Australia's Southernmost Place:
South Cape Bay Walk from Cockle Creek, Tasmania
There is even more of Tasmania, south from Ida Bay, including Australia's southern most point. Drive to the end of the road at Cockle Creek, then a well made walking track to Tasmania's South Coast. Stand on the cliffs of South Cape bay, a bracing wind blowing from Antarctica, surf rolling in from the Southern Ocean. You are the southern most people in all Australia.
Arriving at Cockle Creek, Tasmania: Click to see it in Google Street View
2 Hours Return: Fishers Point
Southwest World Heritage Area. Most people with a moderate level of fitness will complete this walk in around 2 hours plus breaks. 4 - 6 Hours Return: South Cape BaySouth Cape Bay Walk, near Ida Bay, Tasmania. Explore the edge of Tasmania's Southwest World Heritage Area. Most people with a moderate level of fitness will complete this walk in around 4 hours return plus breaks.
Drive to Cockle Creek, the southernmost point of Australia’s most southerly road and enter the Southwest National Park. (You will need a park entry pass). South Cape Bay is accessed via the eastern end of the 7 day South Coast Track from Melaleuca and Port Davey. Cockle Creek to South Cape Bay takes most people about 2 hours each way, plus maybe an hour enjoying the view, so take your lunch and make a day of it. Fairly level and a well made track make this a good beginners’ walk. Be sure to have strong shoes and weatherproof clothing at all times of year.
Behind the Rangers’ hut, there is a walkers carpark and walk registration both. The first 3km the trail undulates across rocky ground and light forest, then becomes duck board as it crosses the buttongrass moorland. Wonderful wildflowers in late spring. A little more undulation and coastal scrub, until you suddenly emerge onto the windy cliff top overlooking South Cape Bay. A bracing wind blowing up from Antarctica, surf rolling in from the Southern Ocean: You are the southernmost people in Australia. As an optional extension, continuing down the staircase provided on the western side of the cliffs. South Cape Beach is about 1km long to the western end where toilets and campsite are in the dunes near the creek. Extra 2 Hours Return: South Cape RivuletAt the western end of South Cape Bay is Lion Rock, a popular surfing spot. A 1km track climbs steeply over the bluff then descends onto the next beach. At the western end of this beach is South Cape Rivulet campsite and toilets. Adding this extra 4km takes the total return time to about 6 hours. |
Where to stay near Cockle Creek and South Cape BayClassic farm cottage above the Huon River, Tasmania
Castle Forbes Bay
Overlooking the Huon River, just off the highway from Huonvile to Geeveston, this classic farm cottage can be your base to explore the Huon Valley. Hun Rive Country Cottage has three bedrooms to suit couples, families or small groups.
How to get to Port HuonHuon Valley Map
Click to open a larger map of Southern Tasmania and the Far South
The Huon Valley has five main towns: GEEVESTON, DOVER, FRANKLIN, HUONVILLE and CYGNET and 12 smaller settlements including RECHERCHE BAY
Bus from Hobart to Dover 2 daily, www.tassielink.com.au Huonville Taxi 0408 125 130 24 hours, seven days Airport transfers Huon Limousines 0407 055 761 Limited hours Airport transfers Wheelchair transport |
Read more about Cockle Creek in the Tassie Wanderer Blog
"The view was just amazing. I decided to continue on and walk up to Fishers Point and take a look at the old pilot station ruins. This walk gave me the opportunity to seek solitude and really absorb the calming nature this environment had to offer. " 'Life is meant for adventures, let your feet wander, your eyes marvel, your soul ignite, as you explore the serenity of Tasmania!' A blog dedicated to journaling adventures in the Tasmanian wilderness.
https://tassiewanderer.blogspot.com/2020/08/honeycomb-caves-and-sensation-gorge.html
https://tassiewanderer.blogspot.com/2020/08/honeycomb-caves-and-sensation-gorge.html
