Stanley Tasmania

Image Courtesy: Tourism Tasmania & Jason Charles Hill

Settled in the late 1820s as Circular Head by the Van Dieman’s Land Company in an attempt to farm Merino wool on a large scale, Stanley was renamed in 1882 after Lord Stanley who served three terms as British Prime Minister in the 1830s and 1840s. Stanley is the second largest town on the far north west coast after Smithton.

Stanley is now a popular Tasmanian tourism destination and the primary fishing port for the north west region. One of Stanley’s most prominent tourist attractions is The Nut, which is the remnants of a volcanic plug rising 143 metres, with steep sides and a flat top. The Nut is accessible via both a walking track (which is quite steep) and a chairlift. The views of the Tasmanian coast line and surrounding areas from The Nut are well worth a look.

Stanley is a great place to take time out after a long drive, there’s a café and boutique shops and art gallery as well as a Westpac Bank branch and providore full of fine Tasmanian gifts and fine food.

Stanley is also on the doorstep of the Tarkine wilderness which is Australia’s largest cool temperate rainforest and host to many ancient species of flora and fauna. The Tarkine can be experienced in many different ways including the Tarkine drive, walks and trails. And if you’re planning to hire bikes from AutoRent Hertz the Tarkine is a great place to take them.

Things to do in Stanley

The Nut State Reserve

Enjoy a relaxing day out exploring Stanley and The Nut, the walking track to the top is quite steep and not generally suited to most mobility impaired visitors. However, there is also chairlift available which is a 15 minute round trip. A basic picnic area is located at the base of The Nut. More information about the chairlift can be found on their website.

Visit The Nut Chairlift Website .

Stanley Golf Club

There’s plenty of room for your clubs in one of our AutoRent motorhomes so if you’re looking for a relaxing game of golf Stanley’s scenic 9 hole golf course welcomes social players and provides equipment hire and practice facilities. Located at 32 Marine Esplanade, Stanley.

Visit Stanley Golf Club Website

Highfield Historic Site

Visit the home of the Van Dieman’s Land company’s head agent, completed in 1835 it was restored by the Tasmanian Government in the early 1980s and offers a unique insight into early the history of Stanley. Located at Green Hills Road, Stanley.

Visit the Historic Highfield Website

Stanley Seaquarium

Experience a close-up look at Tasmania’s sea-life including sharks, seahorse, lobsters and giant crabs and learn about the maritime history of Stanley. Located at Lot 1 Fisherman’s Dock, Stanley.

Visit the Stanley Seaquarium Website

Stanley Seal Cruise

Take a 75 minute Australian fur seal cruise from Stanley and experience the the natural beauty of the Tasmanian coast line from Bass Straight. Located at Wharf Road, Fishermans’ Dock, Stanley

Visit the Stanley Seal Cruise Website

Osborne Heli Tours

Take a scenic flight over the beautiful Tasmanian coast line in and around the Stanley region and take holiday snaps that will make you the envy of all your friends. Located at RA21534 Bass Highway, Stanley.

Visit the Osborne Heli Tours Website

Caravan & Motorhome Parks

Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park

Powered and non-powered sites are both available for your rental motorhome or campervan and there is a shower block with free showers (for guests). If you’re hiring a car they have standard and deluxe waterfront cabins available. Located at 23a Wharf Road, Stanley.

Visit the Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park Website

Drive Times & Distances to Stanley

From Devonport: app. 1 hour 35 minutes – 127kms
From Launceston: app. 2 hours 35 minutes – 224kms
From Hobart: app. 4 hours 35 minutes – 403kms

Visitor Information Centre

Address: 45 Main Road, Stanley
Phone: 03 6458 1330
Website: http://www.stanley.com.au

Public Toilets

The National Public Toilet Map