Welcome to Horizon Deluxe Apartments
As a family owned and operated business we really do hope you enjoy your stay with us and your visit to our wonderful patch of the world.
Guest Services
Please note that we do not clean apartments during multi night stays. Clean toweling and rubbish removal is available by request at Stanley Seaview Inn reception or by phone.
Reception – is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Call 0448 521 115 for assistance.
Wi-Fi – Please see the card on the table in your room for wi-fi access instructions. If you have troubles connecting just let us know as we may need to restart the access point, but our ability to provide technical help is limited.
Coffee Machine Instructions
- Ensure the water reservoir at the back of the machine contains enough water. If not, pull it out and fill (*do not place milk in here).
- Turn power on at the power point.
- Press either of the buttons with a cup diagram on the top of the machine. This will cause the two buttons to flash green for several seconds. When they stop flashing and remain green, the machine is ready for use.
- Remove a coffee capsule from its exterior wrapping. Lift the leaver/cover on top of the machine and place the capsule inside with the larger flat circle side facing toward you.
- Close the leaver/cover down firmly so that it clicks back down into place.
- Press either of the top buttons with a cup diagram once, according to the size of the cup you desire.
Check out – Please vacate your apartment by 11am on your expected day of departure. Feel free to depart without “checking out” at reception. Just place the key on the table in your apartment and lock the door on your way out.
After hours contact – For urgent matters outside of our reception hours of 8am to 6pm, please phone 0428 581 303 and be sure to leave a voice mail for us to return your call as soon as we are able. For medical emergencies please phone 000.
Suggested Itineraries
Arrive in the afternoon and leave the next day :
Exit our driveway to the right, follow the scenic drive around the “Green Hills” to Highfield Historic Site. Spend up to 1 hour there then keep following the road into Stanley. Take your first left, drive past Godfrey’s Beach up to the base of The Nut. Walk up the famous Stanley Nut (the chairlift is closed over winter, but it only takes 10 minutes to climb) and stroll around the walking track on the top to admire the panoramic views. You may like to have afternoon tea at the The Brown Dog Cafe or take a picnic snack with you.
Drive down to the main street and take in the charm of the historic village. Grab an ‘Under the Nut Stanley Heritage Walk’ card from our reception to help guide you around the beautiful village. Return to Stanley Seaview Inn when you are ready to sit down and relax for a while, taking in the lovely view from the property.
Next morning – drive along the water front to the wharf area to see our iconic fishing docks; you may be lucky enough to see lobster or scallops being unloaded from the boats. Enjoy a tasty morning tea or lunch and browse through the gift shops before you leave Stanley.
En-route to your next destination you could visit the spectacular cascading Dip Falls and Blue Hills Honey Experience where you can taste a range of world class honey’s, learn how it is produced and enjoy something nice to eat and drink in The Colony Cafe. Or visit Rocky Cape National Park.
For a great free evening activity go and see the Fairy Penguins at Godfrey Beach. Ask for a map and torches at reception.
Arrive, stay 2 or more nights and leave the next day :
For your first and last days in Stanley – follow suggested itinerary above. For the full days you have in between, choose from the following rewarding day long plans:
- Explore the northern reaches of the fabled Tarkine wilderness. Pack a picnic (there are no shops) and drive 1 hour west to Arthur River. After a short walk to ‘The Edge Of The World’, keep driving South, to follow ‘The Tarkine Drive’. Ask us for a more detailed itinerary, but this drive takes 5 to 7 hours and takes in several coastal and rainforest walks, before returning back to Stanley via Edith Creek.
- Take a full day guided tour of Woolnorth & the Wind Farm, or just take the morning tour and continue south for a nice drive to Marrawah. Lunch at the local country pub then visit the famous surf at Greens Beach. Continue onto Arthur River and take a short walk at “the edge of the world” look out.
- Drive to the rugged West coast and take in the view from “the edge of the world” lookout (next land across the Great Southern Ocean is South America) and have luch at the famous Marrawah Tavern before returning to Stanley.
- Relax, enjoy a peaceful day in historic Stanley without spending all day in the car driving. Walk around and admire one of Australia’s best preserved pre 1850’s
There are lot’s more places to visit and things to do like fishing, swimming, golfing, bird watching … CLICK HERE for more information.
Extended Itineraries:
Day 1 – Explore the town
9AM: EARLY STROLL
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.
10AM: SOAK UP THE HISTORY
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.
10.30AM: COFFE TIME
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.
12.30PM: ENJOY A PICNIC WITH A DIFFERENCE
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.
2PM: HISTORIC HIGHFIELD
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.
7PM: COUNTRY PUB
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.
8.30PM: SAY GOOD NIGHT TO THE PENGUINS
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.
Day 2 – A taste of the Tarkine
Today is all about venturing a little further afield, exploring some of the pristine Tarkine rainforest and soaking in the ambience of the green rolling hills in this stunning part of the world.
7.30AM MORNING WALK
It’s easy to find the motivation to rise early and go for an invigorating walk through the township and onto Godfrey’s beach and around the loop past Highfield House. Soak in the views of green pastures dropping straight to the ocean and the ever-present views of the Nut.
9.00 BREAKFAST AT TOUCHWOOD
After working up an appetite wander up to Touchwood for a fabulous cooked breakfast and one of the best coffees in town. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the beach and the Nut as you plan out your day. Don’t forget to peruse their fabulous gallery of artisan wares and spare a pat for Teddy the shop poodle.
10AM: EXPLORE DIP FALLS
Head off for a scenic 40-minute drive to Dip Falls and marvel at the thundering hexagonal basalt falls with vantage points above and below. The river leading into the massive falls appears so still you can barely comprehend the might of the waterfall. Head a little further along for a stroll into the forest to see the Big Tree, a mighty example of stringybark with a 17-metre diameter.
12.00PM STOP IN AT BLUE HILLS HONEY
This Blue Hills Honey Experience is impressive with its stunning wooden sculptures, high quality fit out and incredible viewing and tasting experience. Learn all about the bees and history of beekeeping in this district. The owners are often on hand to have a chat. Have a delicious lunch at the in-house Colony café and congratulate yourself on the top-quality food choices available. Take a selfie photograph posing as a giant bee before you head off.
2.00PM EXPLORE TOWUTTA ARCH
Turn back towards Stanley and take a scenic drive through Forest, enjoying the farmland so green and rich it doesn’t seem real. Drop down through the rainforest to Trowutta Arch, the perfect micro adventure walk. You’ll be overwhelmed by the smell of crisp rainforest air and the stillness as you head to the arch. The scenery changes abruptly to stunning jagged limestone walls with massive man ferns, the result of a collapsed cave system.
3.00pm Tarkine Oysters
Head on to Smithton, stopping in at Tarkine Fresh Oysters in Smithton to pick up some oysters for a pre-dinner treat. These oysters are harvested fresh daily from Duck Bay in Smithton and are a delicacy not to be missed.
4.00PM BEACH STROLL
Head back to Stanley and explore the fantastic walking track which starts near the golf course and on the way back along Tatlow’s Beach.
5.00PM: PRE-DINNER DRINKS
Stroll down to check out the luxury wares and incredible array of Tasmanian wines and spirits at The Angel’s Share cellar door. Make an impulse purchase and watch the owners expertly wrap it whilst you’re enjoying a tipple of fine Tasmanian whisky in front of the fire. Stroll back along ‘the terrace’ swinging your crisp white paper bag of goodies, feeling the warmth of the fire, genuine hospitality and maybe the after-glow of a fine Tasmanian whisky.
6.30PM SEAFOOD DINNER
You know they serve seafood when there’s a giant lobster on the roof. Head to Hurseys Seafood for a lobster dinner to remember, enjoying the sea views from the large picture postcard windows. The seafood is so fresh, as they have a large fishing fleet plying the nearby waters.
Watch the wallabies and pademelons emerge for their evening feed as the street lights come on as you stroll ‘home’ through the historic streets.
Day 3 – Rocky Cape & surrounds
Galleries, aqua hued beaches and the majesty of Rocky Cape. Today is all about exploring and indulging.
8AM: BREAKFAST AT MOBY DICK’S
Stroll into town and join the locals at Touchwood Cafe. Read newspaper clippings from the 1800s of Stanley residents applying for spouses, selling wares and reporting thefts. Enjoy a breakfast fit for a king while you day-dream about quitting your job and opening a breakfast bar. It is always amazing to visit a restaurant that’s so good at one thing.
9.30AM: ART EXPEDITION
Wander down to the shops and explore the Cow n Calf Art Gallery, The Brown Dog , the RM Williams shop in the historic post office, Stamps of Stanley, Stanley Hotel Gifts and Sticks & Stones Shells & Bones and give in it to the urge to buy art, after all the blackboard outside does say “Earth without art is ‘Eh’”. Exploring the streets of Stanley is definitely a mood boosting experience as you soak up the views of the beach and the historic cottages sheltering against the Nut.
11.00AM: EXPLORE THE HISTORIC CEMETERY
Pop into Touchwood for a coffee before strolling to the historic cemetery at the base of the Nut, surely the most picturesque resting place in Tasmania. The little penguins share this space, with their nests under the bushes facing out to sea. Learn about the lives of the European settlers and those who shaped Stanley’s early days in this harsh settlement. You can almost imagine their lives in this remote outpost as you gaze across to Highfield Historic Site on the hill across the bay.
12.00PM: LUNCH AT THE BEACH
Take the scenic drive back up the coast to Boat Harbour, stopping along the way at Muddy Boots Café to check out the amazing assortment of antiques, collectables and curiosities on sale in this converted hall. Boat Harbour is idyllic and no wonder, it’s been voted one of the top ten beautiful beaches in Australia. The township located on the side of a gentle hill which tumbles down to a pure white beach with a rocky headland on either side, looks like an advertisement for paradise. Enjoy lunch in Seekers Bar and Café, a wonderful restaurant located right on the beach in the surf lifesaving club and if the weather is kind have a dip in the ocean and soak up the atmosphere of this stunning location.
2.30PM: ROCKY CAPE
On the way back into Stanley call into Rocky Cape National Park. A quick stop at the Rocky Cape Roadhouse enables you to procure a Park’s Pass then head on up to the lighthouse to enjoy the jaw dropping views which look positively pre-historic.
Explore the park, taking time to do some of the walks, including the incredible cave walk where you can learn about the aboriginal history of the region. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, black cockatoos and wallabies and pademelons as there is an abundance of wildlife in the park.
4.30PM: GOLF & SAVOURY TOAST TIME
Head back to Stanley and pick up some delicious savoury toast from Brown Dog to refuel a little; you’ve earned this local treat. Head into the welcoming Stanley Golf Club for a quick game around this stunning nine-hole course, with jaw-dropping views of the Nut. The members will welcome you with open arms and casual green fees are paid into an honesty box.
7.00PM: DINNER WITH A DIFFERENCE
Take a short walk to Tasmanian Wine and Food in a converted cottage in the centre of town. This quirky space has a steam-punk, speakeasy vibe and an array of vintage books on unusual subjects to entertain you. You’ll be treated like a local and entertained by the banter of those who pop in just for a chat (and a tipple). Get to know some of the locals while you enjoy a platter of local cheeses and delicacies; they love to share all the secret spots to explore in the region.
Day 4 – Arthur River & Marrawah
Head to the ‘”TARKINE” to explore the secluded rivers, wild coast and quirky lifestyle of those who live in this remote region.
9.30 THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Have breakfast in your suite, then take the scenic drive through the rolling green hills and admire the lush farming country as you head on out to Arthur River. Surrounded by dense rainforest and named after the wild river that runs from the mountains to the sea. When you reach the coast at Marrawah the incredible rugged beaches of the North West coast open up before you.
Take a tour up the River with Arthur River Cruises, enjoying the last serene vistas and marvelling at the local insights shared by the friendly guides. Watch a sea eagle feed, and you may see platypus and all manner of wildlife. Enjoy a BBQ lunch at Turk’s landing and explore a part of the remote and beautiful Tarkine.
After your cruise spend some time exploring the pristine coastline and venture into the Arthur Pieman Conservation area to soak up views of the ever-changing landscape and see the quirky isolated shack communities.
6.00PM DINNER
On your way back to Stanley, stop in at Tall Timbers Tasmania Kauri Bistro / Cape Grim Grill just outside of Smithton. They have a variety of options for a unique dining experience. Whether it is an intimate dinner for two, a family celebration or just for an enjoyable night out.
A brief history of the area…
Circular Head (the name of this municipality) is a region of lush pastures, rolling green hills, dense temperate rain forests, fern glens, breath taking coastal scenery, and flowing rivers.
It was in this region that George Bass & Matthew Flinders sailed through what they proved to be a “strait” of water in 1798. They named the water you see from this property “Bass Strait” and the dominant land mark we now call “The Nut”, they named “Circular Head”. The English adventurers continued on to circumnavigate “Van Dieman’s Land” proving it to be an island.
The first white settlement of western “Van Dieman’s Land” was here in Stanley in 1826. It was the base for “The Van Dieman Land Company”, an English pastoral enterprise which received a massive grant of land courtesy of Governor Arthur. The original grant extended from as far east as where Burnie is today. It was understood that the Governor granted the remote land as far away from Hobart Town and Launceston as possible, to distance himself from the powerful royal chartered company known as the VDL Co.
The area is rich is ancient Aboriginal sites and art works, however most are closely guarded secrets. To learn more – you will need to engage the services of one of the areas expert tour guides.
Our unique geography & geology
How the Stanley Peninsula was formed:
Around 10 million years ago the area that is now the Stanley Peninsula was at the bottom of a shallow sea floor near the coast of Tasmania. At that time volcanoes were erupting south of present-day Stanley (perhaps in the Forest area). Ash and pumice from the explosions at the volcanoes were deposited on the seafloor. The ash and pumice would eventually become the rocks that can be seen on Godfreys Beach.
Soon after these eruptions, a volcanic vent formed beneath what would become “The Nut”. Lava erupted up through the vent and built a large volcanic ash cone. The ash was produced when the hot lava came into contact with the sea water and exploded.
As the eruption began to wane the lava pooled in the crater of the cone forming a large lava pond or lake. Overtime the lava pond cooled and became solid rock.
The volcanic cone was eventually eroded away leaving the solid lava pond behind which is the landscape feature we call The Nut.
At about the same time as the volcano that formed The Nut was erupting another a large lava flow came from a volcano in the Forest area and flowed northwards under the sea, forming what would become Green Hills, Highfield Point and North Point.
The National Significance of Stanley Peninsula
From a geological and geomorphological perspective, the Stanley Peninsula is a world-class example of exceptionally well-preserved submarine volcanoes and lava. Geologists have travelled from around the world to observe the geological features. They have been the subject of several publications in international volcanological journals.
The most important features are:
• The Nut is the only example of a fully exposed lava pond that is completely exposed on all sides at sea level in Australia.
• The cliffs of Highfield Point have the only documented example in the world that shows how thick lava flows and a special kind of submarine lava known as pillow lavas move across the seafloor together. This has been invaluable to the international scientific community who study volcanism on the seafloor.
• West Beach, Highfield Point and North Point have world class examples of the special kind of submarine lavas and lava lobes.
• Plum Pudding Rock at Half Moon Bay is the only documented example of a 3-dimensional exposure of a special submarine lava known as a mega pillow in Australia.
In addition to the national and international geological significance and uniqueness of these features, together they produce a dramatic and extraordinary landscape. The fact they occur close together in the unique setting of a tombolo (sandy isthmus) means that they form a stunningly beautiful landscape that occurs no where else in Australia.
(Dr Jodi Fox 31 October 2021, Physical Volcanologist)