Westbury: Village Green and Steam Power

Westbury offers a range of experiences for a stay: the Village Green tells the story of the settlement’s development, Pearns Steam World is devoted to agricultural machinery and steam power, and fly fishing takes centre stage on the Meander River. There are also artworks, an expansive Common and a spirits tasting. This gives you the chance to consider which aspects of the town will shape your holiday plans most.

The Village Green and Westbury’s history

The Village Green is an open grassy area with mature trees and monuments. As Westbury’s scenic centre, it combines an open public space with visible memorials. Its history dates back to the 1830s, when it was established. The grounds illustrate the development of settlement in colonial Westbury and give the town a tangible historical connection.

Earlier uses included military parades, archery competitions and fairs. The Green also served as a pillory for prisoners. These different functions show how a communal space has been used in varied ways over the course of history. Those interested in local history will find not only monuments here, but also a place whose former role is part of its significance.

Art and a cricket tribute

Two further attractions offer insight into Westbury’s community history. The Big Wickets are a six-metre-high cricket wicket installation commemorating local cricketer Jack Badcock. Their size and specific connection to an individual make them a striking feature for visitors interested in sporting history.

The Westbury Silhouette Trail features eight artworks depicting prominent members of the Westbury community. Rather than focusing on a collection of agricultural machinery or the historical uses of a public space, it portrays important people from the community. If you enjoy filling your stay with cultural discoveries, the Village Green, Big Wickets and eight silhouettes offer different ways to explore Westbury’s history and local identity.

Steam technology at Pearns Steam World

Pearns Steam World collects agricultural machinery from the Meander Valley, with a particular focus on steam power. The collection ranges from early hand tools to machines from the early 1960s. It therefore spans a period from simple tools to later machinery and is especially suited to visitors interested in technology and agriculture.

On most days, rides on a 7¼-inch narrow-gauge railway are offered after museum admission. There is no additional charge for these rides once you have paid the museum admission fee. The rides are therefore a distinct part of the museum visit, with no further charge beyond admission. Pearns Steam World is located on the B54, on the north side of Meander Valley Road and near the Redline long-distance bus stop. You can take these location details into account when planning your visit and journey.

Common, river and tasting

Westbury Town Common is a floodplain that combines natural habitats with open grassy areas. Its surface is flat and even, with no steps or steep sections. This is a practical difference compared with a visit where slopes or steps might be a factor. If you would like to include open landscapes and natural habitats in your exploration of Westbury, the Common offers a different focus from the collections and artworks.

In the cold, clear Meander River around Westbury, anglers can fly fish for brown and rainbow trout; there is good access to the river for anglers. If you are interested in this type of fishing, the river is another reason to consider Westbury as a destination. Western Tiers Distillery also offers a tasting flight of spirits, adding a food and drink element to the cultural and nature-based experiences.

Choosing Westbury as a holiday destination

If you are considering Westbury as a base for a holiday rental, the focus you want for your stay can guide your decision: would you like your trip to centre mainly on local history and art, agricultural technology and steam power, or the river and fishing? These experiences have different themes, so you can plan your holiday around the interests of your travel group. Families can discuss in advance which of these topics everyone would like to explore, without limiting the stay to just one type of outing.

For more ideas about places to visit, you can also explore these pages: Latrobe, Naracoopa, Quamby Brook, Sorell, Beauty Point, South Arm Peninsula, Prospect Vale and New Norfolk.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.