Tasmania’s Bay of Fires is one of the most unique places in all of Australia. You will find orange, granite rocks contrasting against white beaches and azure seas. The result is an insane color palette and natural phenomenon like nowhere else in the world. In addition to beautiful beaches, you can also do fantastic hiking, swimming and find the most beautiful campsites in all of Tasmania. Read on and discover the best things to do along the Bay of Fires in Tasmania!
What you need to know before your visit
The Bay of Fires is located on the east coast of Tasmania and extends 50 km from Binalong Bay to Larapuna (formerly called Eddystone Point). For national parks in Tasmania, you need a national parks pass. The Bay of Fires is not a national park but a conservation area, so you can visit it just fine without one. If you plan to visit the adjacent Mount William National Park or other national parks in Tasmania, you do need to purchase a pass. This can be done at one of the Visitor Centers in the area.
5 best things to do along the Bay of Fires, Tasmania
It is because of the bright, orange rocks contrasting against the azure sea that the Bay of Fires is known worldwide. Contrary to what you might think, however, it did not get its name from that. In 1773, when English navigator Tobias Furneaux saw burning fires along the coast, lit by Tasmanian Aborigines, he named the bay the “Bay of Fires. Today, it is one of the most beautiful places in Tasmania that is absolutely not to be missed!
1) Binalong Bay
Binalong Bay is a small village where the Bay of Fires begins and where you can already immediately find the impressive, orange rocks. Especially at Skeleton Bay Reserve, you can have fun clambering between or over the orange rocks. It used to be the site of the Lone Tree, a solitary tree on the rocks that provided beautiful photos. This tree was unfortunately killed by the waves in 2021. You will also find Binalong Bay Beach, a long stretch of white beach with crystal clear water. This is one of the most popular beaches though and thus also one of the busiest. Further along the Bay of Fires you will find at least equally beautiful beaches where you are often alone.
2) Beach hopping and swimming in rock pools
In addition to pearly white beaches, you will find numerous “rock pools” along the Bay of Fires. These small, naturally formed pools among the orange rocks are great for taking a refreshing dip. Despite its sad name, Suicide Beach is one of the best beaches along the Bay of Fires where you will find these rock pools. Keep in mind the tides of the water as that determines the size of the rock pools. Also at Taylors Beach, Swimcart Beach and the beaches at Cosy Corner North & South, you will find the large, orange granite blocks scattered on snow-white beaches. These beaches are perfect for a day of relaxation. Bring plenty of food and drinks of your own, as you won’t find any stores or restaurants anywhere.
3) Walking at The Gardens
The Gardens is another wonderful stop you can make along the Bay of Fires. The road there is worthwhile in itself where you always have a view of the coastline. This is also where the paved road ends and you must return afterwards. At The Gardens you will find a small loop which you can walk through green fields to the coastline. You cannot really swim here, but it is a nice place to walk over the orange rocks again. Because these rocks are already a bit higher you also have a nice view of the sea and the surroundings.
4) Camp in the most beautiful campsites
Tasmania is in Australia Known for being one of the best places to camp for free. Not only that, but as far as we are concerned, these are some of the most beautiful campsites in all of Australia! Imagine sitting outside in front of your campervan or tent in the evening, enjoying a home-cooked meal while watching the waves lapping against the orange rocks. Some of the best campsites to pitch are Swimcart Beach (our favorite), Cosy Corner North & South and Sloop Reef Campground. The campgrounds have simple restrooms but nothing else. You don’t always have coverage there either, but you don’t need it in such a beautiful setting! The campgrounds are very popular, so try to arrive in time for the best spots.
TRAVEL TIP: To find the best (free) campsites, public toilets and more in Tasmania and Australia, use the handy app ‘WikiCamps’. Read all our tips for your trip to Australia here!
5) Visit Little Blue Lake
An hour’s drive from the Bay of Fires you will find Little Blue Lake. This lake was originally a mine and is now filled with water that has an intense, blue color. This is due to the minerals in the water, so it is not recommended to swim here, though. Still, it is definitely worth a stop, as you can hike a bit around the lake and take all kinds of pictures along the way with the blue lake in the background. Do you drive from Bay of Fires towards Devonport during your tour in Tasmania, then do this best as a stopover.
Where to stay along the Bay of Fires
Along the Bay of Fires you will find beautiful campsites that are free to pitch too. Between Binalong Bay and The Gardens, you’ll find six, the most popular of which are Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner North & South and Sloop Reef. Prefer to stay in accommodation? Then the Georges Bay Apartments are ideal as a base from which to explore the Bay of Fires. The Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is another, fun option where you can stay in glamping tents.
How to visit Bay of Fires in Tasmania
The best way to travel around Tasmania is by car or motorhome, as public transportation is limited. Bay of Fires lies along Tasmania’s east coast and is most easily reached from the city of St-Helens. From the capital Hobart it is about a 3-hour drive to St-Helens and from Devonport, where the ferry arrives, also about 3 hours. In St-Helens you can buy groceries and refuel, because along the Bay of Fires itself you will not find gas stations and stores. The roads along the Bay of Fires are paved and can be driven with a normal car or motorhome.
Best travel time Tasmania
The best travel time for Tasmania is from November through April. From December to February is summer in Australia and you are more likely to have good weather, but it is also much busier because Australians also have vacations. The shoulder seasons are also pleasant in Tasmania with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. In winter (June to August) it can be very cold in Tasmania with temparatures around freezing.
Still have questions about traveling to Tasmania? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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