Westbury: Discover local history and steam technology

Westbury: History and technology

Westbury brings together the history of its colonial settlement, agricultural technology, artworks and a waterside landscape. The Village Green, Pearns Steam World and Town Common each offer a different focus. If you’re looking for a hotel in Westbury, these interests can help you plan your stay: would you like to focus mainly on local history, explore a collection of agricultural equipment or spend time by the river?

Village Green and local history

The Village Green is an open grassy area with mature trees and memorials, and forms the scenic heart of Westbury. Its significance goes beyond the townscape: it illustrates the development of settlement in colonial Westbury. The Green was established in the 1830s. In the past, it was used for military parades, archery competitions and fairs; it was also used as a public pillory for prisoners. Those interested in the town’s history will find both a central meeting place and traces of its various past uses here.

Another historic landmark in town is the Big Wickets: this 6 m-high cricket wicket ensemble commemorates Jack Badcock, a local cricketer. The Westbury Silhouette Trail features eight artworks depicting prominent members of the community. Both draw attention to people and community history, while the Village Green illustrates the town’s development and its former public uses.

Agricultural technology at Pearns Steam World

Pearns Steam World brings together agricultural equipment from the Meander Valley. The focus is on steam power, and the collection ranges from early hand tools to machines from the early 1960s. This range offers a tangible insight into the different types of equipment used in agriculture. For visitors interested in the history of technology, the contrast between early tools and later machines is a particularly useful point of reference.

On most days, rides on a 7¼-inch narrow-gauge railway are available after admission to the museum. There is no additional charge for the ride after you have paid the admission fee, though availability may vary. If you’re planning to take the ride, check the operator’s latest information before your visit. Pearns Steam World is on the B54, on the north side of Meander Valley Road and near the Redline coach stop. As transport arrangements can change, it’s also advisable to check Redline’s latest information.

River scenery, fishing and tastings

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 describes Town Common itself and complements the tree-lined grassy area of the Village Green with a different type of landscape in town.

Around Westbury, anglers can fly-fish for brown and rainbow trout in the cold, clear Meander River. There is good access for anglers. Those who would rather centre their stay on the river landscape and fishing will find this a different focus from the historic sites and collection of agricultural equipment. The Western Tiers Distillery also offers tastings of a flight of spirits. Westbury thus offers something for travellers interested in spirits, as well as local history, technology and nature.

Discover more destinations: Oatlands, Cranbrook, Little Swanport, Camdale, Prospect Vale, Sandford, Dunalley, Gladstone

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.