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Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Cockle Creek, Tasmania

Australia

In short: Cockle Creek, Tasmania is a 180 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Hobart, Shot Tower, Taroona, Kettering.

Distance
180 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr
NotableEasyScenic

From Hobart to the southernmost road in Australia, via Sandy Bay, the Shot Tower at Taroona, Kettering, Woodbridge, Cygnet, the Huon Valley, Hastings Caves, and Recherche Bay. The next stop south from Cockle Creek is Antarctica.

Practical notes
This is an easy sealed route in a standard vehicle, but it is still a long, slow drive with fuel and services thinning out south of Huonville. Summer is the safest time for the full run; check for wet-weather closures or reduced access at Hastings Caves and be prepared for patchy mobile coverage near Cockle Creek.
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Stops along the route

Hobart — Departure — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Departure
Hobart
Tasmania's capital on the Derwent estuary, backed by kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Head south on Sandy Bay Road to begin the long run to the continent's end.
Hotels
Kettering — City — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
City
Kettering
A small harbour on the D'Entrecasteaux Channel where the Bruny Island ferry departs. Good coffee stop before the road swings south through Woodbridge toward Cygnet.
Hotels
Cygnet — City — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
City
Cygnet
A laid-back Huon Valley town of apple orchards, farmers markets and artists. Channel views and slow pace make it a natural break before the valley deepens south.
Hotels
Huonville — City — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
City
Huonville
The Huon Valley's main town straddles the Huon River, surrounded by orchards famous for Huon apples. The last sizeable fuel and supplies stop before the deep south.
Hotels
Cockle Creek — Arrival — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Arrival
Cockle Creek
The southernmost point reachable by car in Australia, where Recherche Bay's wild beach meets the Southern Ocean. The next landmass due south is Antarctica.
Hotels

Things to Do

Shot Tower, Taroona — Landmark — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Landmark
Shot Tower, Taroona
A 58m dolerite column completed in 1870, Australia's only surviving shot tower. Molten lead was dropped from the summit to form perfect spherical pellets in the water below.
Nature
Hastings Caves
A dolomite cave system 25 km from the road's end, featuring the Southern Hemisphere's largest dolomite chamber. A thermal pool outside holds a constant 28°C year-round.
Recherche Bay — Nature — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Nature
Recherche Bay
A pristine wilderness bay where French explorer Bruni d'Entrecasteaux anchored in 1792. Wild beaches backed by ancient Huon pine forest line this final stretch before Cockle Creek.
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs — Nature Reserve — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Nature Reserve
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
Explore ancient limestone caves and relax in warm thermal pools surrounded by lush forest.
Tahune AirWalk — Scenic Walk — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Scenic Walk
Tahune AirWalk
Walk among the treetops on a suspended bridge offering panoramic views of the Huon Valley.
Bruny Island Cruise — Boat Tour — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Boat Tour
Bruny Island Cruise
Experience dramatic sea cliffs and marine wildlife on an exhilarating cruise around Bruny Island.

Where to Eat

The Tower Tearooms — Café — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Café
The Tower Tearooms
Enjoy Devonshire tea and light meals in a historic setting at the base of the Shot Tower.
The Red Velvet Lounge — Modern Australian — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Modern Australian
The Red Velvet Lounge
Savor locally sourced dishes in a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Cygnet.
Franklin Woodfired Oven — Pizza — Cockle Creek, Tasmania — Australia
Pizza
Franklin Woodfired Oven
Delight in artisanal wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients in Franklin.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cockle Creek, Tasmania drive?

The Cockle Creek, Tasmania covers 180 km from start to finish.

How long does the Cockle Creek, Tasmania take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Cockle Creek, Tasmania, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Cockle Creek, Tasmania?

The recommended season for the Cockle Creek, Tasmania is Nov–Apr.

Where does the Cockle Creek, Tasmania start and end?

The Cockle Creek, Tasmania runs from Hobart to Cockle Creek.

What are the main stops on the Cockle Creek, Tasmania?

The Cockle Creek, Tasmania passes through Hobart, Shot Tower, Taroona, Kettering.

Can I drive the Cockle Creek, Tasmania in a regular car?

Yes — the Cockle Creek, Tasmania is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Cockle Creek, Tasmania safe to drive?

This is an easy sealed route in a standard vehicle, but it is still a long, slow drive with fuel and services thinning out south of Huonville. Summer is the safest time for the full run; check for wet-weather closures or reduced access at Hastings Caves and be prepared for patchy mobile coverage near Cockle Creek.

What scenic tier is the Cockle Creek, Tasmania?

The Cockle Creek, Tasmania is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.