Cockle creek
The southernmost place of Australia! It felt like we were miles away from anything, the water clearer and the air fresher than anywhere we had been before!
It was time to leave Hobart and head south! We visited Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs along the way. The Newdegate Cave is the largest dolomite tourist cave in Australia. The 45min tour took us approximately 50 metres underground to view chambers that formed more than 40 million years ago! There are quite a few stairs inside the cave and a moment where the lights are turned off. Back up at the surface is the thermal springs that are 28 degrees year-round. The family ticket to both the cave and thermal springs costed us $60 (Sept 2023). You don’t need a National Parks Pass to enter. The winding road to the kiosk is achievable whilst towing a van, as well as the carparks at both the thermal springs and cave. The cave is another 20min drive from the kiosk and springs. We suggest pre-booking as most tours were booked out. We acknowledge the Lyluequonny People, a clan of the South East Nation, one of nine Nations of Lutruwita.
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It was time to continue our way to Cockle Creek. Now be aware, Google Maps was not our friend here. As you head back out to the main road, drive towards Ida Bay. From there, the sealed turns into gravel for around 30mins. It is an easy unsealed road but we did find it a little slippery when we hit the wet patches. You travel through forests and past the inlet before you arrive to Cockle Creek which is the end of the road. You will know that you have arrived as you cross over a white railing bridge to arrive to this gem of a place.
This place is breathtaking! The remoteness allowed for all of the senses to absorb all of the beauty that nature provided us. The classic seaside seagull calls, the icy crystal clear waters, the white sand, the clean air. You need a National Parks Pass to stay over the bridge at Boltons Green Campsite. There are pit toilets scattered around the sites. We visited the whale sculpture, hung out with our little friendly pademelon, relaxed on the beach until sunset and then watched the full moon rise. The privately owned little blue shack is the southernmost house and oozes charm. We were super lucky to have family of mates who owned it. Keep in mind that the water was absolutely freezing, it might have something to do with being closer to Antartica! We are still pinching ourselves that we had this place all to ourselves! We wished we had longer to stay.
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Just a heads up, if you don't cross the bridge, the campground on your right is free camping for tents and smaller campers. We did look at some of these sites and it would have been a challenge to fit our van. After one night, we were sadden to leave this place, but it was time to head to Bruny Island. We could have easily done three or more nights here.
Peace + love,
Peace + love,