Edge of the World Draft Concept Plan

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Edge of the World Revitalisation Project
Edge of the World Draft Concept Plan

The Edge of the World lookout and visitor site is an important destination in North West Tasmania and due for revitalisation. The Parks and Wildlife Service engaged landscape architects, Inspiring Place, to develop a concept plan that protects the site’s significant cultural and natural values; while ensuring facilities and infrastructure can sustainably accommodate current and future use of the area.

The site is within the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, the current infrastructure has been in place for 20 to 35 years and has had to deal with the wind, rain, hail and salt air from the Indian Ocean. The facilities also need to be updated to meet contemporary expectations for accessibility.

The area is part of the Western Tasmania Aboriginal Cultural Landscape, a National Heritage Place protected site under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It provides a link to the unique Tasmanian Aboriginal way of life that was present and is still undertaken on the West Coast of Tasmania.

Draft concept plan

Map detailing the proposed changes to the Edge of the World area

Edge of the World draft concept plan

An alternative text description for the Edge of the World draft concept plan image is available.

The draft concept plan was open for public feedback in late 2025. Parks and Wildlife Service will review the commentary provided as the design is refined and assessments and approvals are undertaken.

There will be future opportunities to engage and provide feedback through the development assessment and approvals process for the Edge of the World Revitalisation project.

The Frequently Asked Questions webpage may provide answers to specific queries about the draft concept plan.

Constraints and stakeholder input

There were various existing site issues, values and stakeholder inputs that were reviewed and have informed the draft concept plan:

The interpretation of the Aboriginal cultural values and knowledge and more recent history is important.
The proposed infrastructure shouldn’t overwhelm the site and should use materials that are reflective of the site environment. Reuse existing materials from the site where possible.
The revitalisation should focus on protecting the cultural and natural values of the area and limiting impacts.
Increasing the walking opportunities around the site to encourage people to spend more time taking in the interpretation and journey through the site.
Current carparks are not marked and causes congestion.
Safety and maintenance issues relating to the unsealed access road and blind crests and the movement of traffic along Airey Drive to Arthur Beach.
The area is a local recreational space for residents, shack owners and locals to walk, fish and have BBQs.
Continue to provide facilities (e.g. BBQ and picnic shelter) that provide protection from the weather and access to fishing spots.
Local tour operators and community groups use the facilities for tours or educational opportunities.
Existing infrastructure, such as toilet cassette dump point, are located in a sensitive coastal area and inconsistent with use of the area. The toilet cassette dump point is proposed to be relocated to the Temma Road cattle yards.

From what has been heard in previous engagement and assessments of the site, the draft concept plan includes options for:

Retaining the Edge of the World plaque within the site with the location to be determined in the detailed planning stage.
Protecting the significant cultural and natural values by relocating facilities and infrastructure within existing disturbed areas.
Revealing the stories of place by rearranging existing uses and creating information and artwork displays that take visitors on a journey through the history and culture of the North West coast.
Expanding gathering areas by providing at least one larger shelter, picnic tables, barbeques, a range of seating and viewing points.
Increasing accessibility through elevated walkways, formalised carparking, dedicated pedestrian pathways and viewing platforms.
Safer and improved linkages for walking from Arthur River township, to fishing spots and several walking track options.
Revitalisation and rehabilitation of the cultural and natural values of the headland through inviting participation by Tasmanian Aboriginal people and relocation of infrastructure and off-road vehicle access.