Cockle Creek

Cockle Creek is as close to the edge of the world as most people ever get. 

Sitting on beautiful Recherche Bay, on the fringe of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it’s the literal end of the road and the southernmost point to which you can drive in Australia. Beyond here is only ocean and Antarctica. 

Once a settlement of more than 2000 residents, it was also the site of four whaling stations, a bloody history that’s commemorated in a large bronze whale sculpture at Adams Point.

Cockle Creek is best known for its camping and as the departure point for walks into Southwest National Park.

The day hike to South Cape Bay is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, and emerges atop coastal cliffs peering out to South East Cape (Tasmania’s southernmost point) and along the wild south coast, where the epic 85km South Coast Track continues to the remote settlement of Melaleuca.

Where

Cockle Creek is a 2hr drive (121km) south of Hobart.

Insider tips

• Camping at Cockle Creek is free and no bookings are required. There are no shops or services.
• Explore the foreshore by walking the easy trail to Fishers Point, site of the ruins of a 19th-century pilot station and navigation light.