Westbury Show celebrates its 166th year

There’s nothing ordinary about this year’s Westbury Show with its theme Rare - As Hen’s Teeth celebrating the unusual, the unique and the increasingly rare skills, breeds, crafts and traditions that make Tasmania’s agricultural heritage so special. 

Now in its 166th year, the Westbury Show will bring together an eclectic mix of rare exhibits and much-loved show traditions, creating a day that has something for everyone. 

Among this year’s exhibitors will be the Young family, who will showcase their Valais sheep, a distinctive and increasingly uncommon breed known for its striking appearance and unique characteristics. 

Westbury’s Van Tilburg Nursery will take visitors on a journey through some of the world's lesser-seen timber species and rare plants, while local craft talent will be showcased in the Home Industries pavilion. 

“Rare gave us the opportunity to look at the Westbury Show through a different lens,” said Westbury Agricultural Society Media and Communications Manager Stacey Tweedale. 

“We wanted to celebrate the things that are becoming harder to find, whether that’s a particular breed of sheep, a rare timber species or traditional skills like farriering, preserving and knitting. But at the same time, we wanted to make sure we celebrated the things generations of Tasmanians have always loved about coming to the show.” 

And there will be plenty of those much-loved traditions on display. 

The Westbury Show’s renowned horse, cattle and kennel competitions will once again be highlights of the day, alongside the crowd-pleasing dog high jump, shearing competition, wood chopping and yard dog demonstrations. If showgoers are lucky they may also see a rare Pharoh Hound in our kennel competition, which interestingly doesn’t come from Egypt, but the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. 

Families can enjoy a full day of entertainment, with the free Kids’ Corner and animal nursery offering plenty for younger visitors to discover. Army Cadets will have an obstacle course for people to try, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service will have their flight simulator. 

Food lovers will also be well catered for, with a selection of food inspired by flavours from around the globe, alongside the classic show favourites that are an essential part of any Westbury Show experience. 

From livestock and agricultural displays to crafts, competitions, entertainment, food and family activities, the 2026 Westbury Show will showcase both the heritage that has kept the event going for generations and the unusual things that make this year’s show truly different. 

“Rare doesn’t mean difficult to find at Westbury,” Ms Tweedale said. 

“It means taking a moment to appreciate the special things that we might not see every day. And there will certainly be plenty of those at this year’s show.” 

The Westbury Show is one of Tasmania’s longest-running agricultural shows and continues to bring together the farming, agricultural and wider community for a celebration of regional life. 

The Westbury Show will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026 at the Westbury Showground. Tickets are available at the gate which open at 9am

Entry is: Adults $15, Family $30, Children (6–16 years) $5, Under 6 years free.