Major city · Australia
Stanley
Give Stanley one night, two at most: The Nut chairlift and walk take half a day, Highfield the other half, and the town closes early.
Stanley is a small fishing village on Tasmania's northwest coast, population around 500, built under a 143 m volcanic plug called The Nut. You come for the chairlift and summit circuit, the colonial Highfield site, and the little penguins that come ashore after dark. One night covers it; two lets you add the Tarkine or Rocky Cape without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, windy; chairlift can close)
- Airports
- BWT · DPO · LST
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Stanley000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Stanley, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for tourists.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBWT Burnie Airport (Wynyard) (Closest airstrip, about 45 min by car; limited scheduled flights).
- Getting aroundStanley is walkable: 10 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- BeerDraught beer, 425 ml schoonerA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHostel or cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or B&B double room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedMotel or B&B double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$220 (≈ US$150) · High A$380 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BWT Burnie Airport (Wynyard) (Closest airstrip, about 45 min by car; limited scheduled flights) · DPO Devonport Airport (About 1 h 45 min by car; the usual arrival point with a hire car) · LST Launceston Airport (About 2 h 30 min by car; more flights and cheaper car hire)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Aug
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Sep
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jun (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Stanley: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jul
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Aug
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Sep
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Dec
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Stanley is walkable: 10 minutes end to end. A car is needed to reach the town in the first place and for Highfield, Rocky Cape and the Tarkine. There is no local bus service.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Rocky Cape National Park
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive east on the B21 then the C227, about 20 min
Coastal heath walks and Aboriginal rock shelters; half a day.
Smithton and the Tarkine edge
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive west on the B21, about 25 min to Smithton
Supply stop and the start of the Tarkine forest drives; fill the tank.
Arthur River and the Edge of the World
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive south-west via the C214 and C213, about 1 h 30 min
Too far for a comfortable return day; the last stretch is unsealed and wildlife is on the road at dusk.
Burnie
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bass Highway (A2) east, about 1 h
The nearest city for supermarkets, a hospital and the ferry-port run.
Wynyard
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bass Highway (A2) east, about 45 min
Airport, table-cap beach and a useful fuel stop.
Devonport
goDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min
Bass Highway (A2) east, about 1 h 45 min
Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal and the usual car-hire pickup.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Wharf Road and the waterfront
Walk to the chairlift base, the visitor centre and Dockside cafe; best for one night without a car.
Church Street and Alexander Terrace
The historic pub, guesthouses and cottages on the slope under The Nut; 5–10 min walk to everything.
Dovecote Road and Green Hills Road
Motels, apartments and Highfield-adjacent stays; you need a car for the 5–10 min drive into town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$180–300 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × A$220 | A$220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$220 | A$440 |
| The Nut chairlift, return2 × A$20 · check | A$40 |
| Highfield Historic Site entry, adult2 × A$15 | A$30 |
| Fuel, 200 km of northwest driving1 × A$35 · check | A$35 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$77 |
| Trip total≈ A$421 per person per day, bed included | A$842≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and the hire car excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Cafe lunch (soup, toastie, fish and chips) | A$18–32 (≈ US$12–25) |
| Pub main (counter meal) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Draught beer, 425 ml schooner | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| The Nut chairlift, return | A$20–25 (≈ US$14–17) (check) |
| Highfield Historic Site, adult | A$15 (≈ US$10) |
| Fuel, per litre, unleaded | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The only practical way in is by car: about 1 h from Burnie on the Bass Highway (A2) then the Stanley Highway (B21), or 3 h if you stop along the north coast.
- The Nut chairlift closes in high wind; the Zig Zag Track up is steep but open when the lift is not.
- Penguin viewing is after dark on Harrison Terrace: no flash, no white torches, red light only.
- Fuel, food and phone signal thin out fast west of town toward Smithton and Arthur River.
- Summer bushfire and total fire ban days can close parks: check Tasmania Parks alerts before driving.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
StanleyStanley
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address, thanksTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates in Stanley; the nearest are in Hobart, and most countries' embassies are in Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Burnie → Stanley, driving: about 1 h, 75 km (47 mi), no stops (check)about 1 h, 47 mi (75 km), no stops (check)
- Launceston Airport → Stanley, driving: about 2 h 30 min, 200 km (124 mi) (check)about 2 h 30 min, 124 mi (200 km) (check)
- The Nut chairlift, return: about A$20 (≈ US$14), 5 min up (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the chairlift? — Where is the chairlift?
- One adult return, thanks — One adult, return, please
- Is the track open today? — Is the summit track open?
- Card okay? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the nearest servo? — Where is the nearest fuel?
English is the only language you need. Tipping is not expected.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Stanley. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, windy; chairlift can close) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for BWT, DPO and LST with field-checked drive times and a late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Wharf Road, Church Street, The Nut base, and Green Hills Road.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (The Nut chairlift, Highfield, penguin viewing) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wind and fire-ban fixtures so the chairlift and park gates can go green or red.