📸 Featured Images
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A sweeping view of the coastline with driftwood and cliffs.
Edge of the World -
“Red Rock” formations at Arthur River’s Edge of the World.
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The plaque at Gardiner Point overlooking the wild ocean.
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Looking out from the lookout across tides and weathered rocks.
Introduction
Tasmania’s “Edge of the World” isn’t just a name—it’s a feeling. Located at Gardiner Point, near the mouth of Arthur River on Tasmania’s north-west coast, this place offers vast sea views, wild winds, and an experience of raw nature. Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden light, a birdwatcher seeking rare species, or simply someone looking to step away from it all, this spot delivers.
Why It’s Called Edge of the World
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The name was coined by Brian Inder, a Tasmanian local, who also wrote the poem that’s etched into the plaque at Gardiner Point. It captures the sense of standing on a boundary between land and eternity.
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The coastline here is part of the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area and the larger Tarkine / takayna Wilderness—one of the most extensive and spectacular wild landscapes in Australia.
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If you look west from Gardiner Point, there’s nothing but ocean until you reach South America—approximately 20,000 km away. That uninterrupted mental horizon gives real meaning to the place.
How to Get There & Access Tips
| Starting Point | Distance | Approx Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stanley | ~84 km | ~1 hr 20 min |
| Devonport | ~193 km | ~2 hr 45 min |
| Launceston | ~294 km | ~4 hr |
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Road Conditions: There is sealed road almost all the way, then gravel for the last few kilometres after Arthur River. A 2WD vehicle is sufficient in good weather; rain or storms can make gravel sections trickier.
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Parking & Facilities: There’s a car park at the lookout with basic amenities. Don’t expect cafés, major shops or luxury lodgings nearby.
What to See & Do
1. Boardwalk & Lookout
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A wooden boardwalk leads from the carpark toward the shores of Gardiner Point.
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The lookout offers 180° views of rugged coastline, weathered rocks, driftwood beaches, and the vast ocean.
2. The Plaque & the Poem
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At the tip of Gardiner Point stands a plaque inscribed with a poem by Brian Inder. It reads:
“I cast my pebble onto the shore of Eternity.
To be washed by the Ocean of Time. It has shape, form, and substance. It is me.
One day I will be no more. But my pebble will remain here.
On the shore of eternity. Mute witness from the aeons.
That today I came and stood At the edge of the world.”
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You’ll find plenty of pebbles. Many visitors leave one as a symbolic gesture.
3. Flora & Fauna
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Birds: Look out for white‑bellied sea eagles, hooded plovers, sooty and pied oystercatchers, and occasionally the orange‑bellied parrot.
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Land animals: Wallabies, wombats, pademelons, Tasmanian devils (especially around dusk/dawn).
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Vegetation: Coastal scrub, lichen‑covered rocks (orange‑coloured lichen is distinctive), hardy shrubs that thrive in salty, windy conditions.
4. Weather & Natural Phenomena
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Roaring Forties: You’ll feel the wind—this region lies in the latitudes known for strong west‑to‑east ocean winds, which help shape the coastline and the vegetation.
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Sunrise & Sunset: Dramatic skies; golden hour is fantastic for photographers. Clouds, light, and ocean spray combine to create unforgettable moments.
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Tide effects & driftwood: Storms and high tides bring driftwood in; low tide exposes rocky shores and gives opportunity to explore textures, rock pools.
Local Culture & Aboriginal Heritage
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Traditional Custodians: The North West Aboriginal People, who have lived here for tens of thousands of years. Their knowledge of the land, climate, seasons, flora and fauna is deep and essential.
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Some of the signs at the lookout acknowledge this heritage, though many are weather‑worn. Respect the land, stay on paths, leave no trace.
Where to Stay & How to Plan Longer Visits
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Arthur River is the closest township. Small cabins, lodges, and some basic accommodation exist. Book ahead, especially in summer.
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Camping Options: There are serviced campsites nearby (Manuka, Peppermint, Prickly Wattle) though facilities are basic.
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Day Trips vs Overnight: If you’re staying overnight, you’ll have more time to catch both sunrise and sunset and maybe explore nearby Tarkine trails, beaches and forest.
Eating & Supplies
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Arthur River Store: Some snacks, takeaways.
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Smithton (63 km away): Best place to stock up on groceries and supplies.
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Nearby options: Marrawah Tavern (~16 km) offers simple cooked meals. Always plan ahead: bring water, food, and fuel.
Best Times to Visit
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Summer (Dec‑Feb): Warmer, more daylight, more favorable road conditions.
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Shoulder seasons (autumn/spring): Good for fewer crowds and dramatic skies, but cooler and more variable weather.
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Avoid heavy rain periods if possible—they can affect road access and visibility.
Photography Tips
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Use a wide-angle lens to capture sweeping coastline and sky.
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Set aside time for golden hour (just after sunrise, just before sunset) for soft light.
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Long exposures work well on crashing waves. Bring a tripod and ND filter if you have one.
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Overcast days can be moody and atmospheric—don’t avoid them.
Sample Itinerary
2‑Day Itinerary for Nature Lovers
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Day 1: Depart early from Launceston or Devonport → scenic drive through meandering Tarkine forests → reach Arthur River by afternoon → sunset at the Edge of the World lookout.
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Night 1: Stay at Arthur River lodge or campsite. Night sky views can be excellent, with low light pollution.
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Day 2: Morning walk along nearby beaches; explore forest tracks; perhaps a river cruise or Aboriginal heritage tours → breakfast in Marrawah or Smithton → return journey, stopping at coastal lookouts.
Final Thoughts
The Edge of the World isn’t about luxury or convenience—it’s about immersion in something much larger than ourselves. It’s about silence, the roar of the ocean, wind in your face, and skies that stretch forever. This is the kind of place that changes how you see distance, nature, and your own small place in the great scheme of things.
If you’re willing to venture, plan carefully, move slowly—you’ll carry memories from here that stay with you.