North West Tasmania

Today we travelled into the North Western area of Tasmania. The first stop was Stanley and on the way into the area we stopped at a lookout that gave us the first close look at what is called “The Nut”. This is a very large outcrop of rock that in on the end of the headland that Stanley sits on. It is thought that it was a vent of a volcano that solidified and then the earth weathered from around it leaving a near perfect round column that dominates the skyline of Stanley. We then travelled to a very old farm homestead called Highfield. This is still operating as a farm and the original convict built stone buildings have been renovated and in excellent condition. We then travelled into Stanley itself. It is a "pretty" historical township with some great cafes and coffee shops. we took the chairlift to the top of the NUT and took the walk around the top. Fantastic views from the top. We then proceeded down the West coast as far as Couta Rocks. This is a wild part of coast line but quite beautiful. On the way back we stopped at Arthur River where there is an amazing amount of driftwood washing in by the Southern Ocean. Further stops at Green Point, Marrawah, Montagu and Smithton saw us back at base camp for a much needed glass of wine. We found the West Coast to be both wild and beautiful, sparsely populated with farms, state parks and pine plantations. It is truly beautiful.