Southwest Conservation Area Track — Cockle Creek to South Cape Bay via South Coast Firebreak

Cockle Creek sits at the end of the sealed road at the bottom of the world — the most southerly point you can drive to in Australia. From here, a rough 4WD firebreak track continues along the fringe of Southwest National Park toward South Cape Bay, crossing wet buttongrass plains, drainage channels, and exposed ridge spurs battered by roaring-forties gales rolling in from the Southern Ocean. The route is not maintained and signage is minimal — you navigate by topo map or GPS, full stop. The dolerite-boulder creek crossings near Recherche Bay are shallow in summer but can be unexpectedly slippery on the algae-covered rock. The coastal views from the exposed headland track sections out toward South Cape and Maatsuyker Island are the kind that make grown adults go quiet.

This track is rated difficult to expert depending on recent rainfall — the buttongrass plains drain slowly and the black peat underneath will swallow a tyre fast if you pick a bad line. High-clearance 4WD with a locker is minimum; a second vehicle and full recovery kit are strongly advised. Summer only — October through March at a stretch. No fuel south of Huonville. No cell service. Permits are not required for the firebreak access but national park entry fees apply if you venture beyond the boundary. Dispersed camping at Cockle Creek is free and spectacular.