Things To See And Do

The Nut

The large hill which overshadows the town, The Nut is actually the core or volcanic plug of what was once a volcano over 13 million years ago. Almost surrounded by ocean, the Nut rises 152 metres above sea level. It is now a state reserve and has a range of bird life including Short Tailed Shearwater (muttonbird), Nankeen Kestrel, Peregrine Falcons, Silver Gulls, Little Penguins and Orange Bellied Parrots.
Visitors to the Nut can either walk via a path or take the Nut Chairlift ride to the summit for a unique view of Stanley and surrounding areas. There is a 30 minute walk around the summit with lookouts and interpretation signs along the way.

Stanley Seaquarium

Provides a fascinating sea-life experience. Located on the waters' edge alongside Stanley's fishing fleet, housed in a shed originally constructed for crayfish processing, Stanley Seaquarium transforms the building into a fascinating discovery of Tasmanian sea-life.

Joseph Lyons Cottage

This cottage is the birthplace of Joseph A. Lyons who was born here in 1879. He was Premier of Tasmania (1923-28) and the only Tasmanian born Prime Minister of Australia (1932-39). The small timber Georgian cottage is one of J. Lee Archer's original weatherboard cottages. It is furnished in the style of the 1930?s era and also displays memorabilia and photographs of the life and times of Joe Lyons.

Stanley Discovery Museum

Located in what used to be the Parish Hall for St Paul's Church, the Discovery Museum was established in 1973 as a an exhibition that will take you on a journey into Stanley's past, with relics, antiques, memorabilia, photographs, documents and a genealogy centre from 1804.

Surrounding Area

Trowutta Arch

Day drives from Stanley up the north west coast are highly recommended. The drive to the east along Bass Highway can include Wynyard, Table Cape, picturesque village of Boat Harbour, Stanley and Circular Head, Rocky Cape National Park. Drive west on Bass Highway to see Smithton, and Marrawah on the west coast. Roads into the hinterland lead to Trowutta Caves and arch; Hellyer Gorge State Reserve; Allendale Gardens at Edith Creek. There are many waterfalls to, including Dip Falls and the giant eucalyptus tree and Guide Falls.

Dip Falls

152 steep steps descend to the bottom of the cubic-basalt formed Dip Falls (40 km south). These falls are very picturesque, particularly during the winter months. The track to the accessible viewing platform is beyond the falls.

Highfield Historic Site

Highfield was built in 1832-1835 for the chief agent of the Van Diemen's Company, which opened up Tasmania's north-west. Today, the house has been restored after the state government bought it the early 1980?s. Visitors may look through the old building and grounds, read the interpretation signs. Guides tours are available.