Tucked away in the far northwest corner of Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state lies Cape Grim. It is a remote and pristine coastal region that boasts some of the cleanest air on Earth. It’s a place where nature’s elements come together in perfect harmony. But, is it possible for a place to have the cleanest air?
The Geographic Marvel Of Cape Grim
The wonders of Woolnorth, Cape grim. Wild windswept coastlines. A place to breath deep, where the cleanest air in the world is monitored.
Images by @wanderingfoxbat#stanleyandtarkine #visitstanleytas #discovertasmania #woolnorthtours #comedownforair #traveldeeper pic.twitter.com/afLmbJx7jd
— Stanley and Tarkine Tasmania (@stanleytasmania) December 30, 2021
Cape Grim is a windswept headland that juts out into the wild Southern Ocean. Situated approximately 400 kilometres northwest of the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, it boasts some of the most unpolluted air in the world. The region’s isolation, combined with the prevailing westerly winds that sweep across the Southern Ocean, ensures that Cape Grim enjoys an uninterrupted flow of pure, pristine air.
However, only a few visitors visit this region dubbed as the “Edge of the World.” Those who do visit are greeted by spectacular cliffs, windswept heaths, and black-sand beaches that stand in stark contrast to the beautiful patchwork farms on the hilltops.
The cliff-top Cape Grim Baseline Atmospheric Pollution Station (CGBAPS), was established in 1976 to collect and examine the composition of this clean air. It is one of 25 worldwide atmospheric stations. The air is untouched from local pollution sources such as exhaust fumes or industrial smoke.
Cape Grim is deep in history, as it is part of the Indigenous Pennemuker people’s traditional territory. Shell middens along the coasts contain evidence of their millennia-old presence. The horrific Cape Grim massacre in 1828 devastated the local population. Cultural immersions and site tours teach visitors about the region’s history.
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Preserving Cape Grim’s Pristine Air
Our Cape Grim station will now officially be known by its dual name Kennaook / Cape Grim to acknowledge the area's rich First Nations history. Read more about the Bureau's ongoing efforts towards recognition and reconciliation here: https://t.co/U44pIvPcBI pic.twitter.com/z9uvMN5bMe
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) May 27, 2022
The absence of pollutants in Cape Grim’s air ensures that local flora and fauna thrive. The surrounding marine environment is equally pristine, home to a rich diversity of marine life. But, stand atop the rugged slopes of Cape Grim and be ready to be blown away by the region’s legendary violent gusts. They reach up to 180km/hr and transport unpolluted air from Antarctica.
Maintaining Cape Grim as a centre for atmospheric research is crucial. While the air quality remains remarkably clean, it is not immune to the global challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
Balancing the growing interest in Cape Grim as a tourist destination with the need to protect its fragile ecosystem has been a concern. Implementing responsible tourism practices and conservation efforts can help ensure that this pristine environment remains unspoiled.
So, when are you planning to visit Cape Grim?
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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