Bay of Fires

The east coast of Tasmania has long been regarded for its pristine stretches of coastline. Within this stunning stretch, the Bay of Fires is a standout, with fiery lichen-covered seaside rocks igniting the coast and inspiring all who travel here. Brilliant orange in colour, these tiny algae transform the coast into an electrifying feast for the senses. Combine this with lush agricultural pasturelands and hillsides, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a natural attraction.

You could be mistaken for thinking that the Bay of Fires is so named due to its fiery granite rocks, but it was named in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux in the Adventure, who saw many fires along the beaches as he sailed by. The original custodians of this land had lit the fires, the Palawa people, with Larapuna, the Aboriginal name for this land.

For those with a tent through to a caravan, the free camping to be had in the Bay of Fires is sure to impress. While most free camping on the mainland of Australia is usually quite a drive from major attractions, it’s quite the contrary in the Bay of Fires, with many campsites right on the foredune of the area’s best beaches. In fact, many regard the free camping along the Bay of Fires as the best in the country, which probably isn’t too far from the truth.

The nearby town of St Helens has a range of accommodation and facilities, including supermarkets, fuel and cafés, so you’ll never feel too far away from civilisation. For those seeking out rented accommodation, the cosy coastal town of Binnalong Bay is a seaside charmer, resting on the shores of the southern end of the Bay of Fires.

The biggest challenge travellers face when visiting the Bay of Fires is finding the truly remarkable sections of coastline that the Bay of Fires is renowned for. While there is signage leading to many popular destinations, some of the best examples of what makes the Bay of Fires unique are not obvious or signposted. The good news is we’ve scoured the coastline so that you’ll enjoy many of the most scenic hotspots within this remarkable coast.

One of the most scenic stretches of coastline that you’ll come across in the Bay of Fires can be found at The Gardens — an internationally recognised conservation area. You’ll find swathes of orange lichen covering the rocks here, adding impressive colouration to the natural surroundings. Added to this, the coastline boasts white sandy beaches, stunning azure waters and postcard-perfect agricultural fields. It all adds up to a landscape that captivates and inspires all who visit.

The other drawcard of The Gardens is the drive. Situated north of the main accommodation and campsites of the area, The Gardens are at the end of a scenic coastal drive, allowing visitors to fully absorb this irresistibly charming seaside escape. Upon arrival, the pathways at The Gardens are short and easy-going, so you’ll have every excuse to unwind within the natural beauty of this amazing setting.

There are many secluded pockets of paradise along the coastline of the Bay of Fires, but if you had to pick one, the alluring waters of Cosy Corner are an excellent choice. Not only is it home to two beaches with sparkling water and pristine sands, but it also has one of the most significant concentrations of lichen-covered granite boulders at the northern end of the beach.

Cosy Corner is known (and signposted) as a camping area, which means many people drive past this seaside stunner. There are two camping areas at Cosy Corner — Cosy Corner South and Cosy Corner North. Turn into the signposted ‘Cosy Corner North’ campground from Gardens Road, and you’ll find the beach and campground at the end of the road.

Upon arrival, walk north along the main stretch of beach and subsequently over a small headland, and you’ll reach the second, smaller beach of Cosy Corner. With pristine sands and spectacular scenery, you’ll be in your element in this natural haven. Head even further north from this point, and you’ll come across a rocky point with the most intense lichen-covered granite boulders in the area.

For those not keen to rock hop, a much more accessible yet equally impressive granite formation can be found a little further north of Cosy Corner. Head back out to the main road and travel approximately 800m north along Gardens Road, and you’ll see the signposted ‘Sloop Reef’ turnoff. Turn right, and then take your first left to the Sloop Reef Campground. At the back of this small campground, you’ll find the granite rock formation pictured below, complete with expansive views of Taylor’s Beach stretching up the coastline.

Overall, this short section of coastline within the Bay of Fires will have you awe-struck in terms of its uniqueness and visual impact. Given that many miss this particularly beautiful stretch, you can expect low crowds as you take in one of the Bay of Fire’s best-kept secrets. Overall, you may have to hunt around a little, but the rewards are most definitely here for those who love the path-less-travelled.

A trip to the Bay of Fires wouldn’t be complete without a stop in the quaint and highly scenic village of Binalong Bay. Of the many vantage points and secluded bays in and around Binalong Bay, the Bay of Fires Viewing Platform is the most popular place to take in the breathtaking scenery. With Lichen-covered rocks and sweeping views of Binalong Bay, you’ll be in your element as you soak up the sights of this cosy little town.

For those happy to rock hop, the surrounding rocks adjacent to the viewing platform are worth investigating, with views from the water’s edge proving to be all-encompassing. You’ll also find secluded bays of natural beauty a short walk away in Skeleton Bay Reserve (see map), should you wish to uncover all there is to see. Overall, Binnalong Bay is a sleepy seaside town that deserves a look, with some amazing sights to be discovered.

As you drive into Binalong Bay, you’ll inevitably pass the southern entrance of Binalong Bay’s main beach. This is another favourite of visitors to the Bay of Fires, and a great spot to stop and take in the captivating scenery. It’s a large sandy stretch with big appeal for those who can appreciate Mother Nature at her very best. A very worthy beach to take a stroll on, visitors who walk to the far (northern) end will be rewarded with a granite headland of orange-clad lichen and pleasant views back up the beach to the township of Binalong Bay.

While walking on the beach is recommended, you’ll also find the Binalong Bay Coastal Walk just behind the foredune of the beach. Be sure to walk this track on your way up, or back from the northern end if you’d like to appreciate the views from a slightly different perspective. It also provides access to Grants Lagoon, which lies just behind the foredune.

If you’re planning on visiting the Bay of Fires, there’s a great day trip to be had out to St Columba Falls. Plunging over 90 metres, the waterfall is the second-longest drop in Tasmania, and what a sight it is. The good news is you can see the falls from the car park, so there is no strenuous walk required to see these gigantic falls.

For those keen to get out and about, the distant view is only bettered by taking a relatively short walk to the base of the falls, where the full size and grandeur of this towering cascade become apparent. The walk into the falls is just as good as the falls themselves, perhaps even better, with the most striking rainforest setting adding to the overall experience.

Driving to the falls is also an enjoyable event, with much of the countryside mountainous and highly scenic. The falls are located just beyond the farming town of Pyengana, which is situated on a lush prairie surrounded by untamed hillsides. Here you’ll discover the Holy Cow Café, where you can sample locally produced cheddar cheese.

A little further down the road will bring you to the Pub in the Paddock — a country pub with its own beer-swilling pig known as Priscilla. Buy a watered-down stubbie of beer from the publican, and Priscilla will be most appreciative. You won’t find any other food options out in this remote countryside, but both the café and pub are open for lunch or a snack. Overall, this is a great free-entry day out, with a few indulgence options along the way.