Type: Bric-a-Brac, Handmade. Phone: (03) 6393 1417
The Big Wickets
Since 2009 Westbury has been known for the big wickets, erected in a park as a memorial to local cricketer, Jack Badcock. Badcock, who played test cricket for Australia between 1936 and 1938, was Tasmania’s first test cricketer and the first Tasmanian to score a century in international cricket.
The White House
The White House is located at the western end of Lonsdale Promenade. Perhaps the most famous of all the houses in Westbury, the White House stands on land which was granted to Thomas White on 4th November, 1841. White left the building in 1859 and over the next century it was variously a steam flour mill, a bakery, a bus depot and a bicycle hire factory. After extensive renovation, the White House was opened to the public in 1971. It is a fascinating combination of its past history with a well-preserved 19th century house (it comprises a dining room, small sitting room, large sitting room, bedroom, attic bedroom and kitchen) as well as a Cycle Display, a Vintage Car Museum and bakery.
St Andrews Anglican Church
Directly opposite the Village Green and dominating the landscape is St Andrews Anglican church which was built between 1836 and 1890 - the foundation stone was laid in 1836, the nave was opened in 1842, the church was consecrated in 1851, the tower was added in 1859 and the chancel was completed in 1890. The church is noted for its fine carvings particularly 'The seven sisters' chancel screen. They were all completed by Mrs Ellen Nora Payne who was born and grew up in the village. Next door to the church is an attractive two storey brick house which was built in the 1840s and became the residence for Westbury Council clerks.
Dr Woods Surgey
Dr Woods Surgery, 3 Lonsdale Street, Westbury. This house was marked on an 1832 map as 'Surgeon'. In April 1832 The Garrison was a detachment of the 4th Foot Regiment later the Royal Lancashire Regiment, the King's Own. Westbury was also garrisoned in 1832 by the 63rd Regiment of Foot, later the 1st Battalion of the Manchester Regiment, this is the regiment in which Captain Lonsdale served after whom this road is named.
Around The Town
Westbury Maze
Westbury Maze, one of Australia’s longest established mazes, is a traditional hedge maze. It draws upon a centuries-old tradition that still proves as popular as ever with adults and children of all ages. Three thousand neatly-clipped bushes at a height of two metres make up the maze, which has a network of pathways more than a kilometre long. Entering the maze is easy – finding the way through to the other side is more of a challenge. Described as a “living sculpture,” the view from the central platform will delight as it reveals the formal, perfectly manicured structure of the maze. Refreshments and light meals are available at the Tea Room.
Pearn's Steam World
Pearn���s Steam World houses a collection of over 200 major items. It would have to be the best in the Southern hemisphere, each piece having been collected since the 1950s. Its vintage tractors represent the world-class collection of Hedley Shaw who sold and serviced Ferguson tractors, and who acquired the old farm tractors each time he made a sale.��There are over 100 vintage tractors in his collection, all in working order, as well as a multitude of far equipment and vintage commercial vehicles.
Fitzpatricks Inn
Located at the southern end of town, Fitzpatricks Inn was opened in 1833 as the Commercial Hotel. It was the first hotel in Westbury. In the 1890s it was acquired by the Fitzpatrick family who renamed it Fitzpatricks Hotel. It remained in the family for a century and gained a reputation as a fine hotel. It is recognised as a fine example of a Georgian Inn although it is worth noting that the classical portico at the front was added in the early 1900s.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
This large cruciform bluestone church in the Decorated Gothic style was begun in 1869 and the building consecrated in 1874. It was designed by Henry Hunter, Tasmania's most prolific Victorian architect. The tower was added early this century. The marble high altar and reredos were designed by Alexander North. The organ was built by Melbourne organbuilder William Anderson (1832-1921) and first played in February 1881.
Major Attractions
Surrounding Towns
- Launceston
- Hadspen
- Carrick
- Hagley
- Deloraine
- Pearns Steam World
- Great western Tiers
- Narawntapu National Park
- Tamar Valley
- Notley Fern Gorge
Places of Interest
Regional Attractions
Recommended Accommodation
