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A Bronze Whale Statue at the end of the road - Cockle Creek
Bronze whale sculpture Adams Point, Cockle Creek (photograph: Stella Rodriguez)

Cockle Creek

End of the road and gateway to the Southwest National Park

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Alerts for Cockle Creek

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Closed area: West Picton Road - status update
Applies from 23/5/2023​West Picton Road (prior to Riveaux Creek) is closed due to the deterioration of three structures along the road.

Both Farmhouse Creek and Mt Picton walking tracks remain open.

A vehicle turnaround and car parking bay have been provided at the West Picton Road closure.

A 15-20 vehicle parking area has been created adjacent to the new closure.

Farmhouse Creek walking track requires an extra 7.1km (one-way) walk along West Picton Road from its closure prior to Picton River Tributary.  

Also, the pedestrian bridge over Farmhouse Creek has been closed, so walkers will need to ford Farmhouse Creek to continue their walk. 

Water levels fluctuate according to rainfall, so walkers need to make their own assessment of conditions before crossing.

Mt Picton walking track requires an extra 7.2km (return) walk along West Picton Road and then West Picton Road Spur 1-2 from its closure prior to Picton River Tributary. 

Further information can be found at: https://sttas.com.au/access-permits/road-and-track-closures

Last reviewed 1/11/2023 09:18 AM

Safety alert: Farmhouse Creek walking track - changed access
Applies from 22/6/2022
​​​​The last 7.2 km of West Picton Road has been closed by Sustainable Timber Tasmania. 

This is the access road to both Farmhouse Creek walking track (also known as Eastern Arthur Range Traverse), and the Mount Picton Track, within Southwest National Park. 

For Farmhouse Creek Track, this will require an additional 7.2km one way walk (14.2km return) along West Picton Road. The pedestrian bridge over Farmhouse Creek has also been closed, and therefore walkers will need to ford the creek to reach the trailhead.

For Mt Picton Track, this will require an additional 7.2km return walk along West Picton Road and West Picton Road 1-2.

Visitors can park prior to the closure, which will fit approximately 3-4 vehicles.  

Last reviewed 27/9/2023 04:42 PM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Caravan access
  • Fishing
  • Fuel stove only
  • Overnight walk
  • Parking
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming
  • Telephone
  • Toilets
  • World Heritage Area

Related PagesExpand/Collapse

    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.

    About

    ​Cockle Creek is a place of tranquil coves and sandy beaches. Distant mountain peaks, sometimes capped with snow, make a spectacular backdrop to the calm waters of Recherche Bay. It is here that tannin-rich streams meet the ocean, ending their meandering journey through buttongrass plains. The sheltered coastline and forested hills are home to an abundance of wildlife including shorebirds. 

    A rich cultural history exists, being the homeland of the Lyluequonny Aboriginal people, the location of a French expedition in 1792 and 1793 led by Bruni D'Entrecasteaux  and later British settlement and whaling, timber and coal industries.
    More information on the history of Cockle Creek and Recherche Bay can be found at the entrance to each reserve.

    All walks listed below, except to the cemetery, can be accessed from across the bridge at Cockle Creek.​

    SHORT WALKS

    Cockle Creek Cemetery
    5 minutes return
    Located near the Cockle Creek campground, this historic cemetery gives an insight into the hardships endured by the community that once lived here.

    Whale Sculpture
    5 minutes return
    This impressive bronze sculpture of a southern right whale is located at Adams Point. You can walk or drive to the end of the road, past the Ranger Quarters and Boltons Green campground. 

    Fishers Point
    2 hours return, 4km return
    From the whale sculpture carpark, it's an easy coastal walk through heathland and spectacular views to distant Adamsons Peak, Southern Ranges, Bruny Island and the Southern Ocean. At Fishers Point, explore the ruins of the 1843 pilot station and lighthouse. Consider tides and coastal conditions before undertaking this walk, as sections of beach may be restric​ted during high tides.​

    LONGER WALKS

    South Cape Bay
    4 hours return, 18km return

    South Coast Track
    6-8 days one way, 82km one way

    Camping Options

    ​At Cockle Creek there are two separate camping areas and each provide a number of campsite options. Dogs are permitted on lead in the nature recreation area, but not in the national park.

    The Southwest National Park is a fuel stove only area, campfires or fire pots are not permitted.​

    Camping in Southwest National Park 

    Camping in Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area ​

    Cockle Creek is located 2 hours south of Hobart via the Huon Highway (A6). From Hobart, continue south via Huonville and Geeveston, then take the C635 past the Southport turn off and Hastings Caves turn off. 

    Continue on the C635 through Lune River and Ida Bay to Cockle Creek. The final section of road after the township of Ida Bay is gravel but can be negotiated by two-wheel drive vehicles, campervans and by vehicles towing caravans with care.

    Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

    Southwest National Park

    The Ranger Quarters across the bridge at Cockle Creek is not staffed year round. Volunteer caretakers are usually working during the summer months and can assist visitors with general enquries. 

    Toilets are located in each campground and for day visitor use adjacent to the Ranger Quarters.

    A water tank is located in the Boltons Green campground, just past the Ranger Quarters, but is untreated and should be boiled for several minutes before drinking. We recommend you bring your own drinking water.

    Dogs are permitted on lead only, within Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area. Dogs are not permitted within the national park.​

    ​​​​This is a Fuel Stove Only Area. Fires are prohibited. Please see our Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage ​for more information.​​


    Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know before you go section.

    Contact

    Huonville Office
    22 Main Street
    Office usually staffed 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday
    Huonville TAS 7109
    Phone: 03 6121 7026
    Email: Huonville@parks.tas.gov.au