History on whaling and saw log milling, the environment and the hard work that our early settlers endured. Very pretty place to relax in and appreciate.The road is terrible but worth the careful driving to dee this place
This is a great little track. Nothing too hard really and what awaits you at the other end in terms of spectacular views is a great reward. Highly recommended for those with the desire to do something a little different!
First of all, let me say that it is a good thing that I'm from the USA and didn't realize how far 15.4 kilometers really is! If I'd known, I would have decided that hiking this wilderness trail was beyond my abilities.However, I'm so glad that I did it. The hike itself meandered through a variety of landscapes. The view at the coast is worth the trip. Just to imagine that the next landmass across the water is Antarctica!I would caution anyone considering the walk - this is a true wilderness area. Be sure that you're fit enough to get yourself in and out safely. The sign at the beginning of the trail indicated that the walk would take four hours (in the US, similar signs always way overestimate the time). It took us nearly five hours - granted we did sit at the coast for a while enjoying the chocolate we brought along.
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk from Cockle Creek to South Cape Bay. While the last 15 kms driving was rough (we hear it has been graded recently) the 1-2 hour walk to the Cape was easy going and excellently maintained. We enjoyed being able to walk at a good pace and appreciated the efforts to provide boarded walkways over swampy parts of the walkway.The beach at the end of the walk was impressive (annoying flies though), isolated and inspiring
I'm not a fast walker and I left about 10 am from cockle creek, the track is slightly inclined in places, encounter cobbled ground, boardwalk for large section, your feet can get muddy so wear good quality walking shoes, register your trip intention 5 mins from car park. Allow time to take in the view when you arrive at the bluff. And aim to return by around 2 to 2.30 in winter.
I went with a group of 4 friends and while we were fit, we were not experienced in hiking. The 4 hours return turns into much longer if you would like to that the time to look at the multitude of plants, aussie critters, and sceneries along the way as we did. The beach at end paid off though, such amazing views of the southern ocean! We went walking on a hot day though, and were surprised that there was not a speck of shade to have a rest in at the beach. I suggest rest well in the small alcoves in the scrub along the way, and ofcourse bring plenty of water! We realised also that the bridge to the National park is shut to vehicles at 4pm (we were staying at cockle creek campsite) Either go early or park before the bridge so a group member does not have to rush back and move the car as I did!
There are dozens of short walks within in the southwest national park. There are remote beaches, great sand dunes incredible surf waves not sure if I would swim there I would check that out. I would not try it but worth the look. Take warm clothes as weather can change quickly.
Travelling form Huonville to Cockle Creek interesting. Walk had to be aborted due to a slip and twisted ankle and rainy weather.
This is the only place you can walk to the very bottom of Australia - next stop Antarctica! The return walk is about 15kms and despite what the signs say it takes a good 5 hours not 4 but it is worth it. The walk is not hard for experienced walkers but if it has rained (and it had!) unless you have good hiking boots you will get wet feet. The views at the end at South Cape Bay are worth the effort.
an easy walk on mostly duckboarding, though a little muddy in winter. lovely forest/buttongrasss and then coastal terrain.