Perched proudly over Australia’s Bass Strait is Stanley, a seaside town on Tasmania’s
Northern West Coast. It lies less than three hours drive from Launceston.
Approximately 600 people live in this charming town. Fisherman, Hospitality workers, families, shopkeepers and farmers live a quiet and relaxed life here.
The main street has a parade of old-fashioned buildings that are now shops, B&Bs, bars or cafes. These historical colonial buildings built around 1840 are simple, stone made homes with big fireplaces.
In 2014 Stanley was the setting for a movie entitled ‘The Light Between Oceans.’ The movie was set in the 1920s with a vintage looking main street and unique hillside views. The main street today looks like a movie set with its perfect location and stunning architecture.
There is a lot of history here, plenty to do and lots of gorgeous cottages by the ocean to stay in. No wonder this town won the Bronze award for Australia's Top Tourism Town in October 2021.
Highlights
The town is situated behind a volcanic rock known as The Nut, which is 143 metres high. Some say the name is a shortened version of the Aboriginal name for it, which was Moo-Nut-Re-Ker. The Aboriginal people began to occupy the region around The Nut more than 8000 years ago. The area is of deep significance to the Aboriginal community, both present and past.
The summit can be reached by the walking track or chairlift.
Stanley was named after Lord Stanley, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies in the 1840s. A land company called Van Diemen’s Land (VDLC) was based here and they opened a port to supply wool to British factories.
Convicts cleared the lands as ordered by Edward Curr the Chief Agent for VDLC and Highfield House was built. The decision for the Black War was made at Highfield House. Terrible murder of Aboriginals and the offering of rum to any man who could bring Edward Curr an Aboriginal head. On hunting trips under his control, brutal killings were committed, and this story is too horrific to write here. The homestead overlooks the Nut and Ocean and is beautiful despite its dreadful past.
The Stanley Museum is housed in St Pauls Church on Church Street and has a photographic exhibition about the development of the settlement. Friendly volunteers staff the Museum, which focuses on the history of the local families.
Eating and Drinking
“My family business has operated here since 1937." says the Fisherman. "We export crayfish and other seafood around the world, most of which is going to China and Taiwan." he explains proudly. We are at the Stanley Hotel, enjoying the warm fireplace and cold beer in the bar. The pool table is busy with a serious game between the locals and the tourists. The bistro is busy and the menu has a large selection of meals and deserts.
The other restaurant is Hursey Seafoods, and they say they have the tastiest lobster in the world, the Southern Rock Lobster.
Opposite the hotel is The Speckled Hen, which offers home-made cakes, coffee, high tea, weekend breakfast and lunches.
Where to Stay
‘Estowen House’ Stanley is a wooden home with a country garden and is walking distance to the main street. The home belonged to Estelle and her husband Owen, who lived there for 67 years. The house is filled with almost all their belongings, photos, magazines, books, old piano, etc. It is a homely cottage to stay in and is filled with loving memories.
Another cottage is the award winning ‘The Ark Stanley’. Located on the water’s edge with uninterrupted bay views and just ten metres from the ocean.
For something luxurious the ‘Ship Inn Stanley’ is a Tasmanian story telling inn and each suite has a compelling tale to tell. It also has a gym and yoga room in the stone stables.
Where to Shop and What For
The Cow N Calf Art Gallery has artwork, pottery and jewellery for sale. The owner, David Murphy, explained the story and history behind his photographs, as well as other local artists work on display.
Old cameras, fishing rods, vintage estate furniture and treasures are waiting to be found at Crossland Antiques.
Of course, a visit to a seaside town would not be complete until you enjoy a Whisky or Spirit at The Angels Share. Distilled using the world’s cleanest air in Tasmania and pristine mountain water and certainly worth a stop for a taste test at the very least.
What Else is in the Stanley Area
Head to Godfrey beach just after dark and look for Fairy Penguins. The best time of year is September to March and there is a viewing platform here.
Rent a bicycle at the Information centre and fish for trout or salmon at the wharf.
Visit the home of Joseph Lyons at Lyons Cottage. He was Born in 1879 in Stanley and became the 10th Prime Minister of Australia.
When the weather is fine, go to the club to play a round of golf. Admire the view and listen to the waves crashing against the nearby beach.
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