Where Can You Hike the Bay of Fires?

Complete guide to visiting Bay of Fires Tasmania. A detailed listing of things to do, places to meet, where to stay and more. Explore one of Australia'southward most scenic coastlines with epic photos of the one and only; Bay of Fires.

The Bay of Fires in Tasmania hit the global travel stage in 2022 when it was mentioned in Lonely Planet'south Meridian 10 Places to Visit in the Globe. However, Tasmanians accept long recognised the Bay of Fires as being one of the nigh beautiful spots in the country.

Perhaps one of the most unique features of the Bay of Fires is the incredible coastal colour pallet. Rich, deep-orange boulders besprinkle the coastline on the banks of fluorescent, turquoise waters. Sweeping white-sand beaches carve the declension as far equally the center tin see and weathered, wind-swept bushland hangs onto the border of its shores.

After spending a fair bit of fourth dimension exploring this unique Australian icon, I've formulated this comprehensive travel guide to the Bay of Fires Tasmania. Here, you'll find inspiration and ideas for things to do, where to discover the best beaches and rock pools, where to stay equally well equally data near camping and some photos that I hope will inspire your trip.

ORANGE ROCKS AND BLUE WATER AT BAY OF FIRES TASMANIA

Where is Bay of Fires in Tasmania?

Bay of Fires is located on Tasmania's North-East coast. The proper name refers to the long, 50 KM stretch of coastline from Binalong Bay in the s, to Eddystone Point in the northward.

However, most people tend to visit the area between The Gardens and Binalong Bay for the best beaches, stone pools and things to practise.

How to Get to the Bay of Fires

To get to the Bay of Fires, you'll demand to head towards the town of St Helens, which is located approximately 165 kilometres from Launceston, or 252 kilometres from Hobart. St Helens is the chief town where you can stock upwards on food, get water, dump waste and book tours and activities in the Bay of Fires.

From St Helens, you can get to the Bay of Fires past heading towards Binalong Bay, taking either Binalong Bay Road, C850 (sealed route) or Reids Road, C849 (unsealed road). When nosotros visited, the principal sealed road (C850) was airtight due to flooding. Then, nosotros were forced to take the alternate unsealed road to access the declension. Don't worry though, this road is fairly well-maintained and we had no trouble in our large van.

Binalong Bay is a small township within the Bay of Fires. Virtually campsites, beaches, rock pools and other activities and things to do are institute along the coast northward of Binalong Bay, forth Gardens Route (C848).

Famous tour choice: If y'all're planning a trip to Tasmania, consider this epic v-solar day gamble from Hobart which is one of the most pop guided trips in Tasmania with nifty ratings on Viator and Tripadvisor. Information technology combines the rugged highlights of the east coast including the Bay of Fires, as well equally wild rainforest and alpine highlights on the w coast similar Cradle Mount.

Bay of Fires Map

Beneath I've formulated a map with all of the highlights listed in this guide to the Bay of Fires Tasmania. It includes some of the rock pools, beaches, camping spots and points of involvement. All of the pins are colour coded to help yous find the attraction you lot're looking for.

Things to practice in Bay of Fires Tasmania

Initially, we had only dedicated a curt two days to exploring the Bay of Fires on our Tasmanian route trip. Withal, nosotros quickly realised that this would exist much too brusque. In the terminate, we stayed hither for over a week exploring all of the best things to do in the Bay of Fires. Beneath are some of the highlights that I could recommend for anyone visiting the area.

1. Bay of Fires Walks

Since the Bay of Fires coastline stretches over l kilometres, covering it all by foot would hateful a multi-twenty-four hours hike. Luckily, there are some reputable bout agencies that operate in the area and lead walkers to the best spots on organised walking tours. Below I've linked some of the all-time in the region.

4-Day Bay of Fires Walking Tour

four-Twenty-four hours Tasmania Walking Tour (Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Bruny Island)

Bay of Fires Organised Bout from Launceston

Self Guided Walks

If you'd prefer to have your ain, self-guided walks around some of the Bay of Fires highlights, then I'd suggest having a machine. This way, you can drive to most of the spots and enjoy walks forth the declension.

Some of my favourite brusk Bay of Fires walks include:

Rock-hopping from Swimcart Beach to Sloop Reef
Walking the stretch of Taylors embankment to the Gardens
Bay of Fires Coastal Walk northward of The Gardens

Near of these tracks aren't official "trails" and won't be plant on maps or in tourist brochures. Still, if y'all check out the points mentioned on the map, you'll hands observe great walking routes forth the coast.

two. Swim in Incredible Orangish Rock Pools

If you've looked up photos of the Bay of Fires on social media, then yous know that at that place are some very breathtaking, crystal-articulate h2o rock pools in the area. There are loads of awesome spots to detect and all make for a great swim and fantastic photograph opportunities.

I recommend just driving around the coastline stopping at the many pull-over points and accessing the beach and headlands. Y'all'll quickly discover that there are hundreds of cute rock pools surrounded by orange ochre boulders.

Still, to assist y'all find some of the best Bay of Fires stone pools, I've pinned them on the map institute higher up. I've also included some photos of the spots beneath with GPS coordinates to make information technology easy for you.

Why are the rocks orange at the Bay of Fires?
The ochre boulders scattered along the Bay of Fires coastline are orangish due to a combination of algae and mucus known as lichens. These lifeforms alive together in a symbiotic human relationship and create the orange colour you see on the boulders.

My Favourite: Cozy Corner Due north Rock Pools

GPS Coordinates: 41°thirteen'01.4″Due south 148°17'05.six″E

Later on spending long days exploring the best of the Bay of Fires coastline, I call up I found my favourite spot. At the north of Cozy Corner, you'll find a secluded hidden beach with large lichen-covered orange rocks on both sides. If you continue north around the headland, you'll before long see a wide and hip-deep turquoise pool subconscious behind the huge headland boulders.

Nevertheless, you'll need to programme your visit here during high-tide equally the h2o disappears during low tide.

Suicide Beach Rock Pools

GPS Coordinates: 41°x'xix.2″S 148°16'51.4″East

While non a very nice proper name, this south terminate of this beach near The Gardens has some of the best rock pools in the Bay of Fires. While non very deep, the boulders here are super orange. This creates a beautiful scene where you can swim or simply sit and bask the view for hours.

The Lone Tree Pools

GPS Coordinates: 41°fourteen'52.3″S 148°18'43.eight″E

The Lone Tree is an iconic tree located at the end of Binalong Bay. Whilst a highlight in itself (especially for photographers) there are also some great rock pools here where y'all can swim. Unfortunately, the water isn't quite equally blue in Binalong Bay every bit it is further upward the declension. Still, it's a great spot and I recommend stopping by if yous make it to the town.

RELATED Mail: 11 Things to practice on Bruny Island

The Gardens Rock Pools

GPS Coordinates: 41°09'44.eight″South 148°17'03.1″Eastward

The Gardens is a flatter region to the north of Binalong Bay and marks the end of the sealed road in the Bay of Fires. The surface area is a popular spot to stop and take photos. There are also some great orange boulders here to take photos of simply to the right of the walking track leading from the carpark.

Sloop Reef

GPS Coordinates: 41°12'33.3″S 148°16'48.one″E

Sloop Reef is one of the most scenic spots at the Bay of Fires. This part of the coastline features a higher headland than the rest, where people frequently camp. The entire expanse around this headland has some great stone pools to swim in, as well as some secluded, white-sand beaches.

Sloop Reef Adaptation: The Cove

You might be mistaken in thinking that the name "Bay of Fires" originates from the unique orange boulders scattered forth the coast. However, the name stems from Tobias Furneaux, who sailed past the Bay in 1773 and named it after the hundreds of aboriginal campfires that dotted the coast. Indigenous Australians named the bay Larapuna and recognised the place as an important expanse for gathering, fishing and conducting ceremonies. You can still encounter aboriginal piles of seafood waste product known as "middens" all beyond the Bay of Fires.

3. Visit the Gardens

As mentioned above, the Gardens marks the end of the sealed road heading north from Binalong Bay. It'due south also a popular spot for people to stop and adore the coast. There are bird nesting sites here, as well as ane of the near cute beaches in the Bay of Fires: Fancy Reef.

The coastline hither is mostly flat and more cleared than what you'll find farther south. You will besides discover large private properties with horses grazing adjacent to the ocean.

Accommodation at the Gardens: Driftwood

4. Go Surfing/Beach Hopping

Past now, you lot've probably figured out that there are some ridiculously beautiful beaches in the Bay of Fires. I of the best things to do in the area is to go check some out.

For surfing, we noticed that Swimcart Beach and Cozy Corner had practiced breaks. Some other notable beaches in the Bay of Fires include:

Jeanneret Beach
Taylors Embankment
Fancy Reef Beach
Suicide Beach

five. Photograph the Lone Tree at Binalong Bay

I've already mentioned the Lone Tree in the stone pool section above. However, I consider a visit to the tree one of the best things to practise in the Bay of Fires, especially for photographers.

In reality, the tree is not that special. It's simply just a twisted tree growing on some lichen-covered rocks. However, you accept to acknowledge that it makes for a great subject, peculiarly when shooting frames at dusk.

Update: Unfortunately, every bit of November 2021, the solitary tree at Binalong Bay is no more. I judge the Tassie winds were but as well potent this time around. Balance in peace!

6. Experience Some of Australia's Best Sunsets

In that location are so many reasons why this region suits its name so well. 1 of those is that the heaven absolutely lights up every single night! I'm not sure what it is, or if nosotros simply got lucky, but we plant that the Bay of Fires offered us some of the best sunsets we've e'er seen.

SUNSET CAMPING AT THE BAY OF FIRES, SWIMCART BEACH

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7. Freedom Camp Right Adjacent to the Beach

I honestly couldn't believe my ears when I was told that the majority of the campsites in the Bay of Fires are free. In that location are also loads to cull from, ranging from sandy, beachside spots to isolated camping near the lagoons.

The Bay of Fires is best enjoyed over several days. That way, you lot can truly feel just how much dazzler this region has to offer. Even if you can't, at least staying for dusk is obligatory in my opinion!

Useful Tips for Visiting Bay of Fires

Stock up on food and supplies at St Helens as at that place isn't much on offer in one case you reach Binalong Bay.
You'll find drinking water and blackness water dump stations at St Helens Recreation Grounds.
A National Parks Laissez passer isn't required to enter the Bay of Fires. However, if you're planning a visit further n by Ansons Bridge, you will demand to buy a pass as this expanse is within Mount William National Park.
Endeavor to get in early if visiting on weekends as the best campsites can fill up up fast.
Bring mosquito spray every bit sandflies and mozzies can get brutal when the sun goes down

Camping at Bay of Fires

While I've touched briefly on camping at the Bay of Fires in the to a higher place section on things to do, I also idea I'd note the best places to military camp.

We spent our get-go night in our van at Swimcart Beach but quickly moved to Cozy Corner South when nosotros saw there was a free spot with sea views. We ended up staying hither for quite a while since information technology was truly simply so magical. Other gratis campsites in the region include:

Dora Point
Sloop Reef
Grants Lagoon

For more campsites, brand sure to bank check the Campermate App.

Campsite Access

Most of these sites are accessible by 2WD vehicles. Withal, look unsealed gravel roads leading from The Gardens Road to each site. Yous don't demand to book any free campsites in the Bay of Fires as it works on a first-in-first-served basis.

There are enough of flat spots in nearly all of the campsites for campervans, caravans and tents.

Fires are also permitted along the Bay of Fires declension but collecting firewood isn't. Therefore, it's a good idea to stock up in St Helens if yous plan on having a fire. Also, all of the campsites nosotros visited had drib-toilets.

Bay of Fires Accommodation

Not planning on camping ground in the Bay of Fires and looking for a hotel or accommodation instead? Below I've summarised the best-reviewed and best deals yous'll find for accommodation in the Bay of Fires Tasmania.

Driftwood at the Gardens
Driftwood is one of the best accommodation homes in the Bay of Fires offering iii bedrooms, a Tv, full kitchen and incredible ocean views from the balcony.

Driftwood at the Gardens Bay of Fires Accommodation

The Cove
Some other incredible holiday home within xiv-minutes of Swimcart Embankment. The Cove offers iii bedrooms and a full kitchen. All-time of all, theres a great view of Sloop Reef from the balcony.

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat
The Bush Retreat is ane of the closest accommodation options about Binalong Bay. It features a bar, garden and shared kitchen. You'll have the selection booking bell tents (must see), large king rooms or a total family bungalow. This is the highest-rated accommodation choice in the Bay of Fires!

Compare more accommodation options at Bay of Fires here.

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More Photos of the Bay of Fires

Beneath are some more shots that I managed to snap during my visit to the Bay of Fires Tasmania. Let me know what you call up!

MY Camera AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

Mirrorless Photographic camera: Catechism R5
Drone: DJI Mavic Pro ii
360 Action Camera: Insta360 I X2
Landscape Lens: Catechism RF 15-35mm f/2.8L
All-Round Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L
Telephoto Lens: Catechism RF 100-500mm f/f/4.5-vii.ane 50
Long Activeness Pole: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
Landscape Lens Filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
Camera Backpack: F-Terminate Tilopa
Favorite Photography Accessory: Height Pattern Capture Clip

For a listing of all my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why) bank check out my guide to camera gear for travel.

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