Information about Westbury, Tasmania

About Westbury

History

In 1828, Lieutenant Governor Arthur oversaw laying out the streets of Westbury with a vision that it would be an important stopping point on the route from Hobart to Tasmania's north-west coast. Westbury grew and thrived during the horse drawn coach era and then with the arrival of the railway in 1871.

Westbury has a rich and colourful past. The five acre blocks that were first granted to Irish soldier-settlers remain popular today. Some of these blocks contain old wells and other relics from Westbury's early days. Famous rebels celebrated in the US were helped by the early Westbury community. There are stories of fleeing in priest's robes and more.

Find out more about Westbury's Irish history (article by Heather Donaldson) »

On the occasion of the Centenary of elected Municipal Government in the Westbury Municipality, one's thoughts inevitably turn gratefully to the pioneers who planned our Municipality and district with a great deal of foresight.

They have left us a heritage for which we are justly proud. How fortunate, indeed, we are to live in such a rich, prosperous and beautiful district which has been described as extremely English. Not only did our forefathers bring the best of their agricultural customs and stock to be developed to the highest possible standard, but they transplanted the richness of their fields and the glory of their fauna, trees and hedges.

We are charged to develop our assets so that our future citizens will enjoy to the full the richness and beauty which we are so apt to accept as our right. If the next century is as blessed as the first, we will be rich indeed.

C. R. Ingamells
Warden

Christopher Robert 'Bob' Ingamells OBE (9 August 1914 – 27 October 1986) was born in Westbury. He was a Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly - Liberal Member for Wilmot - from 2 May 1959 to 11 December 1976. He was Speaker of the Tasmanian House of Assembly from 17 June 1969 to 6 June 1972. In 1984, the Division of Wilmot was renamed Lyons.

Westbury today

The history of Westbury has given the town a charm that residents and tourists enjoy today. From those who have called Westbury home for generations to those who've been here for a shorter time: we all express the same love for our village. Our village is an active and involved community with so much on offer. We have a diverse range of businesses, community and sporting groups. Westbury is spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out: visit the local pub or a café and enjoy some delicious treats. The Village Green and Town Common are the jewels of Westbury, perfect for a quiet walk, a picnic or to catch a glimpse of a bandicoot or platypus. Stop by at one of the many information boards dotted around the village and find out more, or pop into one of the many businesses for a chat.

From the last Census in 2016, the statistics for Westbury show that the population of Westbury is 2006. Since then, a lot of new housing has been built.

Westbury is a thriving community that has much to offer, including: