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.

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.

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.

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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