Base Yourself in Stanley & Taste the Far North West
Stay a little longer in Stanley and use this historic seaside town as your base for tasting your way through Tasmania’s far North West.
There’s plenty on the Tasting Trail within reach. Start with fresh seafood at Hursey Seafoods in Stanley, then head out for Leatherwood honey at Blue Hills Honey, artisan cheese at La Cántara and freshly shucked oysters at Tarkine Fresh Oysters in Smithton.
In between tastings, there’s a whole lot of far North West to explore. Walk or take the chairlift to the top of The Nut, wander Stanley’s historic streets, then venture further into the Tarkine for rainforest walks, wild coastline, waterfalls and the rugged landscapes around Arthur River.
Make a few days of it. Stay in Stanley, choose a different direction each day and mix your Tasting Trail stops with some of the far North West’s best-known natural experiences.
Explore the Tasting Trail from Stanley
In Stanley: Start with fresh Tasmanian seafood at Hursey Seafoods and enjoy the town’s local food and dining scene.
Head to Mawbanna: Visit Blue Hills Honey to taste award-winning Tasmanian honey, including Leatherwood, and learn more about the region’s beekeeping story.
Head to Smithton: Visit La Cántara Artisan Cheeses and Tarkine Fresh Oysters for two very different tastes of the far North West.
Make a day of the Tarkine: Pack some local produce for the road and explore rainforest, waterfalls, Trowutta Arch, Arthur River and the wild west coast.
Follow the Burnie to Smithton Mini Trail
Want the food stops planned for you? Follow our Burnie to Smithton Mini Trail and taste your way west through breweries, spirits, seafood, honey, cheese and oysters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stanley, Tasmania?
Stanley is a historic seaside town on Tasmania’s far North West Coast, around 20 minutes from Smithton and approximately 2.5 hours west of Devonport. Sitting beneath the distinctive volcanic formation of The Nut, Stanley makes a great base for exploring Tasting Trail producers and the wider far North West.
Where is the Tarkine?
The Tarkine is a vast wilderness region in Tasmania’s far North West, extending across rainforest, rivers and wild west coast landscapes. From Stanley, you can travel through Smithton and head into different parts of the Tarkine, including Trowutta, Arthur River and the west coast.
Can I explore the Tarkine from Stanley?
Yes. Stanley makes a handy base for exploring parts of the Tarkine, but they are separate destinations. Set aside a day to head further west and explore the Tarkine, or stay longer if you want to discover more of its rainforest, rivers and wild coastline.
Is Stanley a good base for exploring the Tasting Trail?
Yes. Stanley makes a great base for exploring Tasting Trail producers across Tasmania’s far North West. Stay a few nights and head out in different directions for fresh seafood, Leatherwood honey, artisan cheese, oysters and other local flavours.
Which Tasting Trail producers can I visit from Stanley?
Start with Hursey Seafoods in Stanley, then head to Blue Hills Honey at Mawbanna and continue towards Smithton for La Cántara Artisan Cheeses and Tarkine Fresh Oysters. Opening days and experiences vary, so check individual producer details before setting off.
What can I do while staying in Stanley?
Walk or take the chairlift to the top of The Nut, explore Stanley’s historic streets and waterfront, watch the little penguins return to shore and enjoy fresh local seafood. Stanley is also a handy starting point for exploring more of Tasmania’s far North West.
Where is the Tarkine from Stanley?
The Tarkine is a separate wilderness region to the west and south-west of Stanley. From Stanley, you can head towards Smithton and continue into the Tarkine to explore rainforest, wild coastline, rivers and some of Tasmania’s most remote landscapes.
Can I visit the Tarkine as a day trip from Stanley?
Yes. Stanley can be used as a base for day trips into parts of the Tarkine. Choose an area or experience rather than trying to see everything in one day, and allow plenty of time for the drive and stops along the way.
What can I do in the Tarkine?
The Tarkine is known for ancient rainforest, wild coastline, rivers and waterfalls. Depending on your route, you can explore places such as Trowutta Arch, Arthur River and the west coast, with walks and lookouts along the way.
Can I combine the Tasting Trail with a trip to the Tarkine?
Absolutely. Pick up local produce or visit Tasting Trail producers around Stanley, Mawbanna and Smithton, then combine your food stops with a day exploring the Tarkine. It’s a great way to experience both the flavours and landscapes of the far North West.
How many days should I stay in Stanley?
Allow at least two or three nights if you want to explore Stanley, visit nearby Tasting Trail producers and make a day trip into the Tarkine without rushing.
Is there a Tasting Trail itinerary for the far North West?
Yes. Follow the Burnie to Smithton Mini Trail to taste your way west through breweries, spirits, seafood, honey, cheese and oysters, with plenty of opportunities to add Stanley and other far North West experiences along the way.
Where can I get visitor information?
Visitor information is available in both Stanley and Smithton, with local advice on accommodation, attractions, Tarkine experiences, road conditions and planning your trip through the far North West.