Feel like you’ve been transported back in time to England of bygone days when you holiday in this pretty rural town in northern Tasmania.
With its 19th-century buildings, old courtyards, tree-lined streets and town green, Westbury has the unmistakable atmosphere of an old English village. Go on a walking tour of this small community, visit historical homes and try to navigate your way through a garden maze.
Stroll across the village green, a beautiful spot once used for parades by soldiers stationed nearby in the 1830s. Every March, it is the scene of the Westbury Irish Festival, which celebrates St. Patrick's Day and the village's Irish roots. Stop by St. Andrew's Church, situated directly opposite the green. Construction of this Anglican place of worship started in 1836 and finished in 1890. Step inside to view the beautiful wood carvings by Ellen Nora Payne, a woodcarver born in Westbury in 1865. Among the highlights are the pulpit and a wooden screen called The Seven Sisters.
Walk down Lonsdale Promenade to Westbury’s White House. During its long history, the 19th-century house has been a store, a steam flour mill, a bus depot and a bicycle factory. Today, it encompasses a vintage car museum, a bakery and a collection of well-preserved period rooms.
There is more local history to uncover over at Pearn’s Steam World. On display are steam engines, tractors and other relics from the steam era. While you are wandering around the village, follow the Westbury Silhouette Trail. This is a walking trail that passes eight artworks depicting important figures in the history of the village. The route is approximately 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) and takes about 1 hour to complete.
For some family fun, visit the Westbury Maze & Tea Room. Explore the garden maze, which consists of almost 3,000 bushes, then enjoy some refreshments in the tea room.
Westbury is located in the Meander Valley area of north Tasmania, about a 20-minute drive from Launceston. The airport here has regular flights to and from several locations on the Australian mainland. Come for the history and culture and stay in a variety of accommodation types.
