Cockle Creek Tasmania

Today we drove to the most southerly point of Australia you can reach by road and 2024 3rd best beach of Oz - Cockle Creek, the end of the road. 

Along the way down we took the Esperance scenic road to Surveyors Bay. The area is popular for salmon farming. 

We stopped at the boat ramp in Dover for a cuppa and to look at the fishing boats.

The views were picturesque across the bay with the mountains in the background. 

Many different industries were tried here but the kiln here built to make pottery pipes did not succeed.

We passed many apples and cherry orchards. Obviously it’s optimum growing conditions.

Southport is a typical fishing village and had a lookout at one end with views of Bruny Island, a big abalone sculpture in the middle and a boat ramp at the other end.

Shortly after we were on the potholed dirt road for about 20km to Cockle Creek - the end of the road.. Australia’s most southerly point by car.

The area is named after the French scientific expedition lead by Admiral Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, who anchored his 2 ships named Esperance and Recherche in 1792. Unfortunately their visit was disastrous for the indigenous population, bringing diseases they could not survive.

We strolled out to the Bronze Whale Sculpture of a 3 month old southern right whale. The mothers come into the bay to calf. Unfortunately they were hunted here for 20 years from 1830 until the whale numbers dwindled to becoming unsustainable. Luckily numbers are now increasing and they are coming back to the area.

We found a spot to stay the night and enjoyed strolls along this award winning beach.

Even though there are some nice walks to do here, due to Mark's doctor appointment we had to cut our visit short.