STANLEY population approximately 595, is a totally restored Bass Strait fishing village with tiny, brightly painted cottages neatly terraced on the lower slopes of an extinct volcano known as The Nut. Stanley's fairytale village nestles impressively close to The Nut on an isthmus that creates a half-kilometre arc of clean and sandy ocean beach on one side and a huge, sheltered bay to landward that in turn contains the small fishing harbor. Take the chairlift, or hike, to the top of The Nut and you will be rewarded with sensational views.
No matter when you visit, there are always plenty of things to do in and around Stanley. Enjoy the beautiful Tarkine (with Fungi a plenty in season)and have an experience that will last a lifetime. Stanley is not only home to the Nut but it is a place rich in history, culture, adventure and agriculture. There are many attractions and things to do in Stanley year-round - we have listed just a few below...
Highfield Historic Site
Built from 1832 to 1835 for the chief agent of the Van Diemen's Land Company, this historic house has been restored and is a rare example of domestic architecture from the Regency period. The Van Diemen’s Land Company played a key role in the European settlement of Tasmania’s North - West.
Open daily 10.00am - 4:30pm 7 days a week.
closed weekends (June - August)
143 Greenhill’s Road, Stanley.
Tel: (03) 6458 1100
+ www.historic-highfield.com.au
The Brown Dog Stanley
The Brown Dog's gifts have been hand selected with you in mind and there is something for every home and for every style. Candles to burn day or night, glasswares, ceramics, cushions, baskets and the most gorgeous books sourced from overseas. Designer jewelry, furniture, tableware and toiletries.
15 Church Street, Stanley
Tel: (03) 6458 1354
Email: thebrowndogstanley@hotmail.com
Gear Up Stanley
Gear Up Stanley is a new hire company bringing you the ultimate adventure experience with their
E-bike, SUP and Surf Board rentals!
Discover Stanley in a whole
new way with their state-of-the-art E-bikes. Choose between the 'Retro fat tyre' and 'Vintage' options.
Hire a Surfboard to catch the waves
at Godfrey's Beach or a leisurely cruise on the stand up paddle boards at Tatlow's Beach.
Joe Lyons Cottage
(Restored C19th Cottage) - Restored nineteenth century settler’s cottage in which Tasmania’s only Prime Minister, Joe Lyons was born in 1879. Antiques, historical photographs, family trees are on display.
Open daily 10am - 4pm September to May. Closed Christmas Day. (times subject to change)
14 Alexander Terrace, Stanley.
Tel: (03) 6458 1330
Stanley Discovery Museum & Genealogy Centre
An exhibition that will take you on a journey into Stanley's past, with relic antiques, memorabilia, photographs, documents and a genealogy centre from 1804 to the 1900's.
Open daily from Sept - May, Closed June to August. But will open by calling number posted on door.
Tel: (03) 6458 2091
Woolnorth Tours
Guided tours of Woolnorth - Cape Grim. The 22,000 hectare property, Woolnorth, covers the north west tip of Tasmania. A rare chance to see spectacular scenery, take coastal walks around the most northern tip of the island.
Woolnorth, Smithton.
Tel: (03) 6452 1493
+ www.woolnorthtours.com.au
Charles Blue Hills Honey
Honey production has been in the Charles family since 1955. This local company specializes in award winning Leatherwood honey, along with Blackberry, Meadow and Wildflower honeys. With tastings of Honey and Mead etc.…Also incorporating “The Colony” cafe. Retail sales available in selected stores in Stanley. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
+ www.bluehillshoney.com
Old Stanley Burial Ground (1827 - 1997)
Since the first internment in 1827 until the last in 1997, Stanley’s old cemetery has been the final resting place of Circular Head’s European settlers and their descendents. Located overlooking Bass Strait the burial ground’s directory lists the names of over 700 people interned, more details of which are available on request at the Stanley Visitor Information Centre.
Smees Road, Stanley.
+ www.heritage.tas.gov.au
The Nut Chairlift
The Nut, rising 152 metres from the sea, dominates the village of Stanley and the chairlift can take you to the top for a seagull’s view of the historic town and the east and west along the coast. The chairlift trip takes about five minutes to the summit and you can enjoy an hour-long walk around the Nut.
Open daily 9.30am - 4.30pm (December - April). Daily 9.30am - 4.30pm (May - mid July). Closed June, July, August, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Good Friday.
Browns Road, Stanley.
Tel: (03) 6458 1286
Providore 24
Specialty store showcasing Tasmanian produce including King Island cheeses, chocolates, fudge, olive oil, olives, mustards, preserves, honey, seafood and Tasmanian wines and boutique beers. Hampers made to order.
Open daily 9.30am - 5.pm (September - April). 10am - 4.pm Saturday to Wednesday (May - August). Closed Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.
24 Church Street, Stanley.
Tel: (03) 6458 1323
+ www.providore24.com.au