Stanley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Stanley
Stanley
Stanley
Stanley
Stanley

On Tasmania’s northwest coast is a popular seaside destination where you can hike, play on beaches and enjoy watersports under the shadow of an old volcano.

Stanley sits at the base of a long-extinct volcano known as the Nut. The attractive fishing village captivates with its colonial houses and rugged windswept coastline. Climb to the top of the volcano, take part in watersports and investigate local history.

Standing on top of the flat-topped Nut is a must-do activity. The panoramic views of the coast and countryside are spectacular. Reach the summit by walking up the steep winding path. Alternatively, expend a lot less energy by taking the chairlift. From your elevated vantage point you can easily make out the Rocky Cape National Park, which could be your next port of call.

The national park is about a 15-minute drive from Stanley and encompasses beaches, bays and rock shelters. Take one of the scenic walks through the landscape and go fishing and boating off the beaches. Enjoy more nature-based experiences at the Tarkine wilderness area. Hike through a rainforest, canoe down a river and stop by a waterfall.

Stanley’s windswept position makes it a fantastic spot for watersports. If the breeze is up, try sailing, surfing, sailboarding and kitesurfing. Reserve your seat on the Sylvia C motor cruiser which travels out to Bull Rock to view the colony of bull seals.

While many people visit Stanley for its natural beauty, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you occupied. See more of the local sea life, including giant crabs, lobsters and sharks at the Stanley Seaquarium. Visit Highfield Historic Site, a regency home from the 1830s with barns, convict barracks, chapel and an ornamental garden. Here you will learn about the first European settlers in northwest Tasmania. Go on a walking or cycling tour through Stanley's streets, where some of the old homes have been turned into cafés and shops.

To get to Stanley on the northwest tip of Tasmania, fly from the Australian mainland into Burnie. From Burnie, it's about a 1-hour drive west to reach the picturesque village and its spectacular surroundings.

Stanley Village Waterfront Accommodation

Stanley Village Waterfront Accommodation

2.5 out of 5
11-17 Wharf Road, Stanley, TAS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$199 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
AU$199
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Stanley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Van Diemen's Land Company Store and Stanley Seaquarium ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (487 reviews)
"Lovely accommodation , beautiful views"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Stanley Village Waterfront Accommodation
Stanley Hotel & Apartments

Stanley Hotel & Apartments

3 out of 5
19-21 Church St, Stanley, TAS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$139 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
AU$139
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stanley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (423 reviews)
"In centre of historic part of town, close to everything. Good views & dining. Warm with good shower. Friendly helpful staff."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Stanley Hotel & Apartments
Stanley Seaview Inn

Stanley Seaview Inn

3.5 out of 5
58 Dovecote Road, Stanley, TAS
The price is AU$177 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$177
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Stanley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (721 reviews)
"Beautiful setting and view"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Stanley Seaview Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Touchwood Cottages

Touchwood Cottages

3.5 out of 5
31 Church St, Stanley, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Stanley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Stanley Discovery Museum and Genealogy ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"Wonderful view, delightful staff, beautiful accommodation"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Touchwood Cottages
Stanley Lakeside Spa Cabins

Stanley Lakeside Spa Cabins

3.5 out of 5
87 Stanley Hwy, Stanley, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cottage in Stanley. Enjoy free parking, private hot tubs, and a garden. Popular attractions West Inlet Conservation Area and Tatlows ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (75 reviews)
"Lovely little cabin by a lake."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Stanley Lakeside Spa Cabins
The Lodge of Stanley

The Lodge of Stanley

Stanley
Stay at this vacation home in Stanley. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stanley Discovery Museum and Genealogy Centre and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
"The house was beautifully presented with furniture and fixtures in tune with the historic nature of the building.The house was warm and comfortable, spacious though well proportioned and very easy to make ourselves at home in. The back yard was securely fenced for the pet and an easy waliking distance ..."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

The Lodge of Stanley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Stanley

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
73
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
19
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Fiona

Lovely little town, and as an artist, I hope to return in the future to do some paintings of the area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I loved Stanley and could easily have stayed longer. The town is still very much historic, with a charm and feel unique to seaside towns. Well worth the visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place with plenty to see and do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Stanley is a beautiful place and we would like to visit again when next in Tasmania

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not a huge amount to do glad we only spent a day, enough time to go up the nut and walk around the beach front. Lovely service at the shops just very limited trading hours.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very well maintained town that retains much of its historic character. We think Joe Lyons cottage is a worthwhile visit.

Cities near Stanley

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