Stanley ranked eighth in Wotif’s 2024 Aussie Town of the Year Awards

With a population of less than 600, a small Tasmanian village is punching above its weight when it comes to drawing in visitors. How it ranked against Aussie big gun destinations.

Owners of the Ship Inn Alastair and Kerry Houston, walking their border collie Floss, on Godfrey's Beach, at Stanley, with their daughters Lucy and Bonnie. Picture: Supplied.

A town in the North-West with a population of less than 600 has been named one of the best tourist destinations in Australia.

Stanley has finished eighth in Wotif’s 2024 Aussie Town of the Year Awards.

While she said the town was fantastic, Circular Head Tourism Association vice president Kerry Houston believed Stanley’s proximity to other visitor attractions improved its standings.

“We have a lot of new and exciting opportunities for people to explore the Tarkine if they’re using Stanley as a base,” Ms Houston said.

“Not only have you got the charming historic village, the Nut and beaches that make up Stanley, but it’s also an incredible spot as a hub to explore the Tarkine.

The streets of Stanley. Picture: Supplied.

“You can do tours with Aboriginal elders through the rainforest, meditation, 4WD and tours. There’s so much that you can do to explore the beautiful region.”

Ms Houston said the Wotif honour highlights Stanley’s popularity.

“People do find not only Tasmania beautiful, but they are really drawn to Stanley. We have people who come back year after year, and it holds a special place in their hearts.

“It’s one of those places that just captures you.”

Also a co-owner of the Ship Inn Stanley accommodation business, Ms Houston said it had been a good summer regarding visitor numbers to the town.

“It’s always interesting because after Covid, you don’t kind of know what’s the new normal.

“We’ve had the cost of living impacts with people worried about spending, so for us as an accommodation provider with the Ship Inn Stanley, January wasn’t quite as busy as last year.

“But February has just taken off, and I know the restaurants are doing really well.”

Ms Houston said that the future looked bright for Stanley.

“We’ve got more and more places opening up.

“It’s fantastic to have that combination of natural wonders to explore but also businesses having the confidence to open new ventures.

“Just pack your suitcase, come to Stanley.”

The other towns in the top 10 were Bendigo, Broken Hill, Stanthorpe, Katherine, Bathurst, Griffith, Exmouth and Coober Pedy.