Australia’s most southerly tip: South East Cape, Tasmania

By Michelle Gilmore
November 8, 2021
Beaches & Coasts, Bucket List, Camping, Destinations, Tasmania, Walks

Travel to Tasmania to reach Australia’s southern-most point. South East Cape which is part of Tasmania’s isolated southern coastline.

It is 3680 kilometres between here and Cape York in Queensland, the most northerly part of Australia.

So remote, the South East Cape is accessible only via a walking track from nearby Cockle Creek, in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Cockle Creek is as far south as you can drive – fortunately there are two FREE campsites here!

Accessed by a dirt road, suitable for conventional vehicles, toilets, fishing and swimming, shade and views, the Cockle Creek Camp has a large area around Rocky Bay. It is located in Recherche Bay Nature Rec Area so pets are allowed.

Dogs are permitted, (toilets, 30 day limit, picnic tables, boat ramp, shade, mobile coverage) but you will need a parks pass!

Past the Cockle Creek bridge, you are in the Southwest National Park at the Boltons Green Campsite where dogs, and generators are not allowed (toilets, swimming, fishing, boating, picnic tables). There is no rubbish collection. The Southwest National Park is a fuel stove only area, no fires are permitted.

This is a perfect place for birdwatching. Water activities such as skiing and boating are also very popular.

Located in Southwest National Park, the 4 hour, 18 km return walk takes you to South East Cape and the eastern end of the popular South Coast Track (6-8 days and 82km one way) to Port Davey.

There are a variety of shorter walks in this area, as listed in the Tasmania Parks website:

Cockle Creek Cemetery
A 5 minute return walk near the Cockle Creek campground, gain an insight into the hardships endured by the community that once lived here at the historic cemetery.

Whale Sculpture
Check out the bronze sculpture of a southern right whale at Adams Point. Walk or drive to the end of the road, past the Ranger Quarters and Boltons Green campground, 5 minutes return.

Fishers Point
From the whale sculpture carpark, it’s an easy 2 hours, 4km return coastal walk through heathland and spectacular views to distant Adamsons Peak, Southern Ranges, Bruny Island and the Southern Ocean. At Fishers Point, there are ruins of the 1843 pilot station and lighthouse. Sections of beach may be restricted during high tides, so do check conditions and tides.

Check out the office and information booth at the national park entrance to help make the most of your visit.