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Tasmania's westernmost township
Where the Arthur River meets the Southern Ocean, with rainforest upstream and the Edge of the World at the mouth.
Arthur River Tasmania is a small settlement on the far North West coast, inside the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area and the wider takayna / Tarkine region.
Upstream is rainforest. At the river mouth, the next land due west is South America.
The cruise runs upstream from the township, away from the exposed coast and between forested banks. Departure days change, so check with the operator and book before you make the drive.
At Gardiner Point, the Arthur River meets the Southern Ocean beside a coastline shaped by the Roaring Forties. Follow the boardwalk for views across the river mouth, rocky shoreline and open ocean.
The plaque at the lookout gives the place its name. West of here, there’s nothing but ocean until South America.
Conditions can be wild. Keep to established access areas, stay well back from the water and leave Aboriginal cultural places undisturbed.
Allow a full day for the river cruise and the Edge of the World. Stay the night and the Arthur River Coastal Walk fits in, or a slower day beside the river. With two nights, the Tarkine Drive fits too.
Hiking
The Arthur River Coastal Walk starts near the river mouth and follows the coast north…The Arthur River Coastal Walk starts near the river mouth and follows the coast north towards Church Rock. Allow around two and a half hours return. The route is exposed, so check the weather first.
Check walking information →
Fishing & Kayaking
Fishing, boating and kayaking are all popular on the Arthur River. The boat ramp gives…Fishing, boating and kayaking are all popular on the Arthur River. The boat ramp gives access to the river only, as boats can’t reach the ocean through the river mouth.
Check river access and safety →
Travel beyond the main roads
Designated vehicle tracks run through the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area. Some routes need a Recreational Driver…Designated vehicle tracks run through the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area. Some routes need a Recreational Driver Pass, so check current conditions and permits before you set out.
Check tracks and permits →
Head north to Marrawah, where Southern Ocean swells reach the beaches around taypalaka / Green…Head north to Marrawah, where Southern Ocean swells reach the beaches around taypalaka / Green Point. Bring your board for a surf or watch the waves from shore. The exposed breaks are best suited to experienced surfers.
Arthur River is a coastal stop on the Tarkine Drive, which links the coast with rainforest walks and picnic areas under very tall trees.
The Tarkine Drive guide has the route, walking start points and access information.
Accommodation at Arthur River is a small mix of cabins, holiday homes and cottages. Options are limited, so book ahead.
Find Places to stayFood and supplies
Shopping and dining at Arthur River are limited. Stock up on groceries, drinking water and fuel in Smithton before heading west, and check opening hours for any smaller stores along the way.
For a great pub meal, Marrawah is just 14 minutes drive north.
The sealed route from Smithton suits caravans and motorhomes, but services are limited, so arrive stocked up.
Manuka and Peppermint campgrounds have unpowered sites and flushing toilets. Sites are first come, first served, with no bookings. Bring drinking water and take your rubbish with you.
Arthur River Cabin Park has powered and unpowered sites as well as cabins. Book directly and confirm your site fits your vehicle or caravan.
Arthur River is about two and a half hours (192km) by road from Devonport and 63 km from Smithton.
Follow the sealed road west through Marrawah, then south to Arthur River. This is the…Follow the sealed road west through Marrawah, then south to Arthur River. This is the simplest route for conventional vehicles, caravans and motorhomes.
Smithton →The Western Explorer is the alternative, through remote country with long unsealed sections. Check current…The Western Explorer is the alternative, through remote country with long unsealed sections. Check current road advice first, particularly when towing.
Corinna →On the Tarkine Drive, Arthur River works as a coastal stop or an overnight base.…On the Tarkine Drive, Arthur River works as a coastal stop or an overnight base. The Tarkine Drive guide has route details and stops.
Tarkine Drive →Departure days vary, so confirm and book before you make the drive.
Fuel, groceries and drinking water are limited beyond Smithton.
Download maps and booking details before you leave.
The coast is exposed.
Keep to established access areas and leave Aboriginal cultural places undisturbed.
Yes. Arthur River combines a river cruise through forested country with the exposed coastline at the Edge of the World. Allow a full day, or stay overnight if you want to walk, fish, paddle or spend more time in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area.
Allow a full day for a river cruise and the Edge of the World. Stay one or two nights to add a coastal walk, fishing, paddling or a trip along the Tarkine Drive.
The Edge of the World is a lookout at Gardiner Point, near the mouth of the Arthur River. It looks across the Southern Ocean from Tasmania’s western edge, with no nearby land visible to the west.
Yes. Cruise schedules can vary, so check current departure days and book directly with the operator before planning your drive to Arthur River.
Yes. A short boardwalk leads to the Edge of the World viewing platform at Gardiner Point. The longer Arthur River Coastal Walk follows the coast north towards Church Rock and takes around two and a half hours return. Check the weather before setting out because the coast is exposed.
Yes. Manuka and Peppermint campgrounds have unpowered sites and flushing toilets. Bookings are not taken, and sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Bring drinking water and take your rubbish with you.
Arthur River Cabin Park offers another option, with powered and unpowered sites as well as cabins. Book directly with the operator.
Yes. The sealed route from Smithton through Marrawah is the simplest approach when towing or driving a larger vehicle. Arthur River Cabin Park has powered and unpowered sites, while Manuka and Peppermint campgrounds provide unpowered sites only.
No. The main route from Smithton through Marrawah is sealed and suitable for conventional vehicles. A four-wheel drive and Recreational Driver Pass are required for some designated tracks beyond the main roads.
Possibly, in dry conditions, but it isn’t a given. The Western Explorer has long unsealed sections through remote country, and some hire car agreements don’t cover unsealed roads. Check current road advice and your rental terms before you go, particularly after rain or when towing. The sealed approach through Smithton and Marrawah is the simpler and safer option.
Services are limited, so arrive with groceries, drinking water and enough fuel for your planned travel. Smithton is the main service town. Check current opening hours and availability before relying on smaller stores or fuel stops along the way.
Patchy. Download maps, booking details and travel information before leaving Smithton.
Sometimes. Rules vary by accommodation, campground and walk, and some reserves don’t allow dogs, so check each one before you travel.
Yes. A caravan and motorhome dump point is located at 26 Airey Drive, Arthur River. Follow the on-site signs and instructions for use.
Roughly two hours and twenty minutes via Smithton and Marrawah.
Arthur River is best known for the Edge of the World lookout, where the river meets the Southern Ocean. It’s also known for its river cruise, the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area and its place on the Tarkine Drive.
Visitor information is available at Duck River Pavilions in Smithton, about 63 km before Arthur River.
The area
Plot your trip around Arthur River and the Tarkine coast - pin by pin. Filter the map by where to stay, what to see and where to eat.
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