Stanley Travel Guide

Discover all the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Stanley, Tasmania, Australia.


Introduction to Stanley

Stanley is a picturesque town located in Western Tasmania, Australia. It is home to stunning natural landscapes, a rich history and culture, and a vibrant food and drink scene. Stanley is the perfect place to unwind, explore, and experience the beauty of Tasmania.

List of Places to Visit in Stanley

Stanley offers a plethora of places to visit and explore. Here are some of the top places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Highfield Historic Site
  • Stanley Discovery Museum and Genealogy Centre
  • Van Diemen’s Land Company Store
  • The Nut State Reserve and Historic Site
  • Joe Lyons Cottage

Natural Attractions of Stanley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Nut: a stunning rocky outcrop that provides beautiful views of Stanley
  • Rocky Cape National Park: a vast landscape of rugged coastlines, wildflowers, and wildlife
  • Tarkine Forest Adventures: a hotspot for outdoor adventures, including kayaking, hiking, and ziplining

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stanley

Stanley boasts a diverse range of hiking and biking routes that cater to different skill levels. Here are the top routes to add to your itinerary:

  • The Nut Nature Reserve Walk: a short 2.5km walk taking you to the summit of the Nut where you will be able to enjoy the panoramic views.
  • Dip Falls: a beginner-level hike taking you through the lush rainforest and past the Dip Falls.
  • Tarkine Rainforest Walks: experience Tasmania’s oldest and most pristine rainforests on one of the many walks in the Tarkine Forest Reserve.

Best Things to Do in Stanley: Activities and Tours

The town of Stanley is buzzing with activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do during your trip to Stanley:

  • Boat Tours: take a relaxing boat ride around Stanley to soak up the coastal beauty.
  • Stanley Seaquarium: a great place to spend time with marine life like seals, penguins, and seahorses.
  • Beaches: relax and soak up the sun at one of Stanley’s beautiful beaches.
  • Wine and Cheese Tasting Tour: take a tour of Tasmania’s vineyards and enjoy some of the world’s award-winning wines and cheese.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stanley

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to Stanley:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and Check-in at a Hotel
Day 2 Highfield Historic Site, Joe Lyons Cottage, and the Nut State Reserve and Historic Site
Day 3 Hiking at the Tarkine Forest Reserve and spend the evening indulging in wine and cheese tasting
Day 4 Visiting museums like Stanley Discovery Museum and Genealogy Centre and Van Diemen’s Land Company Store
Day 5 Boat Tours and Rocky Cape National Park
Day 6 Beach hopping and spending the evening at Stanley Seaquarium
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Stanley

Stanley is known for its delicious and fresh seafood and local produce. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages to sample during your visit:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Freshly Shucked Oysters: plump and juicy oysters that are caught daily from the surrounding waters.
  • Fish and Chips: indulge in traditional and mouth-watering fish and chips at any of the local fishery restaurants dotted throughout Stanley.
  • Scallops: Tasmania’s specialty is its succulent and fresh scallops.

Local Beverages

  • Tasmanian Wine: the region is known for its award-winning wine, particularly pinot noir and chardonnay.
  • Whiskey: Tasmania is fast becoming renowned worldwide for its whiskey. Distilleries like Hellyers Road and Lark Distillery offer tastings so you can sample the liquid gold for yourself.

Where to Stay in Stanley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Stanley offers various accommodation options to cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some of the top options:

  • The Ship Inn Stanley: a quaint and cozy hotel located right in the heart of Stanley.
  • Stanley Seaview Inn: a charming guesthouse with breathtaking sea views.
  • Touchwood Cottage: a historic home that has been transformed into a luxury self-contained residence.

What to Buy in Stanley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Stanley is home to an array of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home as a memory of your trip. Here are some of the top options:

  • Oyster Shells: handpicked, polished, and painted oyster shells make for a great decorative item.
  • Whiskey: take home a bottle of Tasmania’s award-winning whiskey as a souvenir.
  • Craypot Explorers: quirky and fun souvenirs made from old cray pots.

Local Culture and Customs of Stanley

Stanley is a charming town steeped in history and culture. The locals are warm and friendly, and you will enjoy meeting them during your visit. Respect for the local culture and customs is of utmost importance.

Best Time to Visit Stanley

The best time to visit Stanley is during the summer, around November to February, when the temperatures are warm, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stanley

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and culture, including the environment and its conservation.
  • Try local produce, seafood, and wines.
  • Explore the town’s rich history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter or dispose of waste irresponsibly.
  • Disturb wildlife or damage the environment.
  • Disrespect cultural sites or customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Stanley

Stanley is a safe town to visit, and the locals are welcoming and friendly. However, visitors are advised to take standard precautions like traveling in groups, not leaving valuables unattended, and adhering to warning signs around beaches and natural sites.

Health in Stanley

Stanley has a range of medical facilities available. Visitors traveling to Stanley should ensure they are up-to-date with routine vaccinations and carry adequate health insurance coverage.

Getting to Stanley: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stanley

The nearest major airport is Hobart International Airport, located approximately 4 hours away from Stanley by road.

Bus Stations Near Stanley

Tassielink has daily bus services that run from Hobart and other major Tasmanian cities.

Other Options

Hiring a car provides a convenient and flexible way to discover Stanley and its surrounding regions.

How to Get Around in Stanley

Stanley is a small town, and visitors can easily get around on foot, bicycle or by car. There are also local taxi services available.

Where to Go Next from Stanley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the top nearby destinations and excursions from Stanley include:

  • Cradle Mountain: explore the stunning landscape and natural beauty of Cradle Mountain.
  • Launceston: Tasmania’s second largest city known for its stunning Victorian architecture, culinary scene, and natural beauty.
  • Port Arthur: a must-visit destination for history lovers looking to explore Tasmania’s convict past.

Conclusion

Stanley is a charming town that showcases Tasmania’s stunning natural beauty, unique history, culture, and culinary delights. With endless activities and adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Start planning your trip today and experience the jewel of Western Tasmania for yourself.

The view of Stanley from a distance with The Nut clearly visible The view of Stanley from a distance with The Nut clearly visible