For all the glory and international accolade Tasmania has attained in recent years, the North West Coast remains a secret to most visitors. For me growing up in Tasmania has been a dream come true and much of that dream was lived on the North West Coast. While the beaches are just as enviable, the moody winters are not. That is of course until now. The recently opened Ship Inn provides the perfect shoulder season getaway with the dramatic backdrop of Stanley’s famed “Nut” in the immediate background. So to help plan your trip, here is our guide to Stanley.
Stanley: A Hidden Gem on the Northwest Coast
For all the secrets Tasmania holds, Stanley is one of the greats. This colonial township came to fruition in the early 19th Century when the Van Diemen’s Land Company was granted land in the Circular Head area, including Stanley. The town is of course today famous for its affectionately dubbed “Nut”, officially called Munatrik, an old volcanic plug that attracts climbers for its short but steep ascent.
With the harsh winters and often windy shoulder seasons that see more rainy days than clear ones, visitors to Stanley are fairly confined to the peak summer season. However, one of the best pieces of advice one could give visitors to Tasmania is to travel off-season to escape the crowds and embrace the colder climate. With the recent arrival of The Ship Inn, a luxurious hotel embracing dark tones and the seaside gloom, there is a perfect excuse to visit Stanley offseason.
Stanley, Tasmania
Having visited Stanley more times than I can count in this lifetime, I was sure I had seen it all. This part of Tasmania doesn’t often see new hotels breakthrough, especially family-owned and operated boutiques. When I heard about a new luxury hotel opening in Stanley, I was eager to check it out.
The Ship Inn is the kind of seaside escape we have all imagined exists but are yet to find it. The interiors are dark and mysterious, embracing the winter warmth with various shades of grey, plaid fabrics and unique textures. It is a modern celebration of the ship merchant lifestyle with trinkets and treasures adorning the walls. It reminds us of the origins of Stanley and indeed the rest of Australia.
Things to do in Stanley
If you can persuade yourself to leave the hotel room, Stanley can be seen in one afternoon. The fabulous Xanders is one of the best restaurants this side of Launceston, open Wednesday-Sunday. There are a handful of small boutiques that double as art galleries and providores. Each of them is worth a visit, especially if you have a day or two to check them out. Another new addition to the town is the Tasmanian Wine & Food wine bar. With its cosy interior and playful cocktail menu, this is a great place to spend the afternoon.
The main activity for your visit will be to climb “The Nut”, Stanley’s famed volcanic rock formation. It is a short and sharp 15-minute climb to the top, leading to panoramic views at the summit.
Elsewhere nearby be sure to venture inland to Cradle Mountain or further along the coast to the Tarkine Adventure. If you’re eager to find more hidden gems, Marrawah and the Arthur River are also within driving distance.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
