Edge Of The World: Tasmania's Shore Of Eternity

Have you ever dreamed of standing on the Edge of the World?

Located at Arthur River in north-west Tasmania, around 2 hours 25 minutes from Devonport, you’ll find Gardiner Point, which has been dubbed the Edge of the World.

Named by the north-west Tasmania tourism icon and Tasmazia founder Brian Inder, the Edge of the World is the starting point of the longest uninterrupted stretch of ocean in the world.

If you somehow managed to survive the wild and treacherous sea journey sailing west you’d encounter nothing but rolling waves and roaring winds until you hit the distant shores of Argentina on the opposite side of the globe

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Tasmania’s Rugged Northern Coastline

The scenery at Gardiner Point is beautiful in a rugged and weather-beaten way as mother nature shows off her true strengths. Powerful waves ride atop the surface of the blue ocean and mercilessly batter the rugged coastline leaving the skeleton of trees bleached white by the salt and sun piled high along the coastline.

With no landmass to slow her down, the famous winds of the “Roaring Forties” sweep in from the Indian Ocean uncontested and fierce. Hardy shrubs and grasses cling to life in whatever nooks and crannies they can find refuge and put down deep roots in order to survive.

Red lichen covered rocks in the ocean with grass hills on the beach shore — The windswept shorelines of Black Rocks Beach

Cutting through the middle of the chaos created by the battering winds and the thunderous ocean is the Arthur River which seems to ignore the elements as its winds serenely to meet the ocean.

Edge Of The World Boardwalk

Beginning in the car park, a short but well built wooden boardwalk curves out a short distance towards Gardiner Point before branching off in two directions around the halfway point.

Wooden boardwalk along the Arthur River, Tasmania, Australia — Boardwalk leading to the Edge of the World

Continuing straight on the boardwalk, you’ll reach the plaque situated on a rocky outcropping where the ocean meets the Arthur River. While a left turn and a short flight of stairs has you reaching the lookout.

Edge Of The World Plaque

A small stone plinth surrounded by bleached piles of driftwood, wild sand dunes and hardy grasses supports the plaque inscribed with Brian Inders poem Edge of the World.

Wooden boardwalk to the Edge of the World monument on the tip of Gardiner Point — Edge of the World plaque containing the poem by Brian Inder

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.

Edge of the World by Brian Inder

Edge Of The World Lookout

The lookout offers commanding views of the surrounding area. From up here, you get a panoramic view over the mouth of the Arthur River and all the way down the western coastline of Tasmania.

Hundreds of dead bleached trees lining the banks of the Arthur River in north west Tasmania — Hundreds of dead bleached trees lining the banks of the Arthur River

The lookout also highlights the history of the area with information boards dotted around the lookout which contains amazing facts and insights about the Tasmanian Aboriginal people who inhabited the area.

Wooden lookout platform overlooking Arthur River and the Edge of the World plaque — The view overlooking Arthur River from the Edge of the World lookout

The information boards contain details on how they constructed their homes, how and what they hunted and ate, and survived in this inhospitable region of Tasmania.

Even after reading all the information, I am still amazed that anyone could survive out here for long. It’s a real testament to the ingenuity, knowledge and skill of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

Conclusion

Unlike destinations such as Liffey Falls and Philosopher Falls, we wouldn’t suggest the Edge of the World as a must-see Tasmanian destination.

If you’re passing through or visiting other attractions in the area, such as the Tarkine Drive, then we would suggest stopping. Take a few photos, soak up the views. Maybe catch a stunning sunrise or sunset if possible, but not much more than that.

While the scenery is stunning and standing on the Edge of the World does have a certain romantic quality about it, we wouldn’t suggest driving hours out of your way just to visit it.

Duration

30-45 minutes

Nearby Attractions

Arthur River

Edge Of The World: Tasmania’s Shore Of Eternity