STANLEY
As we approached our next destination, Stanley, we stopped at a beachfront café for lunch. Looking out across the water, we realised we were gazing directly over Bass Strait for the very first time. It was a special moment, made even more remarkable by the thought that mainland Australia lay just 240 kilometres away across the sea. Nestled on Tasmania's picturesque north-west coast, Stanley is one of the state's most charming historic towns. Towering 143 metres above the town, The Nut is an ancient volcanic plug with dramatic sheer cliffs and a flat summit that dominates the landscape. Stanley is filled with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, charming cottages and stunning coastal views. We spent time wandering its peaceful streets before visiting Highfield Historic Site, a magnificent 1830s homestead overlooking the coastline that provides a fascinating insight into Tasmania's early colonial past. Beyond the homestead, the grounds are scattered with convict-era ruin...