Just off the Bass Highway midway along Tasmania's north-west coast, Wynyard is a medium sized town, supporting the local farming and fishing industries. Although there's not much to see in Wynyard itself, the good range of accommodation makes it an ideal base to visit the areas varied attractions. The closest ones to town include the shell fossils at Fossil Bluff, as well as the lighthouse, tulip farm, and breathtaking views at Table Cape.

Following the Bass Highway 14 kilometres west of Wynyard, the delightful fishing hamlet of Boat Harbour Beach is set on a pristine sandy bay, bordered by rocky headlands on each side. The bay's exceptionally clear water is ideal for snorkelling and swimming, and dropping in a line is generally no waste of time either. A little further up the coast, another stunning white beach perfect for swimming and fishing can be found within the Rocky Cape National Park. Sisters Beach is an isolated, eight kilometre expanse of glistening sand, lapped by waters as crystal as its eastern neighbour. Other features of the national park include Aboriginal caves and middens, as well as an excellent 10 hectare bird sanctuary devoted to native species.

Another 50 kilometres west of Boat Harbour Beach lies Stanley, a major highlight of the North West Tasmanian coast. The village was first settled way back in 1826 as the headquarters for the Van Diemen Land Company (VDL), a London based company with the specific purpose of developing the region. Aided by the area's rich agricultural and farming land, it wasn't long before Stanley began to prosper, shipping much of its produce to the heavy demands made by the thriving Victorian goldfields. Today there are many splendid reminders of Stanley's early prominence still lining the streets, earning the entire town a National Trust classification. Some of the finest colonial buildings can be found at the Highfield Historic Site, just north of the village. The site is home to VDL's old headquarters and bluestone bond stores, as well as a grand old homestead complete with outbuildings, built for a company official in the 1830's. In town, other historic buildings worth a look include Lyons Cottage, the birthplace of Tasmania's only Australian Prime Minister, Joseph Lyons, and the Van Diemen Land Company Store, which is now an arts and crafts centre.

Although Stanley's multitude of quaint historical buildings are very appealing, the village derives much of its beauty from its amazing setting. Perched on slim spit of sand overlooking azure bays on either side, the township is overshadowed by an enormous rocky headland known as The Nut. This ancient volcanic outcrop lurches more than 150 metres out of the ocean, creating not only an impressive backdrop for the town, but a landmark that can be seen from miles around. Although it's a steep, 20 minute ascent to the top of The Nut (the less ambitious can catch a cable car), the views from countless lookouts at the summit are nothing short of sensational.

From the turn-off to Stanley, the Bass Highway heads inland towards Smithton and Tasmania's wild west coast. Smithton is a commercial centre supporting the surrounding farming and specialised forestry industries, set beside the popular water sports and fishing destination of Duck River. The area's other main attraction is the Allendale Gardens, good for refreshments and walks through native rainforest and English inspired gardens. From Smithton, it's another 51 kilometres before the highway reaches Marrawah, the most westerly town in Tasmania, as well as one of the most remote. Consisting of a pub, a campsite, a couple of guesthouses, and a general store, most visitors that travel this far west are either here for the solitude, the fishing, or for the huge surf which the angry Indian Ocean usually dishes up. If you've have come this far, make sure you visit the sleepy settlement of Arthur River, a township renowned for it's eco-cruises on the Arthur and Frankland Rivers, into the unspoilt wilderness of the Arthur Pieman Protected Area (see Tours & Trips under Things To Do).