Situated on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Stanley is the second-last township before you hit the ocean (Smithton takes the pole position!). As a family who love history, food and exploring we knew that this little township needed to be on our road trip around Tasmania. At first, it may not seem like a family destination, but it’s brimming with opportunities for a slow-burn adventure and we’ve captured all the best things to do in Stanley with kids.
As a big fan of The Light Between Oceans which was set on a fictional island based on Cape Leeuwin, WA, I was also excited to hear that the movie based on the novel was filmed in Stanley due to its historic buildings. I had to explore more.
Hopefully, we’re able to make your trip to Stanley one that the whole family enjoys too!
The Nut
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The Nut is a natural landmark of the area. Standing 143 metres above the ocean, the Nut is believed to be an ancient volcanic plug that has weathered away over time to reveal a bluff of teschenite. The top is quite flat and provides a 360-degree view of the area. You can also explore the top via a circuit track which takes around an hour.
There are two options to get to the top of The Nut: the easy way or the longer way.
The Nut Chairlift
The Nut Chairlift provides the easiest way to the top of the Nut. Taking around 5 minutes to get you to the top, the chairlift will take you 95 metres into the air for a distance of around 250 metres.
The Nut Chairlift is open 7 days a week but is closed over winter for maintenance. Check the Chairlift’s Facebook Page before you visit to make sure it is running.
The Longer Way Up
If you want to reach the top of the Nut on foot we suggest wearing good walking shoes and taking some water with you. Whilst the climb up is only around 152 metres, it is very steep so you will be pushing your stamina to do it in the 10-20 minutes that some suggest
Highfield Historic Site
When researching places to visit on our great Tasmanian road trip, we learned about the Highfield Historic Site which resulted in Stanley being added, almost immediately, to our adventure. But why?
The Van Diemen’s Land Company (VDL Company) began construction at Highfield Historic Site in 1826 using local bluestone quarried by convict labour. The VDL Company had hoped to make a fortune from breeding merino sheep on the land but pivoted to agriculture when the sheep succumbed to the brutal weather in this area. Agriculture proved to be quite successful with the VDL Company continuing to operate today as one of the oldest companies in Australia.
The site overlooks Stanley and beyond, providing a vista of the lands the Company would have once managed. Built with a Regency-era design (think Bridgerton!), visitors can explore both floors of the homestead, the barn and stables, school house, chapel, convict barracks and the large ornamental gardens. The kids can even feed the chickens if you’re lucky! We found that everything was pretty hands on, so you don’t need to worry about the children breaking anything.
The Highfield Historic Site is open for public inspection from 9.30am – 4.30pm seven days a week, except Christmas Day when it is closed. There is an entry fee.
Historic Convict Ruins
Constructed back in 1834, the barracks were home to up to 73 convicts at its peak who were utilised across the Highfield property as the predominant workforce. With the convict assignment system phased out in 1840, the VDL Company began using tenant farmers across their properties instead which completely replaced convict labour from 1853. I’m assuming this is what led to the barracks being abandoned.
Over time, the barracks have become ruins. Like many buildings around Australia, sections of the building were removed and reused in different building projects around the locality.
Make sure you head down to the historic convict ruins when visiting the Highfield Historic Site. The ruins lie a hundred or so metres from Highfield Historic Site. Although the ruins sit on private property, you can (thankfully!) view the site from the road.
Lyon’s House
Stanley is awash with historic sites to explore! Lyon’s House is the birthplace of Joseph Aloysius Lyons, the only Tasmanian-born Prime Minister of Australia. Today the small weatherboard cottage is a museum dedicated to telling the story of Lyons life. Born in 1879, Lyons spent a few years in the cottage before living in several locations across the north-west of the state.
Godfrey’s Beach Penguin Viewing Site
If you are staying overnight in Stanley then you really need to head down to Godfrey’s Beach Penguin Viewing site at dusk so you can spot the penguins.
We’ve uncovered all of the best spots to find penguins in Tasmania. Make sure you check out where the closest viewing spot is to your accommodation.
Stanley Discovery Museum
Operating for over 50 years, the Stanley Discovery Museum has been owned by the community since 2021 and is run by local volunteers. The museum focuses on the history of the Stanley district, with displays featuring items of interest from the locality.
HA Lane Memorial Lookout
The HA Lane Memorial Lookout provides one of the best outlooks across the town to The Nut. The lookout features a raised platform and frame on the side of Dovecote Road which is a great photo spot.
The Tarkine
The Tarkine is the second-largest expanse of cool temperate rainforest in the world and the largest temperate rainforest in Australia. If you have the time, consider adding the Tarkine Drive to your Tasmanian itinerary.
Where to Swim in Stanley
Our two kids love swimming so sniffing out a beach where they can safely swim is always close to the top of our list when staying along the coast.
Two beaches were recommended to us by locals.
Tatlows Beach
Tatlows Beach is south of The Nut and the most family-friendly beach in Stanley. It is quite shallow, with clean water and sand (is that not all Tasmanian beaches?). The beach has great facilities including public toilets, a shower, a playground and a dog exercise area. It is also a great beach to view crabs at low tide,
Godfreys Beach
Godfreys Beach is north of The Nut. This beach is protected from the strong westerly winds and is great for swimming with your older kids, If you are keen to see penguins you will want to head to the Godfrey’s Beach Penguin Viewing Platform at dusk.
Where to Stay in Stanley
If you are travelling in Tasmania with your family and require a place to stay during your adventures, I highly recommend booking months in advance as good accommodation books out quickly.
Where to Eat in Stanley
Stanley Wharf is a significant local hub for fishing activities so it makes sense to seek out some seafood when visiting. Our suggestion would be Hursey Seafoods with much of the catch caught using the restaurant’s own fleet of boats.
There are a few other options around town. Our hot tip is to book early if heading to Stanley in summer as their lunch and dinner options book out quickly!
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