Known to the area's Aboriginal people as Moo-Nut-Re-Ker and labeled "Circular Head" by explorer Matthew Flinders, The Nut is the 12-million-year-old plug of an extinct volcano, and at 143m in height it can be seen for many kilometers around Stanley, which sprawls across its base.
To reach the summit of the Nut, either hike up the short, sharp and steep 20-minute Zig Zag Track or climb aboard the old-school Chairlift (thenutchairlift.com.au; adult/child one way $14/9, return $21/14). Once you're atop the Nut, with its windswept and wind-pruned plateau (with one conspicuous stand of trees), a 2km walking track (about one hour) circles the summit. It's particularly worth catching the chairlift down, when it provides the best views.
In summer, watch for short-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) returning to their burrows at dusk after a day’s foraging at sea.
