Explore Stanley
A place that reveals itself slowly
Stanley is a town best experienced at an unhurried pace. Historic streets, coastal views, and ever changing light create a setting that invites wandering rather than rushing.
From the moment you arrive, there is a sense of stepping somewhere distinct, where history, landscape, and daily life exist in easy balance.
Take your time here
Read more of the Poet’s historyYou might begin the morning with a walk along the waterfront, climb The Nut for sweeping views, or wander the village streets lined with historic buildings.
Later, linger over a long lunch, explore local galleries and shops, or simply sit by the water and watch the tide shift.
Stanley rewards curiosity and unplanned moments.
Highlights Include
The Brown Dog
A delightful cafe and gifts shop ideal for coffee/tea, cakes, light lunches and Tasmanian ice creams.
The Stanley Pub
Serves excellent award winning lunches and dinners – so popular, booking is a must.
Marleys
A popular venue serving, eclectic and great, breakfasts and lunches.
Touchwood
An intimate cafe serving breakfasts lunches and afternoon teas, with gorgeous views over Tatlow’s Beach and the residential town.
The Providore 24
Sports a selection of gourmet foods ideal for the grazing platter from Tasmanian Cheeses, Pate’s and condiments, as well as a good gift shop and wonderful original fashion items.
The Nut Cafe
sitting beneath the Chairlift up at the Nut parking lot, is this cafe serving morning teas and light lunches, as well as a good gift/souvenir shop.
Highlights Include
Stanley Pub
Where one can always catch up with the local fishing community and townspeople . Attached to the Pub is a beautiful cellar selling Tasmanian and other wines and spirits.
The Angel’s Share
A town must see and do. One can taste a big and rare selection of Tasmanian Whiskies and Gins, and there is the added benefit of bespoke shopping items of clothing and accessories.
The Tasmanian Wine Bar
A Stanley gem and well worth a visit. An evening here will be stored in the memory banks forever. It is unique and the hosts are delightful as they serve you an excellent selection of Tasmanian wine and whisky.
Highlights Include
The Stanley Art gallery
Next door to the Brown Dog – boasts some beautiful original artworks.
The Stanley Hotel shop
sells clothing and accessories.
Sticks & Stones Shells & Bones
Next door to Marley’s – sells exactly these items for collectors.
The Craft Shop
part of the Town Hall – provides an outlet for local handcrafts and lovely gift ideas.
Highlights Include
Highfield House
Edward Curr, the Agent for the Van Diemen’s Land Company, established Highfield as his family residence. Construction began in 1832 and finished in 1838. Assigned convicts and indentured servants-45 men, 11 women, and 25 children-built outbuildings like The Chapel, stables, and cottages, completing major works in 1841. Visitors can still see the remains of the convict barracks and the two entrance portals to an original deer park on the grounds. Highfield boasts unbeatable views of The Nut and offers plenty of photo opportunities at other nearby vantage points as well.
The Nut
Walking around the Nut offers a fantastic experience, with spectacular views stretching across the Stanley peninsula and out to the Flinders islands. If you want to skip the steep climb or descent, take the chair lift in either direction or mix and match by walking one way and riding the other. The top circuit features gentle undulations and is manageable for most visitors, making the panoramic scenery accessible to all.
Stanley Penguins
Stanley’s Fairy Penguin colony is a local treasure, and the specially built Penguin Viewing platform makes watching them easy. In the evening, wrap up warmly and grab one of our red lighting torches to head down to Godfrey’s Beach at dusk. With some quiet patience, you’ll watch Fairy Penguins waddle ashore after a day’s fishing, feed their chicks, and settle into their burrows for the night. The peak season for sightings runs from September to March, but your hosts can usually help you spot penguins year-round.
Historic Walking Tour
Starting at The Wharf, you’ll find plaques on the walls of all the historic sites throughout Stanley. Poet’s Cottage is number 2 on this walking tour. Each plaque shares the origin, history, and stories of the building and its former inhabitants. By scanning the barcode on each plaque, you can listen to detailed histories and fascinating tales as you explore.
Whales
Whales are sighted in both of Stanley’s picturesque bays. Our most recent sightings in August 2023, were thought to be a Southern Right mother about to calf. In August 2024, two Orca’s were sighted swimming around The Nut.
Highlights Include
40 South Charters
Fishing charters and cruises to Three Hummock Island and Seal Island
A stay that becomes part of your journey
Our hope is simple, that your time here becomes part of what you remember most about Tasmania.