Discover the best of Tasmania's extraordinary northwest
A 143-metre volcanic plug that rises dramatically from the sea, dominating the skyline of Stanley. Walk the steep 430-metre track to the top (or take the chairlift) and enjoy a 2km circular walk along the cliff tops with breathtaking 360° views across Bass Strait, the Tarkine and the patchwork farmland of the northwest.
One of Tasmania's most significant colonial homesteads, built in 1832 as the headquarters of the Van Diemen's Land Company — the same company behind Woolnorth. Beautifully restored and open to the public, with room-by-room interpretations bringing the colonial era vividly to life. Surrounded by sweeping views across Stanley and the sea.
One of Tasmania's most beautiful and underrated waterfalls, hidden 30 minutes inland from Stanley. The unique two-tiered, stepped basalt formation is spectacular after rainfall. A short walk from the same carpark leads to the "Big Tree" — a towering Eucalyptus with a 17-metre girth that has to be seen to be believed.
The Arthur River is the only river in Tasmania never to have been logged, dammed or burned through its rainforest in over 600 years. A cruise takes you deep into this wilderness — through ancient Leatherwood, Myrtle and giant tree ferns — to a shoreside lunch. Widely considered one of the most beautiful river journeys in Tasmania.
One of Tasmania's oldest national parks and home to some of the most important Aboriginal heritage sites in the state — sea caves used for thousands of years and still carrying deep cultural significance. Coastal heathlands burst with wildflowers in spring, with dramatic views along the rugged northwest coastline.
A natural limestone arch hidden in the Tarkine rainforest — formed by the collapse of an ancient cave roof, creating a dramatic opening between two sinkholes. An easy short walk through lush forest leads to this extraordinary geological feature. One of the Tarkine's most photogenic hidden gems.
Take a guided tour of a state-of-the-art automated milking facility alongside the award wining La Cantara Artisan Cheese Factory. Watch the robots do their work, learn about the science of dairy farming, and taste the results — including La Cantara's handcrafted cheeses produced right here from local milk.
For over 65 years, Blue Hills Honey have harvested world-class Leatherwood honey from the pristine Tarkine wilderness. Visit the factory, learn the story from hive to jar, browse the gift shop, and enjoy a meal or coffee at The Colony Cafe overlooking the orchards.
Watch the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore each evening at this free purpose-built viewing platform between Stanley Cemetery and Bass Strait. Special red lighting lets you watch up close without disturbing the birds. Volunteer guides are often on hand, and the platform is wheelchair accessible. A genuinely magical end to any day in Stanley.
Marrawah sits directly in the path of Southern Ocean swells that travel over 17,000 kilometres uninterrupted — producing some of the most powerful and consistent surf in Australia. Three beaches deliver long rides with serious punch, and the largest wave ever recorded in Australia was measured here. Raw, remote and utterly spectacular even if you never touch the water.
An off-the-beaten-track gem tucked into cool temperate forest east of Smithton. The Black River winds through the site beneath towering eucalypts, with BBQ facilities and a picnic shelter for a leisurely half-day outing. In warmer months the clear tannin-tinted water is perfect for a swim, and brown trout make it worth bringing a fishing line.
One of Australia's most picturesque historic villages, nestled at the foot of the Nut with white sand beaches on both sides of the headland. Walk the heritage streets, explore Highfield House, visit the Seaquarium, taste fresh seafood at Hursey's, and enjoy the warm charm of a town that has barely changed in 150 years.
Housed in the Duck River Pavilions in the heart of Smithton, this award-winning heritage centre tells the story of the Circular Head region through photos, artefacts and displays — from deep Indigenous history through to the dairy, timber and fishing industries that shaped the town.
Stand at the westernmost point of the Australian mainland road network and look south across open ocean all the way to Antarctica. The raw power of the Southern Ocean meeting this wild coast is genuinely awe-inspiring. From here, no land lies between you and South America.
Marrawah is home to one of Australia's premier big wave surf breaks. Even if you're not surfing, Green Point Beach is a dramatic and wild place to walk, with sweeping views and often deserted sands. One of Tasmania's most remote and unspoilt coastlines.
A lovely, easy stroll along both banks of the Duck River through the heart of Smithton. The foreshore is beautifully maintained with gardens, sculptures and seating. Keep an eye out for platypus, which are regularly spotted in the river — particularly in the early morning and evening.
Wind through ancient cool temperate rainforest, wild rivers and remote coastal scenery on one of Tasmania's great drives. The route passes through the heart of the Tarkine Wilderness — Australia's largest — with stops at Dismal Swamp, the Arthur River, and dramatic lookouts. Allow a full day and go prepared.
Fresh Tasmanian oysters served directly from the pristine waters of the northwest coast. Choose from natural, Kilpatrick or an array of creative toppings at the licensed on-site café, or take a dozen away to enjoy elsewhere. One of the most authentic food experiences in the northwest.
Wine, Cheese & Coastal Views – The Ultimate Tasmanian Experience. Nestled at the foothills of Rocky Cape National Park, Lanigan’s Vineyard offers estate-grown wines, artisanal cheeses, and breathtaking views across Bass Strait to The Nut at Stanley.
An institution. Hursey's has been landing and selling fresh seafood in Stanley for generations. The wharf-side setting is unbeatable — southern rock lobster, giant crab, scallops, gummy shark and stripey trumpeter. Don't leave Stanley without a meal here.
The award-winning restaurant at Tall Timbers Hotel in Smithton celebrates local produce with a menu showcasing Cape Grim beef, Robbins Island wagyu, Tarkine oysters and regional wines. A relaxed but polished dining experience in a beautiful heritage-timber setting.
MasterChef 2024 runner-up Josh "Pezza" Perry runs this much-loved Smithton butchery, renowned for some of the finest, freshest meats in Tasmania. The award-winning sausages are legendary locally, and the Cape Grim beef and Robbins Island wagyu on offer here is as good as it gets.
A small, funky restaurant and café on the main road into Stanley, offering hand-stretched pizzas, tapas and local beer and wine. Relaxed atmosphere, great flavours, and a welcoming team. Perfect for dinner after a day exploring the township.
Handcrafted artisan cheeses made from local Smithton milk, produced alongside the Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy. Sample and purchase at the Duck River Pavilions in Smithton — the cheeses are exceptional and make superb gifts.
A welcoming local pub bistro in the heart of Smithton, popular with locals and visitors alike. Classic bistro dishes done well — the Cape Grim steak, chips and salad is a perennial favourite, and the homemade apple and cinnamon strudel is worth saving room for.
An eclectic gem inside a restored Victorian cottage in the heart of Stanley. The menu celebrates Tasmanian produce with rotating blackboard specials, artisan cheese boards and wood-fired pizzas, all matched to a carefully chosen selection of cool-climate Tasmanian wines. One of those places that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.
One of Stanley's best surprises — a beautifully appointed cellar door stocking what may be the finest collection of Tasmanian whisky and spirits outside Hobart. Owner Sam knows every bottle on the wall and will guide you through a tasting from bold cask-strength expressions to delicate gins. Also stocks Tasmanian wines, local craft gifts and premium handcrafted homewares.
Feeding travellers since 1847, the Stanley Hotel Bistro sources directly from the farms, fishing boats and producers that surround it — Cape Grim beef, daily-caught seafood from local fishing families, free-range chicken and seasonal vegetables. The menu changes constantly to reflect what's genuinely available. The outdoor deck looks over Sawyer Bay and catches spectacular sunsets.
Operating from the same building since 1906, the Marrawah Inn's Black Bull Bistro has earned a strong reputation for cooking with exceptional local ingredients — Cape Grim beef, Robbins Island Wagyu, Tarkine Fresh oysters and scallops. A genuine northwest Tasmania institution at the end of the road, about as far west as you can go in Tasmania.
Don't miss our exclusive guided tour to kennaook/Cape Grim at Woolnorth — the only way to access one of the most extraordinary destinations in Australia. Or stay a night or two at Platypus Waters B&B and experience the region at your own pace.