Company information
The Stanley Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1840s, making it one of Tasmania’s longest continually licensed hotels. Built around 1847 by John Whitbread – a former English convict who went on to become a respected businessman and host – the hotel was originally named the Emily Hotel. Butler Stoney, in his 1856 book A Residence in Tasmania, described it as “a fine large stone-built house with many good and well-furnished rooms… every attention is paid to his guests.” Over the years it has traded under various names – the Emily, Freemason’s, The Union – before becoming the Stanley Hotel.
Julian and Tracey Jacobs purchased the property in 2001 and have lovingly restored it, keeping its heritage charm while adding modern comforts. With over 40 years in hospitality, they understand the value of warm, genuine service. Their professional and long-standing team take pride in ensuring every guest feels welcome and cared for – just as Whitbread’s visitors did more than 175 years ago.
Today, the Stanley Hotel offers seven comfortable upstairs ensuite rooms, each with its own unique character. Guests can choose from verandah rooms with shared balcony access, cosy standard rooms, or snug rooms – all with views of Stanley’s historic streetscape, sweeping beaches, or rolling green hills.
Our location is unmatched – right in the heart of Stanley, a short stroll to sandy beaches, cafés, shops, the penguin viewing platform, and the famous Nut. Downstairs, our bistro serves fresh Tasmanian seafood, premium local beef, and other seasonal produce in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Staying with us is more than booking a room – it’s becoming part of a story that spans almost two centuries, where history, comfort, and true Tasmanian hospitality come together in one memorable stay.
Property information
The Stanley Hotel Tasmania has been welcoming guests since 1847, offering an authentic taste of Tasmania in the heart of one of the state’s most charming fishing villages.
Steeped in history and full of character, the hotel’s location is second to none – right in the centre of Stanley, so you can park the car and explore on foot. Wander to the sandy beaches, browse the quaint shops, enjoy breakfast at nearby cafés, visit the penguin viewing platform at dusk, or take the short walk to the famous Nut for sweeping coastal views.
Upstairs, our seven comfortable ensuite rooms each have their own personality, shaped by the building’s 1840s heritage. Choose from spacious verandah rooms opening onto a large shared balcony, cosy standard rooms, or snug rooms ideal for a peaceful night’s rest. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy scenic views over the historic town, the long curve of sandy beach, or the rolling green hills – the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stay.
Downstairs, the Stanley Hotel Bistro showcases the region’s best produce, from fresh local seafood to premium Tasmanian beef, served in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. After a day of exploring, unwind with a hearty meal and a glass of local wine.
Staying at the Stanley Hotel is more than just a place to sleep – it’s a chance to be part of the village’s story. With its blend of historic charm, comfortable accommodation, and unbeatable location, it’s an ideal base for discovering the beauty, history, and warm hospitality of Tasmania’s north-west coast.
Neighbourhood information
Stanley is a postcard-perfect fishing village on Tasmania’s far north-west coast – and the ideal base for exploring this wild, beautiful region. With its preserved 19th-century streetscape, historic buildings, and the dramatic volcanic plug of The Nut rising above the town, Stanley offers both charm and convenience. From here, you can easily explore the surrounding coast, countryside, and wilderness without needing to pack up and move each night.
A short drive west takes you to the pristine beaches and rugged coastline of Marrawah and the Arthur River, where you can watch thunderous surf and seas. Just beyond lies the breathtaking Tarkine – the largest cool-temperate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you’re seeking ancient myrtle forests, river gorges, wild coastlines, or remote walking tracks, The Tarkine is a paradise for bushwalkers, photographers, and nature lovers. Take a guided tour of Woolnorth, the furthest northwest point of Tasmania.
East from Stanley is Rocky Cape National Park, honey tasting and Blue Hills Honey and Dip Falls an all-access waterfall.
In Stanley, you can stroll to local cafés, galleries, and artisan shops, take the chairlift or walking track to the top of The Nut for panoramic views, or visit the free penguin viewing platform at Godfrey’s Beach. Food lovers will enjoy access to some of Tasmania’s finest produce – from fresh-caught seafood to Cape Grim grass-fed beef.
At the end of each day, return to the peaceful comfort of the village – where the sea laps at the shore, the stars shine bright, and history is part of the landscape.
For visitors wanting a true Tasmanian experience, Stanley offers the best of both worlds: a welcoming, walkable village full of character, and a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural and cultural treasures in the state.