Cockle Creek Beach holds off stiff competition to be listed third best beach in Australia

Tourism Australia reveals its top 10 beaches and obviously a Tasmanian spot has made the top three. But, is this Tassie’s best beach? Take our poll inside >>

Cockle Creek, Southwest National Park, Tasmania credit: Liam Neal

Is this Tasmania’s best beach?

Move over Wineglass Bay and Bay of Fires, Cockle Creek Beach in the far south has come in at number three on Tourism Australia’s top 10 beaches.

Squeaky Beach at Wilsons Promontory in Victoria was number one followed by The Farm, also known as Killalea Beach, in Shellharbour in New South Wales.

The best beach list is released every year and is marketed across the world.

Huon Valley mayor Sally Doyle said Cockle Creek Beach was one of many beautiful beaches in the south.

“I’m pleasantly surprised, it’s really good news,” she said.

“It’s unique and very different to Freycinet.

“Parks have done a wonderful job there but the road does need work.”

For former tourism operator and Dover resident Rachael Trueman it is without doubt the best beach.

“It’s tremendous,” she said.

“It’s one of those places where if there is no wind the water draws you in and if it is wild it is still beautiful.

“It is a beach for all seasons.”

Brendan Mitchell who has a shack at nearby Recherche Bay said Cockle Creek Beach was great for children and had good camping.

“It is down to earth and not too touristy,” he said.

“It is where you go to get away from the rush of life and enjoy what life really should be about.

“It is quite remote and not next to any takeaway shops.”

STUNNING SCENE: Visitors make their way up the beach at Cockle Creek, Tasmania.

Gary Ashdown, president of both the Huon Valley Tourism Network and Far South Tourism Association described the listing as “fantastic”.

“Any recognition is just amazing,” he said.

“Cockle Creek is the southern most beach you can get to by car and it’s a beautiful area.

“The river flows out to the sea so you have fresh water one side and the sea on the other and it is a very sheltered area.

“It’s never busy and you can find peace and quiet and enjoy the solitude and the beauty.”

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said it was “great to see one of our jewels in the far south being recognised on the national stage”.

“Cockle Creek is quite literally the end of the road in terms of the southern-most point you can drive in Australia and importantly you can stop in and experience some amazing hospitality and experiences on the way there,” she said.

“We want to see visitors to our state taking some time to explore our regions and Cockle Creek and far south are great for that.”

Federal Tourism Minister Don Farrell said Australia’s beaches were the best in the world.

He said the list showcased “some of our hidden treasures to travellers here and abroad”.

Originally published as Cockle Creek Beach holds off stiff competition to be listed third best beach in Australia