Stanley

Stanley

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Stanley

Tasmania

Nestled on the North West coast of Tasmania, Stanley is the largest town in the region, boasting historic charm and serving as a hub for surrounding fishing villages. With its scenic landscapes and quaint atmosphere, Traveling to Stanley as a family offers a perfect getaway for families seeking adventure and relaxation.

Getting to Stanley

Traveling to Stanley as a family will most likely include either traveling west from Devonport or Launceston. This route takes you through several major towns where you can stock up on essentials before reaching Stanley. Alternatively, you might come from the south, passing through towns like Strahan, Queenstown, or Zeehan. Having previously driven this route in a small campervan, we decided against taking our caravan due to the challenging roads.

Our journey from Gowrie Park to Stanley involved backtracking to Devonport before heading along the coast. The initial part of the drive was narrow and winding, but after Devonport, the road transformed into a major highway, making the drive as easy as it gets in Tasmania.

A Delightful Stop at Tuckers Beach Strawberry Farm

On our way to Stanley, we stopped for lunch at Tuckers Beach Strawberry Farm. This place was a highlight of our trip. With incredible food, a great play area for the kids, and the opportunity to pick your own strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, it was a perfect family stop. The kids loved exploring the farm and tasting the fresh berries straight from the vine.

Accommodation at Big 4 Stanley

We stayed at the Big 4 Stanley for our four-day visit. It was one of the few parks where you didn’t have to pay for showers, a small but appreciated detail. The facilities were excellent, and the staff were friendly and accommodating, making our stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Exploring Stanley

Walking The Nut

One of the must-do activities in Stanley is trekking The Nut, a volcanic plug that stands out as one of Australia’s most unique landmarks. The walk up and around The Nut is a fun couple of kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. We tackled it on a particularly windy day, but it seems that windy conditions are more common than calm ones in this region.

Surfing at Godfrey’s Beach

Ella managed to squeeze in a surf session at Godfrey’s Beach on a day when the winds were offshore and the waves were clean. This iconic spot provided an unforgettable surfing experience, even if it was brief.

Dinner at Hursey Seafoods

Mel and Gary kindly took care of the kids one evening, allowing us to enjoy a date night at Hursey Seafoods. The seafood was exceptional, and we had a wonderful time dining in this charming restaurant, making it one of the memorable highlights of our trip.

Greenpoint Beach

We also took a drive to Greenpoint Beach, about an hour away, to check the surf. Although the wind wasn’t favorable that day, the raw beauty of this remote beach was evident. It’s renowned for being a great surfing spot, and we could easily see its potential.

National Park Drives

Stanley is surrounded by accessible nature reserves and national parks. We took the time to explore some of Australia’s most remote forests, immersing ourselves in the tranquility and beauty of the natural environment.

Traveling to Stanley as a family provided us with a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From trekking up The Nut to enjoying fresh seafood, Stanley offered something for everyone. If you’re planning a family trip, Stanley should definitely be on your list.

 

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Cradle Mountain

Tasmania

Traveling to Cradle Mountain as a family is a chance to visit one of Australia’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks. This place is incredible. With multiple walks, hikes, and treks, filled with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers, it is a natural wonderland. It also snows here a lot, so be prepared all year round for it to be cold. We went in January and still needed normal winter clothes we would normally wear back home in Coffs Harbour.

Accommodation: Gowrie Park Wilderness Village

We stayed at Gowrie Park Wilderness Village for a few nights. It was about 30 minutes northeast of Cradle Mountain and the closest place to stay with a van outside of the Discovery Park at Cradle Mountain.

Day 1: Exploring Dove Lake

Our first day was spent as a group, with Ella’s mum and her partner Gary joining us. We visited Dove Lake and then walked back to the Ronnie Creek car park. We spent equal parts around Dove Lake, taking our time to enjoy the scenery. The track back to Ronnie Creek car park took about 80 minutes of walking with the kids. We were lucky to see one wombat on the track. When Ella and I did this in 2016 in September, we saw many more wombats. We assume that the hotter temperature kept the wombats out of the sun.

Day 2: Climbing Marion’s Lookout and Family Walks

On the second day, Ella, Mel, and Gary climbed Marion’s Lookout. They had a blast, and it took them around 3 to 4 hours for the return trip. Meanwhile, the kids and I did some short walks around the Enchanted Forest, Pencil Pines Falls, and Knyvet Falls. The walks took less than an hour, with plenty of stops for snacks and wombat spotting.

Visiting Devils @ Cradle

The kids and I then went to Devils @ Cradle. This experience was fantastic for the boys, as the enclosures were well-suited for young kids. It was also reasonably priced for a prime attraction in the area.

Tips for Visiting Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain can be done as a day trip from nearly anywhere on the northwest coast, or even Launceston. However, if you plan to stay closer, ensure you have enough food supplies, as shopping is limited.

Driving with a Caravan

Driving the caravan from Devonport to Gowrie Park was an eye-opener. I hadn’t driven on such narrow roads with the van before, but traffic was minimal. This set the tone for most of the driving done with the caravan off the major highways. There’s roadkill everywhere too, so it pays to be very attentive.

Traveling to Cradle Mountain as a family was a memorable experience, filled with breathtaking scenery and adventures. Whether you’re hiking, wombat spotting, or exploring the local attractions, Cradle Mountain offers something for everyone.