Upoffmebum

By Upoffmebum

Stanley

Drove this morning from Devonport, where the ferry from Melbourne berths, to the village of Stanley, near the western-most point of the top northern edge of roughly upside-down triangle shaped Tasmania.
One of the geographic attractions of Stanley is The Nut (pictured), scattered around the base of which most of the village is located. Rather than some sort of desert mesa, it's actually the remains of an ancient volcanic plug, with a large, mostly flat surface on top - all the way around which you can, if it's your wont, walk.
Enthusiasts can maintain fitness by walking up a reasonably smooth but steep path to the top of The Nut, rising over 150 metres above the sea. The not-quite-enthusiasts amongst us choose the quicker option of the cable chairlift - both ways.
There are some great 360-degree views to be had from the top, taking in surrounding farmlands (lush and green, with rich deep brown soil), white sandy beaches, a scattering of off-shore islands, river inlets and, in the distance, the odd mountain range or two.
Along with tourism, fishing is a mainstay industry here, and fortunately the former hasn't been overdone and overwhelmed the latter.
China's months-long ban on exports of Australian Southern Rock Lobster (or crayfish) means the unusually low prices for local lobster - still costs an arm, but you get to keep your leg - which apply on the mainland are even more in evidence here. 
No real surprise then that I somehow ended up with half a medium-size crayfish on my plate at lunch time, with a side of a glass of excellent Tasmanian Pinot Gris.
Bit of a grind having to drive back to Devonport along the same highway we took to get to Stanley, so it's just as well we'd already visited some of the coastal towns and villages off the highway on the trip out. I mean, on a day trip, you've got to have first coffee and mid-morning coffee somewhere.

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