beyond the black stump

Origin and development contested; possibly from the use of fire-blackened tree-stumps when providing directions to people, or from a particular black stump: see Wikipedia. Attested since the 20th century, and possibly developed in the 19th century.

• "While Millard did not shift from log cabin to White House, he did transport himself from beyond the Black Stump to strike it rich at Stawell."
• "“Just don't go gettin' serious,” Frank warned. “We don't want any trouble. We're gonna be beyond the black stump out there, not at the bloody Lennox Hotel.”"
• "Kimberly, his eldest daughter who we love dearly, is very pregnant with our great grand daughter, the father of whom I have never met and who has shot through to the outback far beyond the black stump."

• remote place
• back o' Bourke
• back of beyond
• Woop Woop