The aptly named Nut towers over the beautiful and quaint village of Stanley.
The Nut is volcanic rock which rises 152 metres above Bass Straight on 3-sides. Famous explorer Mathew Flinders, upon seeing The Nut for the first time in 1798, commented that it looked like ‘a cliffy round lump resembling a Christmas Cake’. Today visitors come from all over to see this peculiar ‘lump’.
Visitors to Stanley can access The Nut and 1-hour circuit track (2.3km) on the virtually flat top either of two ways. There is a 10-20 minute (depending on fitness and energy levels) hike up a short but steep track from the car park to the summit. Or, visitors may choose to catch the chair lift to the top. Note, the chair lift, while open daily closes June until late August.
The track to the top of The Nut is rated Level 3, suitable for people who are reasonably fit.
As always, good stout shoes or boots are recommended, along with sun block, sunglasses and a sun hat. Walkers should also dress for the day and be reminded that strong winds caused the majority of the island’s many shipwrecks, so a windbreaker or thick jersey is recommended.
Facilities:
Toilets (including disabled access ones) and a café are adjacent to the car park. Picnic facilities including electric BBQ’s can be found beside the nearby historic cemetery. Chair lift enquires on (03) 6458 1286.
Vehicle Access:
Take the road B21 for Stanley, from the Bass Highway (A2) about an hour’s drive west of Burnie.
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