Marrawah
“Where the mighty Southern Ocean slams relentlessly into the remote north west.”
Amanda Mackinnon
About Marrawah
Marrawah is Tasmania’s westernmost settlement – a tiny outpost that services the surrounding dairy farming community. Spoilt cows make the most of the lush green carpet that seemingly tumbles down the hillsides and into the wild seas beyond.
Marrawah is a destination all about escape. Blink and you’ll miss the town itself, simply marked by a shop, service station and pub. Its beauty lies firmly within its landscape.
Marrawah is hailed by Tasmanians – a hardy bunch – for its outstanding surfing. You’ll always find a handful of wetsuit clad surfers chasing the waves on one of the areas three main beaches – Ann Bay, Mawson Bay and Green Point. Whilst early autumn provides the warmest waters, the biggest waves arrive along with the winter chill.
Wild westerlies swells and an offshore wind and what surfers chase here. Rides of up to 100m are not uncommon when the stars align. The power that rolls in from the Southern Ocean and slams against the Tasmanian coast has put Marrawah firmly on the international surfing stage. This is the home of the annual Rip curl West Coast Classic, held each March and often boasting ‘Hawaiinesque’ conditions.
The power of the ocean also tempts kite surfers and windsurfers keen for a big wave challenge. If their antics are not your scene, you’ll still get a kick out of watching them being slammed by the elements. There are plenty of spots that invite coastal exploring – you can wander for hours rock hopping and rarely encounter another soul.
Marrawah’s name hints at its rich indigenous history. Marrawah itself is said to be the name of eucalypt tree in Peerapper language. There are a number of important Aboriginal sites in the area, including sundown Point and Preminghana (previously known as Mount Cameron West), that are home to detailed engravings. Walks along the coast here are stunning, but not for the fainthearted. Rug up and embrace the wilds. This is the freshest air in the world and it’s simply spectacular.
Stand at Marrawah and you’ll be able to see the wind turbines in the distance. A day trip to Woolnorth – an expansive property that houses the wind farm, multiple dairy farms, and a rich history – is well worth it. Only a handful of people are able to stand atop Cape Grim on any given day and experience the sheer power of the Roaring Forties as they crash relentlessly into the coast. The story of how it got its name will move you and stay with you forever. Note that Woolnorth is only accessible by booking a guided tour. It will leave you with a deep appreciation for the regions indigenous, colonial and contemporary history – one of Tasmania’s most contentious sites.
A meal at the pub should be on your itinerary. The haunt the local famers and fishers, it’s not a fancy establishment by any means, but a great place to enjoy the local produce. It’s a tough choice between the home grown beef and seafood. No need to dress up – just bring a friendly smile and a willingness to yarn over a beer.
Accommodation is simple in these parts. Pack your tent and embrace the elements or book a simple beach shack or farmhouse. A trip to Marrawah is all about what’s outdoors.
Accommodation
Marrawah is a place where the wild ocean meets rolling farmland, offering a rare kind of solitude on Tasmania’s remote northwest coast. For those seeking comfort with a view, Mount View Marrawah provides a modern one-bedroom cottage on a 35-acre family farm, just a short stroll from the beach. Overlooking Preminghana (Mount Cameron West) and Anne Bay, this self-contained retreat comes with a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, and a sense of peaceful seclusion. Right on the coast, Marrawah Beach House is perfect for those who want to wake up to the sound of waves and step straight onto the sand. With a modern design and uninterrupted ocean views, it’s a true coastal escape. For something with character, The Stone House blends rustic charm with modern comforts, offering a cozy retreat built from locally sourced stone—ideal for slowing down and soaking in the landscape.
For those who prefer their accommodation a little wilder, Marrawah Green Point Beach Camping Area offers free, unpowered sites right on the edge of the Southern Ocean. A favorite among surfers and nature lovers, it provides basic facilities including toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, and BBQs. There are no reservations here—just first in, best dressed—so arriving early is key, especially in peak seasons. No matter where you stay, Marrawah is more than just a destination; it’s a place to disconnect from the rush of the world and reconnect with the raw beauty of Tasmania’s northwest frontier.
Food & Drink
In a place where the land is rugged, the ocean fierce, and the air crisp with salt, food in Marrawah is all about hearty, honest flavors. The Marrawah Inn is the heart of the local dining scene, a true country pub that welcomes travelers and locals alike. Open seven days a week, it serves up generous pub meals that hit the spot after a day exploring the coast. Think classic parmigianas, fresh seafood, and tender steaks, best enjoyed by the fire in winter or out on the deck when the sun shines. With a well-stocked bar, you’ll find local beers, wines, and a warm community atmosphere that makes it easy to linger a little longer.
Beyond the pub, Marrawah keeps things simple. There are no big-name restaurants or flashy cafés—this is a place where fresh ingredients, home-cooked meals, and a well-packed esky go a long way. Many visitors choose to self-cater, stocking up in nearby towns before settling into their accommodation. If you’re up for some DIY dining, fishing off the coast or in the nearby Arthur River could land you a fresh catch for dinner. And for those who appreciate a good cup of coffee or a casual bite, a quick drive to nearby Arthur River or Smithton will open up more options. In Marrawah, food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the experience, the setting, and the stories shared over a meal at the edge of the world.
Shopping
Heritage & History
Long before Europeans set foot on this remote stretch of coastline, Marrawah was home to Tasmania’s First Nations people, the palawa. For thousands of years, they thrived along these shores, living in harmony with the land and sea. Evidence of their deep connection remains in the form of middens—ancient shell heaps—scattered along the coastline, marking places where generations gathered to feast on seafood. Nearby, Preminghana (Mount Cameron West) is a site of immense cultural significance, home to some of the most extensive Aboriginal rock carvings in Tasmania. These intricate engravings, created by the spirits of the past, whisper stories of a time when the land was walked with bare feet and deep knowledge.
With European arrival in the early 1800s came immense change. Marrawah became a frontier of survival, where settlers clashed with the land, the elements, and the palawa people. The region’s history is shaped by early farming, forestry, and the resilience of those who called it home. While the township itself remained small, the fertile land supported cattle grazing, and the wild coastline became famous for big wave surfing, fishing, and an untamed beauty that refuses to be tamed. Today, Marrawah remains one of Tasmania’s last true outposts, where history lingers in the landscape and the echoes of ancient footsteps still dance on the wind.
Activities
Marrawah is Tasmania’s final frontier for adventure—where the Southern Ocean crashes onto windswept beaches, ancient landscapes stretch untouched, and the call of the wild is impossible to ignore. Surfing is legendary here, with Green Point Beach offering some of the best waves in Tasmania, drawing in those who chase the thrill of big, powerful swells. If you prefer to stay on land, the coastal tracks of the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area invite four-wheel-drive enthusiasts to explore remote beaches, towering dunes, and rugged landscapes where few have ventured.
For those with a love of the outdoors, fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting are just the beginning. The nearby Preminghana (Mount Cameron West) Reserve holds some of Tasmania’s most sacred Aboriginal rock carvings, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s deep cultural heritage. Beachcombing along Marrawah’s remote shores often leads to spectacular driftwood sculptures created by nature itself, while inland, rolling pastures and windswept plains provide endless space to roam. And for the dreamers? Keep your eyes open—this is thylacine country, where whispers of the Tasmanian Tiger still linger in the misty morning air.
Events
Though quiet for most of the year, Marrawah comes alive when its signature events draw in locals and travelers alike, celebrating the town’s deep connection to the land, sea, and community spirit. The most famous of these is the West Coast Classic, Tasmania’s longest-running and most prestigious surfing competition. Held at Green Point Beach, this event attracts surfers from across the country, all eager to test their skills against the wild, untamed waves of the Southern Ocean. With unpredictable swells and powerful breaks, it’s a spectacle of skill, endurance, and respect for the ocean’s raw force. Even for those not riding the waves, the competition creates a buzz in town, with spectators gathering along the shore to watch and cheer.
Travel Info & Maps
Marrawah is as far west as the road will take you in Tasmania, a place where the highways end and the wilderness begins. Located on the rugged northwest coast, about 50km west of Smithton and 90 minutes from Stanley, getting here is all part of the adventure. Whether you’re coming from the north, south, or east, the drive to Marrawah is a journey through some of the state’s most stunning landscapes—rolling farmlands, coastal plains, and the occasional wallaby watching from the roadside.
Getting to Marrawah
For those traveling by car or campervan, Marrawah is accessible via Bass Highway (A2) to Smithton, followed by the C214 and C215, which wind through open countryside before delivering you to the coast. Fuel and supplies are limited in town, so it’s best to stock up before arriving. While there’s no public transport directly to Marrawah, Smithton offers bus services from major towns, and from there, a rental car or pre-arranged transfer is the best way to complete the journey. Once here, there’s no need for a schedule—just wide-open roads, endless coastline, and the feeling of standing at the edge of the world.