History & Heritage

Stanley and surrounds is made up of a patchwork of places, townships, colourful communities and immense history. As you explore the various destinations on offer you will notice the uniqueness and warmth which makes the region the wonderful area it is. The following information listed here will give you just an overview of the sites of significance and key historical information of each beautiful town that is waiting to be explored.

Stanley Discovery Museum & Genealogy Centre

Stanley Discovery Museum & Genealogy Centre

Located in what used to be the Parish Hall for St Paul's Church, the Discovery Museum was established in 1973 as a an exhibition that will take you on a journey into Stanley's past, with relics, antiques, memorabilia, photographs, documents and a genealogy centre from 1804 to the 1900's. Open daily from September to June, and closed July and August.

Facilities: History  Facilities: Non smoking 

Address
Church Street Stanley Tasmania 7331
Phone
03 6458 2091
Email
stanleymuseum@hotmail.com

Circular Head Heritage Centre

Circular Head Heritage Centre

Local History Museum and memorabilia. Open limited hours or by appointment.

Facilities: History  Facilities: Non smoking 

Address
King Street Smithton Tasmania 7330
Phone
03 6452 3296
Email
duckriver@bigpond.com

Highfield Historic Site

Highfield Historic Site

Highfield Historic Site was built from 1832 to 1835 for the chief agent of the Van Diemen's Company. The State Government purchased the house in the early 1980's when it was in a delapidated state. Today the house has been restored and invites visitors to look through the beautiful old building and grounds, read the interpretation and ask the guides for any information about the early history of Stanley.

Facilities: Credit card  Facilities: Disabled access  Facilities: History  Facilities: Non smoking  Facilities: View 

Address
Green Hills Road Stanley Tasmania 7331
Phone
03 6458 1100
Fax
03 6458 1100
Email
highfield@parks.tas.gov.au
Web
www.historic-highfield.com.au

Joe Lyons Cottage

Joe Lyons Cottage

Restored nineteenth century settler's cottage in which Tasmania's only Prime Minister, Joe Lyons was born in 1879. Antiques, historical photographs, family trees are on display. This is an interactive experience. Entry is free but donations are appreciated.

Joseph Aloysius Lyons was born in this tiny cottage in Stanley in 1879. He was a teacher before joining the Workers' Political League and this led him into politics. By 1914 he was deputy leader of the Labor Party. In 1923 he was elected State Premier.

The Party lost power in 1928 but Lyons headed to Canberra, where he held a number of offices before resigning from the ministry in 1931. Two months later, "Honest Joe" as he was known, was leader of a new movement - the United Australia Party - and within nine months he was Prime Minister.

The school house where he taught for nine years has been restored by the National Trust.

Home Hill, the home of Joe and Dame Enid Lyons, in Devonport, remains exactly as Dame Enid left it, and it is open to the public.

Open 10.00am - 4.00pm 1st September - 31st May

Facilities: History  Facilities: Non smoking 

Address
14 Alexander Terrace Stanley Tasmania 7331
Phone
03 6458 1451