Cockle Creek, at Recherche Bay, lies at the southern-most point by road in Tasmania. Approximately 130 kilometres southwest of Hobart, and 43 kilometres south of Dover.
The Cockle Creek Precinct is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). It includes two reserves - the Southwest National Park (NP) and the Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area (NRA).
The Precinct has a range of values including:
significant Aboriginal heritage
historic heritage
high degree natural values
scenic beauty
social value
tourism and recreational appeal for those visiting and staying within the area
Visitation to the site is growing steadily, especially during peak months. This highlights the need to upgrade ageing infrastructure and improve traffic flow, parking, and access to key areas. Funding of $3.25 million has been allocated to this project.
Project Overview - Catamaran Campground
The Catamaran Campground includes the only formalised boat launching ramp within the Cockle Creek precinct and the only public boat ramp south of Southport.
The project aims to improve visitor safety and experience at the Catamaran Campground. This will involve:
construction of a sealed boat trailer parking facility
formalisation of existing campgrounds
improved accessibility for all visitors to the site
Catamaran Campground and Boat Ramp Area Upgrade Concept Design
The current concept drawing details the following proposed features and improvements:
New sealed boat trailer parking and circulation
Recently completed boat ramp pontoon upgrade
Drive through boat tralier parks
Boat tie down de-rigging bay
Formalisation of existing camping areas including drainage improvements
Camping and day use loop road surface improvements
Existing toliet minor improvements
Landscaping within camping area
Planning and Approvals
Campground designs will provide improved management for visitors to the site.
The PWS has received a Planning Permit from Huon Valley Council.
An Environmental Impact Assessment has also been approved. This includes Cultural Heritage and Historic Heritage Assessments and recommendations.
The campground designs and locations are in line with:
Cockle Creek Precinct Site Plan 2019 (PDF 6Mb)
Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan 1999 (PDF 5Mb)
Timelines
A suitably qualified Contractor has been awarded the works and will start after the Easter on Wednesday the 15th of April 2026.
The Catamaran campground and boat ramp will be closed during works to ensure visitor safety and expedite delivery. It is anticipated that works will be complete and the Site reopened in August 2026.
Other Campgrounds
Other sites within the Cockle Creek Precinct are being considered for upgrades. These sites include:
Values assessments and surveys are continuing for these sites to inform concept designs. In line with recommended actions in the 2019 Cockle Creek Precinct Site Plan.
More details will be provided as part of future project updates.
Project Updates
We will provide updates and information on this webpage as the project progresses:
Cockle Creek Project Update - Summer 2025-26 (PDF 424Kb)