beyond the black stump

In or of an extremely remote, isolated, or uncivilized location, usually meaning the Australian outback. "Black stump" is used colloquially as an imaginary marker of the edge of civilized settlement, though the origin of the term is uncertain. Primarily heard in Australia. There are many people who still live beyond the black stump, lacking access to medical care and other basic social services. I could never live beyond the black stump—l need access to the amenities of the modern world! Well, if it's beyond the black stump, no wonder we've never heard of it!

beyond the black stump

beyond the limits of settled, and therefore civilized, life. Australian

This phrase comes from the custom of using a fire-blackened stump of wood as a marker when giving directions to travellers.