Way South | Hazard Rating: 1-2/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 120 km | Faces: NE in to Recherche Bay | Length: 2 km (ish)
Original people: the Lyluequonny
Cockle Creek Beach in Tasmania is a stunning jewel in terms of beaches in Australia … a few facts …
- A beautiful beach winning 3rd best beach in Australia (Tourism Council of Australia 2024)
- Pristine white sand beach with crystal clear water
- Australia’s southern-most accessible beach (and road)
- Over 2 km of free campsites (with a Parks and Wildlife pass)
- Located in a rugged and isolated part of Tasmania with stunning views
- Basic amenities
- Protected from south/southwest weather
The beach is made up of | Sayers Beach | Motts Beach | and Cockle Creek Beach which I have grouped as one under Cockle Creek.
An outstanding place to visit for a one-day visit or extended stay – children will love the open sandy beaches and creek. Campsites include areas to the northeast giving you almost virtual private access to your own personal beach area. Other areas provide campsites with boat access. If I had to pick one beach to camp at in Tasmania this would be it!
Cockle Creek Beach is named after the creek that feeds into the bay, probably because of an abundance of Cockles to catch. Originally named Ramsgate (after an English resort). Recherche Bay is named after a Bruni D’Entrecasteaux’s ship that explored the area in 1792. The British later used the area for whaling, timber and coal. More recently oyster farming is common.
For surfers – South Cape Bay is a pristine beach break that gets huge clean waves on a southerly swell – a 7 km walk from Cockle Creek.
Congratulations to Parks and Wildlife for a soft touch on the area that has kept its beauty and still allows camping.
To get there – turn right before Southport towards Hastings. At the end is a 20 km dirt road (of no concern for any vehicle). On the way, you will pass several great beaches in Recherche Bay.
