What to do in Stanley, Tasmania

Steeped in natural beauty and history and with a romantic streetscape of colonial buildings and quaint cottages, Stanley is a historically important town that was once home to the headquarters of the Van Diemen’s Land Company and is the birthplace of Joseph Lyons, the only Tasmanian-born prime minister.

In the shadow of the Nut, a volcanic plug that rises 152 metres from the sea, and on the doorstep of the takayna/Tarkine wilderness, visitors travel to the town for its great outdoors but also to trawl its art galleries and artisan and antique stores, explore its heritage sites and cosy up in cheerful cafes.

In 2018, Kerry and Alastair Houston upped sticks from Hobart with their young daughters to breathe new life into an old sailors’ tavern at the heart of a little fishing village on Tassie’s north-west coast.

Built in 1849, Ship Inn Stanley (one of the 100 Unique Stays Across Australia in the Unique Boutique Accommodation category) has been transformed into a boutique storytelling hotel that allows guests to luxuriate in the local history of the building and town as much as it does in its impeccable styling and design. Here, Kerry shares her perfect day in and around these parts.

Where exactly

It’s a 4.5-hour drive from Hobart and a 2.5-hour drive from Launceston to the tiny town of Stanley, which juts into Bass Strait on Tasmania’s rugged north-west coast, in a region known, rather irresistibly, as The Edge of The World.

Population

About 500

What to do

8am: Breakfast is served

Wake up at Ship Inn Stanley and roll out of a sumptuous king-sized bed dressed with soft linen bedding, enjoy fresh sourdough bread and Tasmanian jams in your suite and pamper yourself with the luxurious Salus bathroom products. Each suite tells a local tale… immerse yourself in the story of yours.

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9am: Early stroll

Wander around the Ship Inn gardens, which sit under the towering Nut, the remains of an extinct volcanic plug. Take a short stroll to the port and soak in the views of Hursey Seafoods’ red fishing fleet moored under the Nut.

10am: Soak up the history

Take in the history next door to the Inn at Joe Lyons Cottage, the birthplace of the only Tasmanian-born prime minister. His grandfather built the Ship Inn Stanley in 1849.

10.30am: Explore the village

Stroll into the centre of the village to The Speckled Hen Cafe and enjoy a coffee or tea and one of the delicious house-made cakes. Peruse Cow n Calf Art Gallery and Touchwood Gallery, which showcase the works of local Tasmanian artisans.

12.30pm: Enjoy a picnic with a difference

Pop into Providore 24 and gather some fine Tasmanian produce for a picnic. Then head up the hill and hop on The Nut Chair Lift for the short ride to the top of the Nut. Head to the sheltered glade, taking in the views of the rugged coastline and Bass Strait beyond and enjoy a picnic in the company of wallabies and pademelons.

2pm: Historic Highfield

Head along Godfreys Beach to Highfield Historic Site, and explore some of the fascinating local history from the early 1800s.

3.30pm: Afternoon delights

Walk back along the beach and check out the luxury wares and incredible array of Tasmanian wines and spirits at The Angel’s Share cellar door. Then pop into Hearts n’ Crafts for locally made goodies.

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4pm: Lounging around

Head back to ‘The ghost of Old John Peacock’ guest lounge in the converted 1900s billiard hall on the Ship Inn Stanley grounds and relax in the sumptuous space while enjoying views of the Nut and the ocean.

5.30pm: Pre-dinner drink

Take a short walk to Tasmanian Wine and Food in a converted cottage in the centre of town. This quirky space has a steam-punk, speakeasy vibe and an array of vintage books on unusual subjects to entertain you.

7pm: Country pub

Nip across to the historic Stanley Hotel bistro and enjoy a delicious Cape Grim beef meal or a half lobster paired with fine Tassie wine. Make sure to check out the stunning Bluestone Wine Cellar, the oldest along the coast.

8.30pm: Say good night to the penguins

Stroll back to your suite, detouring along the way to the penguin viewing platform at the base of the Nut. Watch the little penguins, illuminated by the soft red glow of lights, wobble along the rocks to their burrows in the scrub next to the historic cemetery.

9pm: Lights out

Retire to your suite to put your feet up.

Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts — Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

Finding the flavours of Freycinet

aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts — Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts — Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

Slow down in Strahan Village

aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania — Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro.

Delve into history in Port Arthur

interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts — Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.

Where exactly

Population