.png)
Things to Do in Stanley, Tasmania
- Tasvanlife
- May 19
- 7 min read
Nestled on Tasmania's rugged northwest coast, Stanley is a postcard-perfect town with a rich history and a thriving tourism scene. Located about three hours from Launceston and five hours from Hobart, Stanley offers a unique blend of nature, heritage, and gourmet experiences. It's best known for "The Nut," an ancient volcanic plug that towers above the town, and for its incredible seafood, particularly the locally caught crayfish and fresh oysters. Visitors also flock here for the fairy penguins that waddle up the beach each evening, and for the warm hospitality that defines this charming coastal village.
Stanley is also ideally located for those keen to explore the broader northwestern region of Tasmania. Cradle Mountain and Boat Harbour Beach are both within comfortable driving distance, making Stanley the perfect base for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and road trippers alike. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, Stanley is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after the trip ends.
Explore Stanley
Stanley is steeped in history, with well-preserved colonial architecture that tells the story of early European settlement in Tasmania. The main street is like stepping back in time, lined with weatherboard cottages, boutique shops, cafes, and bike rental stores. It’s a delight to wander through, soaking in the charm while picking up local art or a coffee. Several of the town’s buildings date back to the 1800s and have been carefully restored to preserve their historical character.
Notable stops include the Stanley Wine Bar, perfect for an afternoon wine and cheese session, and Hursey Seafoods, a local institution serving up the freshest catch straight from Bass Strait. The Stanley Discovery Museum and Genealogy Centre offers deeper insight into the town's past, while Highfield Historic Site, perched just above the town, gives panoramic views of the coastline and a fascinating look at colonial life in the early 1800s.
Don’t miss Joe Lyons Cottage, the birthplace of Joseph Lyons, Tasmania’s only Prime Minister of Australia. This tiny museum provides a fascinating glimpse into his early life and the political journey that followed. For art lovers, the Cow 'n' Calf Gallery showcases local crafts, ceramics, and paintings inspired by the landscapes of northwestern Tasmania.
The Nut
The Nut is undoubtedly Stanley’s crown jewel. This 143-metre-high volcanic plug was formed millions of years ago and now serves as the town’s most iconic feature. Historically, it was significant to the local Tarkine Aboriginal people and later became a key landmark for European settlers.
Today, visitors can hike to the summit via a short but steep track or take the scenic chairlift for a more leisurely ascent. Once at the top, the 2km loop walk offers sweeping views of the town, ocean, and surrounding farmland. On clear days, you can see all the way to Rocky Cape National Park. It’s not uncommon to spot wallabies, sea birds, and in the evenings, fairy penguins returning home.
Unbeknownst to many, The Nut is also home to a rare and endangered snail species—Tasmaphena lamproides—found nowhere else in the world, making it both a geological and ecological wonder. Interpretive signage along the walking path shares insights about the area’s flora, fauna, and volcanic origins. During peak seasons, local rangers offer guided walks to enrich your understanding of this natural monument.
Nature Tour Options
Stanley is a haven for wildlife lovers. From the wharf, you can join a seal cruise that gets you up close to the Australian fur seals basking on nearby rocky outcrops. These playful creatures often approach boats with curiosity, making for a memorable experience and some fantastic photo opportunities. Just as memorable is the evening penguin viewing at Godfrey's Beach, where visitors gather quietly at dusk to watch little penguins waddle ashore after a day of fishing.
Other wildlife commonly spotted in the area include echidnas, pademelons, and wallabies, often seen along the walking tracks or even around campsites. Scenic ocean views are a given, especially around the Nut and coastline, where dramatic cliffs and crashing waves set a breathtaking scene.
For a deeper dive into the region’s ecosystems, book a guided nature tour. Local operators offer walks focused on birdwatching, marine life, and native bushland. These tours often include fascinating facts about local Aboriginal culture, medicinal plants, and Tasmania’s unique ecological balance, allowing for a more immersive and educational experience.
Restaurants & Bars of Stanley
Stanley is quickly becoming a hidden gem for foodies. With fresh, local produce and ocean-to-plate dining, this coastal village delivers big on flavour. Whether you're after a gourmet feast or a casual bite, there's something here to please every palate.
Hursey Seafoods is a must for anyone craving premium seafood, particularly their legendary crayfish and fish & chips. The Stanley Wine Bar offers not just great drinks but also a relaxed vibe and excellent share plates, perfect after a day of exploring. For coffee lovers, The Brown Dog serves some of the best brews in town, while Touchwood Cafe is a favourite for breakfast and artisan gifts.
And while Stanley doesn’t yet have a brewery of its own, several local pubs serve Tasmanian craft beers on tap, including Moo Brew and Van Diemen. Whisky enthusiasts can venture to Hellyers Road Distillery in Burnie, just an hour’s drive away, for a tour and tasting.
Highfield Historic Site
Perched on the hill just west of Stanley, Highfield Historic Site offers a rare window into early colonial life in Tasmania. Built in the 1830s by the Van Diemen’s Land Company, Highfield was the headquarters for this ambitious British enterprise aimed at establishing a major settlement and sheep grazing industry in Tasmania’s northwest. The elegant Georgian homestead, complete with outbuildings, stables, and gardens, reflects the architectural style and social history of the time.
Visitors can explore the house’s restored rooms, stroll through formal gardens, and take in panoramic views over Stanley, The Nut, and Bass Strait. The site includes interpretive displays that share stories of convicts, settlers, and the local Aboriginal people who were profoundly impacted by colonisation. It’s both a beautiful and thought-provoking stop, ideal for history lovers and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Tasmania’s layered past.
Highfield is open daily for self-guided tours, and during peak seasons, guided tours are available to enrich the experience. A visit here complements the town of Stanley perfectly, offering historical context to the charming streets and colonial architecture seen below.
Boat Harbour Beach & Rocky Cape National Park
Only 30 minutes from Stanley, these two destinations make for the perfect day trip. Boat Harbour Beach is one of Tasmania’s most stunning white-sand beaches, boasting turquoise waters ideal for a refreshing dip or a lazy picnic. The beach is calm, family-friendly, and surrounded by dramatic cliffs and flowering coastal plants. It’s also a great snorkelling and paddleboarding spot on calm days.
Just nearby, Rocky Cape National Park is rich in Aboriginal heritage and natural beauty. Rock shelters within the park contain evidence of occupation dating back thousands of years. There are several walking tracks here:
Lighthouse Walk: 20 minutes return, easy – leads to a scenic viewpoint of the northern coastline.
Postman's Track: 1.5 hours return, moderate – a coastal walk with sea views and rocky terrain.
Tinkers Lookout Track: 45 minutes return, moderate – winds through coastal heathland to a high vantage point.
Cathedral Rocks Walk: 1 hour return, moderate – features unusual rock formations and coastal wildflowers.
Make a pitstop at Thistle Hut, a roadside favourite offering wholesome meals, coffee, and baked goods—perfect for fuelling up before or after your adventures.
Campervan Travel in Stanley
Why Travel in a Campervan?
Exploring Stanley and its surrounds by campervan is one of the best ways to experience the freedom and magic of Tasmania. You’ll wake up to ocean views, sleep under starry skies, and have the flexibility to chase waterfalls or find a quiet beach at your own pace. Campervan travel allows you to stay closer to nature while enjoying the comforts of home, making every stop part of the journey.
Whether you're an experienced road-tripper or a first-time vanlifer, Tasmania's northwest is made for slow travel. The roads are scenic, the parking is easy, and the local towns are campervan-friendly. With plenty of roadside produce stalls and picnic spots, you can cook fresh, healthy meals while embracing the relaxed rhythm of the region.
Best Campervan & Camping Spots
Stanley Recreation Ground RV Site: Budget-friendly and centrally located with basic facilities, this is a top pick for self-contained vehicles. Walking distance to town and The Nut.
BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park: Offers powered sites, hot showers, and easy access to town—perfect for families or those wanting a few extra comforts. Their ocean-view sites are particularly popular.
Montagu Park Reserve: A quiet, nature-surrounded spot just 20 minutes west of Stanley. Great for fishing, birdwatching, and relaxing by the water.
Campervan Travel Tips
Stock up on supplies in Burnie or Wynyard if you’re coming from the east—Stanley has a small IGA but limited big supermarket options.
Pack layers—weather on the northwest coast can change quickly.
Book ahead during peak seasons (summer and school holidays), especially for caravan parks.
Empty greywater and top up water at designated dump points before heading into national parks.
Take it slow—Stanley is a place to unwind, not rush.
From towering cliffs and rare snails to charming colonial streets and some of the best seafood in Tasmania, Stanley offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you're hiking The Nut, watching penguins under the stars, or cooking dinner in your campervan with the sea breeze rolling in, Stanley is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Kommentare