Day 1 - Explore the Town

Take a short stroll to the port, under the towering Nut, the remains of an extinct volcanic plug. Soak in the views of the local fishing fleets moored under the Nut. If you’re in luck you’ll see the starlings doing their morning acrobatics as they skim along the water and circle the bay.

Take in the history at Joe Lyons Cottage, the birthplace of the only Tasmanian-born prime minister; his grandfather built the Ship Inn in 1849. Marvel at the ancient volume of Shakespeare laying on the mantlepiece, which was picked up on the beach a century ago. Read all about the history of this iconic Tasmanian, born in the little town at the edge of the world.

Stroll into the centre of town to Marleys At Sticks & Stones Shells & Bones and enjoy a coffee or tea and one of the delicious house-made cakes. Explore the Hearts and Crafts volunteer shop in the centre of town and the Discovery centre with quirky shell sculptures and an incredible collection of historical items and local stories. Wander the historic township and soak up the views of charming buildings nestled under the Nut.

Pop into Providore 24 and gather some fine Tasmanian produce for a picnic with a difference; the local Topfish pickled octopus is amazing and the local La Cantara cheese. Take your provisions up the Nut. It doesn’t take you long to get up, but it is incredibly steep, so stop and take photos to catch your breath. You could take the chair lift (but that’s cheating) It is an experience worth having, so maybe take it up and down for the fun factor when you’ve finished your picnic…you won’t regret it.

Head to the sheltered glade, taking in the views of the rugged coastline and Bass Strait beyond and enjoy a picnic in the company of wallabies and pademelons. Hold on to your beanie as you walk the loop track, it gets windy atop the Nut, especially when standing at the look outs soaking in the views.

Head along Godfreys Beach to Highfield Historic Site, and explore some of the fascinating local history from the early 1800s. The interpretation panels are incredible and you start to realise the ‘portraits’ of the early settlers are actually of locals you’ve been meeting around town. Get a little freaked out in the upstairs rooms…they are a little eerie!

Head back to town and pop into Dockside Café for a quick coffee while you marvel at the multitude of seagulls outside your window. In the right season you can watch chicks hatch and you might be lucky enough to see a seal, pod of dolphins or a passing whale. The local fishing fleet and towering Nut make a picture postcard back-drop to this port side establishment.

Stroll down to the historic Stanley Hotel bistro and enjoy a delicious meal with locally sourced produce, paired with fine Tassie wine. Make sure to check out the stunning bluestone wine cellar, the oldest along the coast. There’s no pokies or slot machines here, it is true country pub style and the locals love to play ‘brackets and jam’ in the bar on Sunday afternoons. If you kick up your heels and join them you might be invited to sing a tune.

Head back to your accommodation, detouring along the way to the penguin viewing platform at the base of the Nut. Watch the little penguins, illuminated by the soft red glow of lights, wobble along the rocks to their burrows in the scrub next to the historic cemetery. That strange high pitched chirpy warble accompanying you home is the sound of their calls.