Stanley - TAS

Stanley is the second last town of substance on the western end of Tasmania's Bass Straight coast. The last is Smithton. Stanley township is built around the western side of Circular Head which is situated like a lump in the eastern side of the finger of land that is North Point. It is a very old settlement having served as the headquarters for the operation of the Van Diemen's Land Company, the organisation founded under Royal Charter in 1825 to develop agricultural interests in the region.

The Nut and Stanley have a beach on either side, both offering some shelter from prevailing Bass Strait winds, which can be quite strong. A walk down the street of Stanley is like a walk through history, with many of the town's original buildings still in use.

The town offers normal tourist facilities with caravan park, pub, grocer and various trades. Rental holiday accommodation is also available in the town.

The correct name for The Nut is Circular Head. A steep path leads to the summit or there is, as a much easier alternative, a chair lift that operates daily between about 10.00 AM and 4.00 PM. Walking paths provide access to vantage points on the headland.