North West Tasmania

From the city of Burnie with its industrial heritage and busy port, the Bass Highway follows the coast westward, almost always within sight of Bass Strait.

Massive bluffs nudge out into the sea Table Cape, just beyond Wynyard, flat-topped and fertile, with flowering tulips carpeting its fields in spring; Rocky Cape, with its native orchids, bushwalks and sea cliffs; and Circular Head, where the historic village of Stanley snuggles up against the steep-sided Nut. Along the way, you’ll drive through rich farmland, where dairy cattle graze, crops flourish, and the freshly-ploughed chocolate soil looks good enough to eat.

At Boat Harbour and Sisters Beach, green fields sweep down to the water. Beyond Rocky Cape, the view west is dominated by The Nut. Stanley was established in the early days of the colony as the base for the Van Diemen’s Land Company’s grazing operations in the far north west. Its fishing and farming history is echoed in the village’s sturdy stone cottages, and in the graceful facade of Highfield, built in 1832 for the company’s Governor and agents.

Continue west to Smithton, centre for the region’s productive agricultural and thriving forestry operations. From here, a southern loop takes you through the rich dairy lands of Edith Creek and deep into the tall forests of the north west, before returning to the coast.

On the far north west tip is the historic property of Woolnorth. Land’s end is Cape Grim, where sea air, tested as the world’s cleanest, sweeps in from the Roaring Forties.

At Marrawah, swells from the Southern Ocean crash endlessly on West Coast sand. To the south on unsealed roads is the entrance of Arthur River, where a river cruise takes you to see a sea eagle.

• Cradle Mountain Lodge - Instant Bookings
  Cradle Mountain Lodge is a unique wilderness retreat on the edge of the World Heritage Listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park.
• Argosy Hotel Devonport
  Situated on the banks of the Mersey, just two minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, the Argosy Motor Inn offers quality accommodation, fine dining & a range of entertainment.
• Mountain Valley Wilderness Resort
  A 61ha private wildlife, forest and karst reserve covenanted with the Tasmanian Government for the conservation of its unique features.
• Bayside Burnie
  Located in the heart of North West Tasmania, Bayside Burnie provides port and mountain views with relaxing and comfortable accommodation.
• Lemonthyme Lodge - Instant Bookings
  Unique accommodation in the Tasmanian Wilderness.
• Heemskirk Motor Hotel
  When visiting Tasmania's West Coast on business or pleasure Heemskirk Motor Inn is your first choice for convenience comfort and attention to detail.
• Franklin Manor
  Franklin Manor is a casual boutique hotel with a relaxed ambience.
• Strahan Village Cottages - Instant Bookings
  Nestled in a snug corner of the mighty Macquarie Harbour is a magical waterfront town - the port of Strahan, gateway to Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness.
• Tall Timbers Hotel Motel - Instant Bookings
  The Tall Timbers Resort is your base from which to explore this region.
• The Retreat Stanley
  This cottage offers a unique, simple style of accommodation well away from the stresses of modern living.
• Stanley Village Boutique Motel
  Stanley Village is situated on the waterfront beneath the famous ‘Nut’ in North West Tasmania. Experience first hand Australia's Colonial Heritage.
• Stanley Seaview Inn - Instant Bookings
  Located on green hills overlooking Stanley, The Nut, surrounding waters and countryside.
• Ormiston House Strahan
  One of Australia's finest examples of Federation architecture, this magnificent mansion overlooks Macquarie Harbour on the wonderful west coast of Tasmania.
• Horizon Deluxe Apartments
  Horizon Apartments Luxury Accommodation at Stanley, Tasmania over looks the historical fishing village of Stanley and the famous Stanley Nut on the North West coast of Tasmania.
• Gateway Hotel Devonport
  Gateway offers a wide selection of contemporary accommodation, centrally located in the heart of Devonport's CBD in Tasmania - the Apple Isle.
• Chancellor Inn Queenstown - Instant Bookings
  The Chancellor Inn Queenstown, on Tasmania’s west coast is the perfect base from which to explore the awe inspiring west coast region, offering adventure, history and unsurpassed scenery.

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