Stanley & Highfield House
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Port
Burnie, Tasmania, Australia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$180
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Your excursion begins at the ship’s pier where you’ll board your motorcoach bound for Stanley at the far northwest region of Tasmania.
Your first stop is the Highfield House. This property is considered the "birthplace" where European settlers first established themselves and represents an important part of Tasmanian historic heritage. Today, the Highfield House is open to the public and has undergone an extensive restoration with funds from the National Estate. Designed by Henry Hellyer, architect, it was built in 1834 as a residence for Edward Curr, chief agent for the British Van Diemen's Land Company, which had been granted 250,000 acres in Stanley by King George IV.
This 19th century estate is a rare example of residential architecture from the Regency period (1811-1820) characterized by a geometric yet graceful design. Typical of Regency buildings, Highfield was designed to allow light into the main rooms that featured large French windows and dramatic views. You can see Stanley’s iconic landmark, a 500-foot tall natural volcanic formation called "The Nut," from the property.
Your guide will regale you of the residence’s historic past and prominence in the history and development of Tasmania’s northwest coast as you walk the premises of the estate.
After your estate tour, you’ll continue on a narrated drive around Stanley, population 500, one of the smallest towns on the northwest coast of Tasmania. The name of the town comes from the British Secretary of State, Lord Stanley, as many of the Van Diemen’s Land Company employees from England had settled in the area.
Enjoy a photo opportunity at Stanley’s most famous attraction, The Nut, an old volcanic land formation created from dried magma. It has steep sides with a flat top and rises up to a height of more than 450 feet. There is a steep walking path or a chairlift ride included for those who wish a view from the top of The Nut. You’ll have some free time in the town of Stanley to wander the shops or grab a bite to eat (at guests own expense) before returning to the motorcoach.
En route to Burnie, a short drive from Wynyard along the coast is the village of Boat Harbour. Take in the view of the calm bay with white sand and crystal clear water, ideal for swimming. You’ll wind along the road that descends to the water with Bass Strait in the distance stretching to the horizon. The area between Boat Harbour and Rocky Cape near Stanley is a national park filled with rock pools, wildflowers, bushwalks and Aboriginal caves tucked away in the cliff face.
From Boat Harbour, you’ll travel back to the pier. Enjoy the ride and the splendid scenery along the route.