Cockle Creek, Tasmania - As Far South As You Can Drive in Australia

Cockle Creek, Tasmania - As Far South As You Can Drive in Australia

Cockle Creek is one of Tasmania’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations, located at the very southern tip of the island and marking the southernmost point you can drive to in Australia. Set on the tranquil shores of Recherche Bay and surrounded by untouched wilderness, Cockle Creek is the gateway to the vast Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. With no shops, towns, or mobile reception nearby, this peaceful corner of Tasmania offers a rare opportunity to truly disconnect and experience nature in its rawest form.

The landscape here is stunningly wild and unspoilt. A long stretch of white sand curves gently along the bay, where dense forest meets the beach, and clear waters lap quietly at the shore. Whether you’re wandering along the sand, watching the light change across the mountains, or simply sitting and listening to the sounds of the ocean and forest, Cockle Creek feels a world away from everyday life.

Gateway to Tasmania’s Great Wilderness Walks

Cockle Creek is best known as the starting point of the famous South Coast Track, one of Tasmania’s most challenging and rewarding multi-day hikes. From here, experienced hikers head deep into the southwest wilderness, traversing remote beaches, rugged mountains and wild river crossings.

Even if you’re not tackling the South Coast Track, there are shorter walks in the area that allow you to experience the beauty of the region without committing to a long expedition. Gentle beach walks, coastal exploration and forest wanderings are all easily accessible from the car park.

Cockle Beach Tasmania

Cockle Beach Tasmania

Cockle Beach Tasmania

Recherche Bay & Coastal Beauty

Situated on the calm waters of Recherche Bay, Cockle Creek offers excellent opportunities for fishing, photography and wildlife spotting. The sheltered bay is often glassy and peaceful, while the surrounding hills and forest provide a dramatic natural backdrop. This area is also rich in history — Cockle Creek was named after the abundance of cockles, oysters and mussels found here when early explorers first arrived.

A short five-minute walk from the car park brings you to a bronze sculpture of an infant southern right whale, accompanied by informative signage that shares the cultural and natural history of the area, including its significance to Aboriginal people and early European explorers.

Camping & Nature at Its Best

Cockle Creek is a popular spot for camping, offering basic facilities in an extraordinary setting. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and waking to mist drifting across the bay is all part of the experience. It’s an ideal base for fishing, exploring the coastline, or simply slowing down and soaking up the serenity of Tasmania’s far south.

If you’re seeking solitude, dramatic scenery and a genuine sense of wilderness, Cockle Creek delivers all of this — and more.

Directions to Cockle Creek

From Hobart, head south along the Huon Highway (A6) through Geeveston. Continue onto the C635, passing the Southport and Hastings Caves turn-offs. Follow the C636 through Lune River and Ida Bay all the way to Cockle Creek.

The final 10 kilometres from Ida Bay are unsealed but suitable for 2WD vehicles, and the road ends at the Cockle Creek car park — as far south as you can drive in Australia.

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