Highfield Historic Site
Explore a stunning Regency-era house, delve into Tasmania's complex colonial past, and enjoy panoramic coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highfield Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a stunning Regency-era house, delve into Tasmania's complex colonial past, and enjoy panoramic coastal views.
"A wonderful surprise, offering a pleasant and good value way to spend some time with so much detail."
Allow ample time
Dedicate 2-3 hours to fully absorb the history and details of the site. :stopwatch:
Self-guided tour is key
Explore at your own pace with informative displays and audio recordings. :iphone:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 408 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Highfield House Architecture
Main House
Explore a stunning example of Regency-period colonial architecture, built with convict labor.
The Room of Dispatches
Study
Hear powerful audio recordings from Indigenous community members discussing colonial figures.
The Chapel
Chapel
A fascinating space offering insights into the spiritual and social life of the site's past inhabitants.
Stunning Coastal Views
Grounds
Enjoy panoramic vistas of Stanley, The Nut, and the rugged Tasmanian coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Understanding the Site's Rich History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample time
Dedicate 2-3 hours to fully absorb the history and details of the site. :stopwatch:
Self-guided tour is key
Explore at your own pace with informative displays and audio recordings. :iphone:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking around the house and grounds, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Check for special events
The site sometimes hosts weddings and other events, which can impact access. 📅
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample time
Dedicate 2-3 hours to fully absorb the history and details of the site. :stopwatch:
Self-guided tour is key
Explore at your own pace with informative displays and audio recordings. :iphone:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking around the house and grounds, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Check for special events
The site sometimes hosts weddings and other events, which can impact access. 📅
Embrace the history
Be prepared for sensitive topics; the site openly discusses its complex past. :brave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Highfield Historic Site for its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views. Many appreciate the site's honest approach to its complex past, including the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and the stories of women. The self-guided tour is informative, and the gardens are a delight. Some note that certain historical topics can be sensitive.
"Highfield Historic Site is a bit of an oddity among Tasmania's many sites discussing its dark past. It openly includes members of the indigenous community in the discussion. The audio recording in The Room of Dispatches (aka the Study) includes from a member of that community talking about Edward Curr with others.
"We owe everything we are and have to our convict labour." - Edward Curr. It feels unusual to have a man of the time acknowledge this truth.
Highfield Historic Site has a self-guided tour, the gallery introduces the cast characters them you move through room by room learning more about them, there are some very familiar names. You then move through the main floor, into cellar, up the and finally into the surrounding grounds. The amount of women in the gallery is astounding. It's unusual to have so many named women, so many women who were more than just the wife of. Also these women are women after my own heart firy.
The Chapel was a fascinating place I spent quite a bit of time. There is a schoolroom upstairs that pulled a lot of information together. Just be aware of some triggering topics in The Room of Reflection (the Master Bedroom) and the Boiling Shed.
The gardens cannot be ignored. They are stunning. Flowers from the garden are displayed in the house, as they would have been in the day. A very nice touch.
This was a wonderful surprise. I hadn't heard of Highfield until I arrived in Stanley and my party and I were looking for something to do that was 'us'. But that was still accessible during the wild weather. At $15 for an adult I think it is a pleasant and good value way to spend some time.
For those interested in books about the convict era, especially women, this had a very good selection including some one I didn't remember seeing elsewhere."
BlueBelle's Experiences
"Excellent place to spend 2 or 3 hours. So much detail to take in, incredible views all over the place, plenty of history explained. Even the drive to it is nice."
Barry Ryder
"Highfields Historic Site, located 61 km northwest of Burnie in Northern Tasmania, sits on the Northwest Peninsula, also known as Circular Head, approximately 6 km from the charming coastal town of Stanley. At night, the house is beautifully illuminated on the hill and visible from Godfrey’s Beach—a captivating sight.
As one of the earliest buildings in the region, Highfields Historic Site was constructed by the Van Diemen's Land Company. Originally intended to establish a Merino farm, the endeavor faced challenges due to local wildlife, including the presence of Tasmanian tigers, leading to its eventual failure.
The house is a double-story structure with fascinating architectural details. It features cellars on the lower level, children’s rooms upstairs, and the main living areas spanning the first and second floors. In certain sections, visitors can observe the unique craftsmanship used to construct the building's walls. Highfields Historic Site is truly a remarkable place, well worth exploring."
G Pike
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highfield Historic Site is located about 61 km northwest of Burnie. The drive takes approximately 1 hour via the A2 highway towards Stanley. The site is situated on the Northwest Peninsula, about 6 km from Stanley itself. 🚗 The drive offers scenic views of the Tasmanian landscape.
Public transport options to Highfield Historic Site are limited. It's best accessed by car. If you are relying on public transport, you would likely need to take a bus to Stanley and then arrange local transport or a taxi to the site. 🚌 Check local bus schedules for routes to Stanley.
From Launceston, the drive to Highfield Historic Site is approximately 3 hours. You'll typically take the A1 highway towards the northwest coast, then follow signs for Stanley. :road_map: The journey offers a good opportunity to see more of Tasmania's diverse scenery.
Yes, a day trip from Devonport to Highfield Historic Site is feasible. The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. 🕐 You can combine it with exploring the charming town of Stanley and its famous landmark, The Nut.
Absolutely! The drive to Highfield Historic Site, especially as you approach Stanley and the Northwest Peninsula, is known for its beautiful coastal and rural scenery. :camerawithflash: Many visitors enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours for Highfield Historic Site can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information before your visit. :informationdeskperson: Hours are typically from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Admission to Highfield Historic Site is generally around $15 for adults, with concessions available for children and families. :moneybag: This fee provides access to the house, grounds, and all interpretive displays.
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's a good idea, especially during peak season or if you're part of a larger group. 🎟️ Checking the official website for any booking requirements or recommendations is advisable.
Yes, discounts are typically available for children, seniors, and families. :discount: Check the official Highfield Historic Site website for specific pricing details and eligibility for concession rates.
Highfield Historic Site is managed by Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania. Depending on the type of pass you have, it may cover entry. 🏞️ It's recommended to verify the inclusions of your Parks Pass with the official service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore Highfield Historic Site thoroughly, including the house, grounds, and the various exhibits. :stopwatch: This allows time to appreciate the history and enjoy the views.
Highfield Historic Site can be engaging for older children who are interested in history. The site includes some sensitive topics, so parental guidance may be needed. :child: The grounds offer space to explore, and the stories can be captivating.
Highfield Historic Site primarily offers a self-guided tour experience. 🚶 Informative panels and audio recordings guide you through the history and stories of the site. Staff are usually available to answer questions.
Facilities typically include restrooms and a gift shop. 🎁 There are also interpretive displays and audio guides to enhance your visit. Food and drink options are limited on-site, so consider bringing your own or dining in Stanley.
The main house has multiple levels, and access to all areas may be challenging for those with mobility issues. ♿ The grounds are more accessible, but some paths may be uneven. It's advisable to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of Highfield House with The Nut in the background is iconic. :camerawithflash: Also, the gardens in bloom and the panoramic views from the promontory offer stunning photographic opportunities. Don't miss the chance to capture the house illuminated at night from Godfrey's Beach.
Photography is generally allowed inside Highfield Historic Site, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions in certain rooms or exhibits. 📷 Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash where it might be disruptive.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer beautiful light for photographing the exterior and surrounding landscape. :sunriseovermountains: The house is also reportedly beautiful when illuminated at night.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and historic sites to protect the environment and visitor experience. :noentrysign: It's essential to check the specific regulations for Highfield Historic Site and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service before flying a drone.
Highfield Historic Site is ideal for landscape, architectural, and historical photography. :building_construction: The blend of colonial structures, natural beauty, and sweeping coastal views provides diverse subjects for photographers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit