The Nut is a 143 metre high massif, rising from Bass Strait, that towers above the picturesque town of Stanley. You can reach the top by either walking track or chairlift.
Highlights
The historic village of Stanley, in far north-west Tasmania, is nestled at the base of the Nut, a sheer-sided bluff - all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug. A walking track climbs to the summit of the Nut, or you can take the chairlift, with its spectacular views across Bass Strait beaches and over the town. There is accommodation and an excellent campground in Stanley, and the town is a good base for exploring the forests and coastlines further west. See seals, penguins, sea birds and other wildlife close to Stanley local operators offer a range of observation tours.
The town was once the administrative centre for the Van Diemen's Land Company, a royal charter company, formed in 1824 during the reign of George IV.
Highfield House, an imposing Georgian home was once the VDL Managers' residence. It is open to the public and overlooks the town below.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Toilets and cafe at car park. Picnic, electric barbecue, toilets and disabled access toilets adjacent to nearby historic cemetery. Privately operated chairlift operates 7 days a week and caters for disabled visitors. (Chairlift closed late-June to late-August. Enquiries phone 6458 1286.)
Short and steep track to plateau. Circuit track around plateau is moderate.
10-20 minute walk to plateau, or you can take the chairlift. 1 hour circuit track around the Nut plateau. (2.3 km one way).
Supervise children, hazardous cliffs.
No pets, firearms or bicycles.
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To reach Stanley, turn off the Bass Highway (A2) 15 km east of Smithton.
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The striking geological formation of The Nut in Stanley rises from Bass Strait and towers over the historic town in North-West Tasmania.
This iconic Tasmanian site is the core of a long-extinct volcano and its significance is protected as part of The Nut State Reserve. It is an integral part of the life and landscape of Stanley, and offers outstanding views over the town, across Bass Strait and towards Rocky Cape ​National Park.
This picturesque reserve is one of Stanley’s key attractions and is the ideal place for scenic viewing, walking, picnicking and nature study. Take the walking track to the summit of The Nut or hop aboard the chairlift and enjoy the panoramic views. Atop the summit, explore the plateau on foot via the scenic circuit walk.
The Nut State Reserve protects a nationally endangered straw daisy and provides an important breeding site for short-tailed shearwaters, peregrine falcons, Australian kestrels and little penguins. It also protects significant Tasmanian Aboriginal and historic sites, which are of deep significance to the Aboriginal community, both present and past.
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