Cockle Creek Campgrounds

Cockle Creek is the ultimate bucket-list campsite for the touring family—it is literally the “End of the Road.” Located at the southernmost point of Australia’s road network, staying here gives you serious bragging rights (your nearest neighbour to the south is Antarctica). While it feels incredibly remote, the road in is accessible for 2WD vehicles, caravans, and camper trailers, though it is unsealed and can get potholed, so take it slow. The camping area sits within the Southwest Conservation Area (just before the National Park boundary), offering spacious, grassy sites near the calm waters of Recherche Bay. The Dad Reality Check: You need to be fully self-sufficient. There are pit toilets, but no potable water and no power. You must bring everything. The weather here is wild and unpredictable; even in summer, a southerly buster can drop the temperature to single digits instantly, so pack the winter woolies and heavy-duty storm pegs. Crucially, because the camping area is in the Conservation Area (not the National Park across the bridge), dogs are allowed (on a leash), which is rare for this part of Tasmania. It’s the perfect base for the short walk to the Bronze Whale sculpture or the 4-hour return hike to South Cape Bay.