Abbey's on the Terrace

Joseph Aloysius Lyons was born in this tiny workers cottage in 1879. Joe was the fifth of eight children who experienced early childhood in this humble cottage at Stanley. Joe attended the local Stanley school and started his teaching career here before his political career in 1909. By 1914 Joe was a deputy leader, then in 1923 elected as State Premier. Joe remained premier till the party lost office in 1928, before moving into federal politics in the Scullin Labor ministry in 1929. In 1931 Joe resigned from the Labour Party and led the newly formed United Australia Party in its successful federal campaign in December. From 1932 to his death in 1939 "Honest Joe" was Prime Minister of Australia, being the first (and only) Tasmanian to aspire to that office. Joe was also the first Prime Minister to win three consecutive federal elections. The cottage is preserved as much as possible in the period of Joe's childhood. The static display is a tribute to the life of Joe and his equally famous wife Dame Enid Lyons, the first woman elected to the federal House of Representatives. The cottage is currently owned by Parks and Wildlife and operated by volunteers.

The historic village of Stanley, in far north-west Tasmania, is nestled at the base of the Nut, a sheer-sided bluff - all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug. A walking track climbs to the summit of the Nut, or you can take the chairlift, with its spectacular views across Bass Strait beaches and over the town. There is accommodation and an excellent campground in Stanley, and the town is a good base for exploring the forests and coastlines further west. See seals, penguins, seabirds and other wildlife close to Stanley local operators offer a range of observation tours. The town was once the administrative centre for the Van Diemen's Land Company, a royal charter company, formed in 1824 during the reign of George IV. Highfield House, an imposing Georgian home was once the VDL Managers' residence. It is open to the public and overlooks the town below. To reach Stanley, turn off the Bass Highway (A2) 15 km east of Smithton.

Please note we are now closed for our winter/maintenance break and plan to re open from Thursday 4 September 2025. The Nut Chairlift was designed and manufactured in Austria, to maximum safety and comfort standards. It traverses a distance of 250 meters, rising 95 meters. After a leisurely five-minute ride to the top of The Nut, you can explore the plateau, soak up the incredible views and take advantage of the superb photographic opportunities. There is a circular walking track of approximately 2 kilometres around the summit and several viewing platforms from which to survey the panoramic views. You will find bathroom facilities, disability access, picnic areas with gas barbeque, and for those seeking a warm bite to eat and a great coffee, a friendly cafe. In the interests of safety, we do advise that minors be supervised at all times, and no pets are allowed on The Nut.