'End of the road' free camping 'paradise' loved by Aussies

One Aussie family have lifted the lid on one of the country's best – and free – campsites.

Jess Batheram and her partner Jed with their two children (left) and their truck they travelled to the Cockle Creek campsite in (right).
The family went to the ends of the earth for the best camping spot in Australia. Source: Supplied

Camping enthusiasts in search of an 'untamed paradise' will go to the ends of the earth to find the best campsites. And one family have done just that after sharing details of their voyage to the 'end of the road' in Australia.

Jess Batheram and her partner Jed, a self-professed nomadic family, recently voyaged down to Cockle Creek, the southernmost point in the country where, as the couple put it, "the next stop across the ocean is Antarctica".

The couple, travelling full time with their two children and dogs, heard about the campsite from fellow travellers and told Yahoo they were "instantly drawn to it".

"It sounded like an untamed paradise, and it truly is," Batheram told Yahoo. "We absolutely loved it."

Cockle Creek is in the far south of the Huon Valley, in Tasmania, about two hours drive from Hobart. It's so remote that there are no shops, cafes, restaurants or petrol stations nearby. All there is, is pristine beaches and dense forests offering some of the best hikes and fishing spots.

What's more, camping is free and no bookings are taken according to Parks Tasmania. Its campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning travellers don't need to navigate difficult booking systems or commit months in advance.

Batheram family in their truck (left) and Jed picking oysters off rocks (right).
The family spent their days at the beach fishing and searching for oysters. Source: Wildroadwanderers

The family did just this and free camped "just outside the national park" where dogs are allowed, but warned others making the trip to stock up before they go. "You have to stock up before you go, as there isn’t a shop," she said.

The family spent a week down there whiling the hours away fishing, plucking oysters and mussels off rocks, taking walks and going on boating adventures.

"It’s the perfect place for fishing, snorkelling, and epic bushwalks," Batheram said. "There are plenty of grassy spots to choose from, toilets, and it's just a short walk to the beautiful, crystal-clear beach."

"[Our son] Banjo caught two snappers and lots of flatheads—he was one happy little fisher boy! We can't wait to go back soon," Batheram said.

After their week in Cockle Creek, they travelled up the east coast of Tasmania and are currently in the Bay of Fires area.

Batheram said that she and partner Jed have been travelling together for over 12 years, and when their two sons Banjo and Axel came along, the travels didn't stop. In fact, Axel was born on the road and spent the night of his birth in the truck.

The family tour around the country in their self-built camper truck, and between trips spend time in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. "We’ve fallen in love with the simple life, living among nature and exploring our magical country," Batheram said.

"It was only natural that we wanted to continue this nomadic lifestyle after having kids. It’s a whole new, beautiful experience, and seeing them thrive on the road fills our hearts with joy and makes us so proud."

The family of four, and their two dogs travelling together is "beautiful chaos" but they wouldn't have it any other way.

Jess Batheram and her son at the beach (left) and cooking outside her van (right).
The family have been travelling full time, with son Axel born on the road. Source: Wildroadwanderers

"The boys are learning so much from travelling; they truly thrive outdoors. Of course, there are still hard times, but that’s all part of the adventure. We love travelling with our dogs; they are our best mates and make us feel safe," she said.

The family make ends meet by picking up work every six months. "There are so many job opportunities around Australia. We love living in new places, as it allows us to meet the locals and really get a feel for a place," she said.

Batheram said anyone wanting to explore life on the road should "reach out and grab it".

"There will never be a 'right' time. If it’s something you dream of doing with your family, go for it," she said.

"It will undoubtedly be the best decision of your life. Being surrounded by nature every day, learning about our culture, and exploring our diverse landscapes is life-changing for the whole family."

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