Visitors to Stanley deciding whether to include The Nut can use this page to plan summit access, the circuit walk, nearby beach access and the winter chairlift closure.
The Nut above Stanley
The Nut is Stanley’s defining landmark, with coastal views and a short walk around the summit. Rising 143 metres above Bass Strait, its flat-topped form is the exposed core of a long-extinct volcano. It stands within The Nut State Reserve.
Reach the summit by the steep Zig Zag track or the privately operated Nut Chairlift. The chairlift travels 250 metres, climbs 95 metres and takes about five minutes uphill. Contact the operator on +61 3 6458 1482 for current fares, opening times and operating details. The Parks and Wildlife Service reserve page explains access and facilities, and provides information on reserve conditions.
For road planning, The Nut is about 80 kilometres west of Burnie and 22 kilometres east of Smithton. Follow the Bass Highway (A2), then the B21 into Stanley. Use Transport Tasmania’s current road conditions before leaving; travel times vary with road and weather conditions.
The Nut walk and beaches
The Nut Summit Circuit is a 2.7 km Grade 3 walk around the summit plateau. Allow about one hour. Start from the top of the Zig Zag track or the chairlift.
The Discover Tasmania walk listing states that the summit circuit has no provision for people with access needs. Parks and Wildlife Service says the Zig Zag track is unsuitable for most people with mobility impairment. An all-access path runs from the car park to the base of the Zig Zag track, but does not continue to the summit or around the circuit.
For a short beach visit, walk to Godfrey’s Beach. A concrete path of about 440 m links the beach and The Nut car park, with seating along the way. After dark, a viewing platform with red lighting lets visitors watch little penguins come ashore. Follow reserve signs and directions, keep quiet and give the penguins space. All-access toilets are near the car park, and a café operates nearby; check local opening hours.
For longer coastal walks, Rocky Cape National Park has routes ranging from short strolls to longer hikes. Check current park information and alerts, particularly for track access and road conditions. A valid Tasmanian parks pass is required; see the current pass details.
Chairlift winter closure
The chairlift closes for winter maintenance each year. The Parks and Wildlife Service says the closure generally falls between late May and early September. Confirm the dates for your visit with the chairlift operator before travelling.
The summit remains reachable on foot when the walking track is open. Winter weather and track conditions affect the Zig Zag track, so check the Parks and Wildlife Service alerts page before setting out.
Staying in Stanley
Stanley is a convenient base for The Nut, Godfrey’s Beach, the waterfront and the main street. Discover Tasmania lists accommodation and a campground in town.
Before booking, check what facilities each provider offers and confirm the property’s exact location. Review its cancellation terms and details for booking directly with the provider. These details vary by property and can change.
Rocky Cape National Park has no camping, so visitors planning longer walks need to stay elsewhere. Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania’s Rocky Cape National Park page has park-planning information.