Cockle Creek (pictured above)...

Cockle Creek, 43 degrees south, marks the southern end of the continent and as far south one can drive in Australia, being only 45 minutes from Southport on a well maintained gravel road (via Lune River). Here, as with much of the Far South coastal region, historical roots hark back to whaling, saw milling, mining and not least, 40,000 year of indigenous habitation. Significantly this area marks the birth place of Tasmania's last known full blooded Aboriginal, Trucannini (born 1812) of the Lyluequonny people. Its also where the ship 'James Craig', now sitting in full restored glory in Darling Harbour, was eventually rescued after many years abandoned. If you read some of the published historical accounts you soon discover Cockle Creek/Recherche Bay reveals a fascinating and turbulant history... which included Aborigines, whalers, explorers, convicts, bushrangers, miners, sawmillers, etc.

Cockle Creek also marks the entrance to the rugged, wild and remote South West National Park (WHA), with impressive (often snow capped) mountain peaks, tranquil inlets & waterways, expansive button grass plains, and tall Eucalyptus forests, all tempting the eye and imagination. This truly is one of Tassie's most beautiful and intriguing localities! 

Picture courtesy Aire River Images.

The Scenic route...

Just south of Geeveston the alternative scenic route (C638) from Surges Bay takes in some wonderful elevated views over the mouth of the Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, and includes a close up glimpse of salmon farm operations. A picnic lunch at Surveyors Bay or another of the many delightful beachside locations adds to a leisurely drive along one of the most attractive coastlines you'll find anywhere in Australia! Self contained accommodation options are available in the area.

Popular Walks...

Apart from the Hartz Mountain area there are many enticing walks in the region. A challenging climb up Adamson’s Peak on a clear day provides fabulous 360 degree views and is well worth the effort for the more adventurous (8-10hrs). The much easier and popular South Cape Bay Walk (4-5hrs) at Cockle Creek is a great way to taste the wild southern ocean along World Heritage Area coastline. Fishers Point (easy, 2-3hrs), Duckhole Lake (easy, 1-2hrs), Southport Bluff Beach (8hrs or 4hrs via Ida Bay railway terminal)Adamsons Falls (hard, 3-4hrs), are some other rewarding walks to be had. For the experienced bushwalker the Moonlight Ridge Track (along the La Perouse Range) and the lengthy South Coast Track (into Melaleuca and beyond) are recommended, though not for the fainthearted (note: some local walks start via Forestry roads where access restrictions can apply). Other popular recreational pursuits include fresh and saltwater fishing, adventure caving, sailing, cruising, gemstone fossicking, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking and more. 

Southport / Lune River...

20 mins from Dover, just of the A6, the historic and attractive little coastal settlement of Southport (Baie des Moules) hosted one of the larger convict probation station in the mid 1800's and for many years was an important supply centre south of Hobart. The community has a tavern, caravan park, a couple of comfy B&B’s, and a well maintained boat ramp (with car parking). From Southport a side trip to Roaring Beach and Lady Bay rewards with stunning white beaches and bull kelp coastline. The beautiful Southport Lagoon Conservation Area is popular with locals and can be accessed with a boat, or via Ida Bay Railway (and walking track).

Just south of Hastings is Lune River, where the historic Ida Bay railway runs daily excursions to Deep Hole, and a fascinating gemstone display can be found. Nearby there are two public gemstone/fossil fossicking areas (agate, quartz, petrified wood, & treefern). There is also a B&B.

At the southern base of Adamson’s Peak is Hastings Caves, a spectacular dolomite cave system (and thermal pool) where informative tours run on the hour during the day. A popular family destination, the caves and pool have a kiosk & interpretive centre and some interesting short walks through ‘mature’ wet Eucalyptus forest where logging has long ceased. From time to time the staging of ‘concerts in the cave’ provide an enriching and fascinating experience. More challenging adventure caving tours are also available in the area.

As you enter picturesque Port Esperance with its three islands (Hope, Faith and Charity), majestic Adamson’s Peak provides a dramatic backdrop to the township of Dover (est. 1845)... once a convict probation station, now a popular seaside destination and main service centre for the area. The main industries are tourism, aquaculture, fishing, orcharding and forestry.

Dover has a good array of services, including banking, post office, bakery, pharmacy, takeaway, coffee shop, gourmet grocer, supermarket (with ATM), petrol station/mechanic, ‘wood fired’ pizza restaurant, hotel, laundromat, hardware, online access centre, art/craft shop, sailing club, golf course and most types of accommodation - including a well appointed caravan park on the beachfront, a variety of clean, comfortable (and sometimes award winning) bed & breakfasts, backpacker, hotel/motel, and selection of self contained apartments.