Westbury Bracknell country heritage

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Westbury, Tasmania, AU

Route Overview

Bicycle Network Tasmania

Discover Tasmania on two wheels

45 km

288 m

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Take a relaxing scenic ride from the historic Georgian town of Westbury through scenic farms and forest on sealed country roads. At the halfway point, stop in sleepy Bracknell village for lunch. The hill tops provide nice views of the surrounding countryside.

Route Details

# Overview
Visit two historic villages in one day.  You'll start in the classic Georgian village of Westbury and take lunch in sleepy rural Bracknell.  The route is on sealed country roads, and there are a couple of hills, from the top of which you can get lovely views of the countryside.

# Route
The starting point is in Westbury (laid out in 1828), which is a classified historic town and a good tourist stopover.  It is the location of the only traditional @poi[English style village green](7005953) in Australia, and also @poi[Pearns Steam World](7006108), famous for its steam engine collection. Westbury has some good antique shops and art galleries (such as @poi[John Temple Gallery](7005950)), but perhaps its main industry these days is supporting the local farming community.

You'll start your ride at the @poi[White House Bakery](7005947) (check opening hours), where you can fuel up for the ride with yummy snacks and coffee.  You can pick up something here for a picnic lunch along the trail. There is also a @poi[supermarket](7006123) just around the corner in Lyall Street if you prefer.  Rolling out of town on quiet streets, you'll very soon exit onto country roads and be enjoying serene farmlands and forestry.

When you turn right along Cluan Rd, you'll be riding under the always impressive and sometimes spectacular Western Tiers.

Along Cluan Rd, at 11km mark, there is an @point[option for a shortcut](d,10983.81) to the left along Glenore Rd.

Just on the halfway point of the ride, you'll arrive in sleepy Bracknell village. Established in the early 1870's, Bracknell initially supported the local forestry industry.  These days Bracknell supports the local dairy, livestock, and poppy farmers.  All the streets were given women's names (Amelia, Henrietta, etc) when the town was originally laid out.

If you ride past the pub along the main road (Louisa Street) to the bridge across the Liffey River, you'll find the pretty little @poi[Bracknell River Reserve](6324672) just on the left.  This is a good spot for a picnic lunch (there is a picnic shelter and also toilets).  Overnight camping is a possibility here (short stay only, $3 per night).
 
There are also public toilets in Bracknell, at the sportsground.  The @poi[Bracknell Hotel](6324675) (operating since 1874) offers refreshments all day, and wood-fired pizzas on Sunday lunchtime and several nights of the week.  The current church dates from 1922.

# Links

* [Westbury](https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/launceston-and-north/westbury)
* [White House Bakery](https://www.facebook.com/White-House-Bakery-413555732045984/) - check opening hours
* [Bracknell Hotel](http://www.bracknellhotel.com.au/)
* [Tasmanian road rules of interest to riders](https://www.rsac.tas.gov.au/road-users/cyclists/)

# Cautions

* In the on-road sections of this ride, the traffic is usually quiet. However, even in country towns, be careful as you check to see what the traffic behind you is doing, indicate, and “take the lane” as necessary (this means, move into the centre of the lane to discourage a driver from trying to squeeze past you).

* On country roads in Tasmania, the speed limit is 100 km/hr, and  there is often no shoulder to "hide" on.  Experienced riders ride on the painted lane marking and watch for vehicles coming from behind.  Cyclists are permitted to travel two abreast, not more than 1.5 metres apart, but be prepared to go single file when vehicles approach from behind, as a courtesy.

* Tasmania has a "minimum passing law".  When passing a cyclist, driver must maintain a safe passing distance of:

1. At least 1.5 metres in speed zones higher than 60 km/h
    
	2. At least 1 metre in 60 km/h or lower speed zones

This law applies to all roads, even where there are bicycle lanes. Vehicles are permitted to cross unbroken centre lines to overtake bicycles, if it is safe to do so.

* Bright clothing and flashing lights – white on the front, red on the back – can improve your visibility on country roads.
* The weather in Tasmania is notoriously changeable, so take another layer with you. Don't forget sunscreen, Tasmania has high UV levels all year round.

## How to use

The route is supported by a printable map and a basic cue sheet. However, we recommend following the map, and your position on it, via GPS, and also using GPS-assisted navigation cues, if you don't want to miss a turn.

The RideWithGPS app is a great tool for this. [Download the app](https://ridewithgps.com/app), and then search for Bicycle Network Tasmania (using Keywords). Select your desired route.

## Feedback? 
Please contact <ridestas@bicyclenetwork.com.au>. Please note that while we have made every effort to ensure accuracy of the maps, the information provided is advisory only. Map users are responsible to watch out for changed conditions and risks from other road users

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Westbury Bracknell country heritage

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