The Edge of the World is less about a single lookout than its position on Tasmania's far north-west coast. At Gardiner Point, the Arthur River meets an exposed shoreline of driftwood, low heath and powerful Southern Ocean swell.
It is easy to reach once you are in Arthur River, but getting to Arthur River is the point: this is a destination for a far north-west road trip, not a quick detour from the main Bass Highway towns.
How to get there
Drive west through Smithton and continue towards Arthur River. The main roads through the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area are accessible by conventional 2WD vehicles; the special recreational driver permit applies to designated off-road tracks, not the ordinary approach to town and Gardiner Point.
From Arthur River, follow the local road to the Edge of the World parking area. A short boardwalk leads through the coastal vegetation to the viewpoint at Gardiner Point.
What to see
Gardiner Point
The boardwalk opens onto the coast where the Arthur River reaches the sea. Large quantities of driftwood collect along this shoreline, carried by the river and ocean rather than arranged as a visitor attraction.
Use the platform and formed access in rough weather. The coast is exposed and wave conditions can be much more powerful than they appear from the car park.
The Arthur River mouth
Spend time around the river as well as the ocean. The contrast between the dark, sheltered water inland and the surf at the mouth is what makes Arthur River more interesting than a single named lookout.
The wider Arthur-Pieman landscape
Arthur River sits within a much larger conservation area and an Aboriginal cultural landscape with a history extending tens of thousands of years. Stay on authorised roads and walking areas, respect cultural sites and do not treat the off-road network as an invitation to explore without permits or local information.
If you continue south towards Corinna or Temma, road and vehicle requirements become more important. Check conditions rather than assuming the easy access to the Edge of the World applies everywhere in the conservation area.
Timing
Allow one to two hours for the Edge of the World, river mouth and a slow look around Arthur River. The actual boardwalk is short; the extra time is for the landscape rather than distance.
If you are driving from Burnie or further east, make Arthur River part of a full north-west day or overnight itinerary. Long return drives remove much of the reason for coming to this quieter part of the coast.