The coastal township of Arthur River is Tasmania’s westernmost town and is known as “The Edge of the World”. Named after the wild river that runs from the mountains to the sea, Arthur River is a great base for exploring the Tarkine wilderness, Tasmania’s largest tract of temperate rainforest. There is an abundance of camping options at Arthur River, managed by Parks and Wildlife, bookings can be made through Parks and Wildlife Visitor Information Centre (03) 6457 1212 or email arthurriver@parks.tas.gov.au.
It’s also a real favourite with bushwalkers, fishing enthusiasts and four-wheel drivers as the area offers the opportunity to get off the beaten track and into the wild. Take a cruise on the Arthur River through the Arthur-Pieman River Protected Area and keep a lookout for fantastic native Tasmanian wildlife including Tasmanian Devils, Orange-Bellied Parrots, Sea Eagles and platypus that all live in the area.
This region is also rich in indigenous history. Sundown Point/Laraturunawn is a significant site located approximately 8 kilometres south of Arthur River which has 40 separate Aboriginal carvings, a rare occurrence in Tasmania.
Arthur River is the last township before the Western Explorer Road, an unsealed road which winds its way south past some of Tasmania’s most beautiful, remote landscapes to Corinna on the Pieman River, and onward to Tasmania’s West Coast.
For tourist information, please contact the Smithton Visitor Information Centre at 12 Nelson Street, Smithton or on (03) 6413 5333 or email info@stanleyandtarkine.com.au
One of the most popular ways to experience the area is on a river cruise through the Tarkine wilderness. The Arthur River Cruise aboard the M.V. George Robinson takes visitors deep into ancient rainforest along mirror-still waters lined with towering myrtle, sassafras and blackwood trees. As the boat glides quietly upstream, knowledgeable guides share stories of the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage, pioneering history and unique ecosystem.
Keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles soaring overhead, elusive platypus breaking the surface, and black swans drifting gracefully along the riverbanks. With its serene beauty and immersive storytelling, the cruise offers a truly unforgettable glimpse into one of Australia’s last great temperate rainforests.
Just a short drive north of Arthur River — accessed via a gravel road suitable for most vehicles — lies West Point State Reserve, a stunning coastal area known for its wild surf, dramatic rock formations and pristine beaches. Its remote location offers a true sense of escape, where expansive shorelines and uninterrupted ocean views create a peaceful, untamed atmosphere.
It’s a popular spot for experienced surfers, beachcombers and photographers chasing spectacular sunsets over the ocean.
Along the shoreline, large swathes of vivid green bull kelp often wash ashore, their giant ribbons stretching across the sand. For thousands of years, bull kelp has held deep cultural significance for Tasmanian Aboriginal people, who traditionally used it to craft water carriers, food containers and other practical items essential for coastal living. West Point is also a great location for spotting native wildlife, including wallabies grazing among the dunes and seabirds nesting along the rocky headlands. With its sweeping views and raw coastal beauty, it captures the essence of Tasmania’s rugged west.
