Moving on again we headed further west with our latest stop at the Crayfish town of Stanley.

Coffee, cake and a wee spell in a Vault

Always looking for a decent coffee we stopped on our way west in the small town of Wynyard, just off the Bass Highway. Known for Table Cape, a large and imposing flat-topped rocky outcrop that is crowned with a tulip farm. Surely a spectacular view in Spring. But we had heard of an interesting and quirky coffee shop fitted out within an old bank.

The Vault Cafe Bar

Situated on the corner of Goldie Street, The Vault Cafe Bar is certainly quirky but in a great way. Recently renovated the bar is a clever take on the original style of the bank with moulded cornices, exposed brickwork and quirky walls made from stacked books, all mixed with a hefty dose of Steam Punk. But the real highlight is the original bank vault complete with the heavy vault door, gears and locks but now a WC – yes a toilet! But the internal decoration goes one better. Not just styled in full Steam Punk guise but a floor laid with thousands of old pennies that glitter under the unique and dominating chandelier. It’s simply brilliant!

But first, coffee and we’re happy to say it’s good, really good. We had been looking forward to a coffee for much of the morning and hadn’t had much luck finding a cafe along the route from Devonport. Wynyard was the last settlement that was big enough for shops and a cafe or two before we reached Stanley. We hit pay dirt and whole heartedly recommend the Vault Cafe Bar whether just for an early morning caffeine hit, lunch or takeaway.

Refreshed and caffeinated, we continued along the highway and turned-off to follow the road out towards the prominent circular rock known in more recent times as the Nut. Originally named Circular Head by British explorers George Bass and Mathew Flinders in 1798, its current nomenclature has been suggested as a shorter version of the Aboriginal name Moo-nut-ree-ker. We had reached the quaint historic beachside town of Stanley.

Hollywood Calling

Stanley is known for its well-preserved colonial buildings that line Church Street. Several of the original stores are still in use and retain the original external character. So much so, Stanley was selected as one of the locations for the 2016 film ‘The Light Between Oceans’.

Highly recommended is Providore 24 for everything from crusty sourdough bread, wines, pickles, cheeses, jams, sweets and locally made crafts to the perfect marinade for the BBQ. And for the best stop for an excellent breakfast, lunch or just a coffee and cake, try the Touchwood Cafe on Church Street. It was right here that we discovered the lightest, freshest, fluffiest, tastiest scones ever.

The Nut

Dominated by the volcanic plug, the Nut is a standout feature along the northwest coast. Once covered in trees the early settlers felled them and rolled over the edge to be used as firewood. Now a grass topped shelter for the resident population of shearwaters, also known as moon birds, that nest in underground burrows. Largely nocturnal during the breeding season, the shearwaters prefer moonless nights to help minimise predation – a wise choice when there are white-bellied sea eagles here.

An ideal vantage point, the Nut provides a 360-degree view of the Bass Straight and Stanley town 159-metres below. A steep footpath can be taken to the top or the far easier cable car, which stops at the beginning of the 40-minute circular walk. The path makes for an easy walk on a solid panelled pavement but still requires suitable footwear. It is also quite exposed at the top so warm clothing or a wind proof jacket would be recommended.

Penguins!!

Those visiting Stanley and staying overnight are in for a treat. A couple of hours after the sun has set, Fairy Penguins come ashore to roost overnight in the shrubs that line the footpath behind Stanley Cabins and Tourist Park. If you don’t spot them at first you’ll certainly hear them! We saw many over the few nights we were in Stanley including two fluffy juveniles.