The Bay of Fires Ultimate Travel Guide

The alluring azure blue ocean set against strikingly orange-hued boulders allowed the Bay of Fires to be named the hottest destination of 2009 by Lonely Planet. And while that was over 10 years ago now, the fact that this coastline is a must-see will never change. 

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a weekend warrior or a slow traveller, there are plenty of reasons for you to visit the Bay of Fires. The 50 km long stretch of coastline is home to some of the best snorkelling on the island, along with unbeatable beach walks and sunrise locations. 

But perhaps the most enticing part of all is the free camping tucked right alongside the pristine beaches. Where else in Australia can you score prime real estate on a coastline that rivals that of North Queensland… FOR FREE!?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of a product we recommend through one of our links, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you! This helps to support our blog and enables us to continue providing you with helpful tips and exciting adventures, so thank you 🙂

We have called St Helens home for over a year now, and with the close proximity to the Bay of Fires, we find ourselves to be quite the experts on this iconic piece of Tassie coastline. 

In this ultimate guide to visiting the Bay of Fires in Tasmania, you will find all the answers to questions you may have regarding your visit including what to do, where to stay and how to land the best campsite. 

Your Complete Guide To Tasmania’s Bay of Fires

What Is The Bay Of Fires?

The Bay Of Fires is the name given to a stretch of Tasmanian coastline famous for its vibrant orange granite boulders that sit amongst bone-white sand at the edge of the brightest blue water you’ve ever laid eyes upon. 

The boulders’ orange hue is due to Lichen, which can be described as a combination of algae and fungus that live together in a symbiotic relationship and occupy many of the boulders along Tasmania’s east coast. You can find out more about the incredible ecosystem here.

The name was given to this coastline not for the colour of the rocks, as one might think. Instead, it was given to the coastline in 1773 by the explorer Tobias Furneaux who witnessed hundreds of fires lit along the beaches by the local Aboriginal people, known as the Palawa people. 

The coastline’s original name is Larapuna and remnants of its first inhabitants can be found throughout the brightly coloured boulders. These remnants are known as middens and can be described as ancient shell and bone dumping grounds. 

The Bay Of Fires has a rich Aboriginal history and is known to be a place where they used to hunt, gather and perform traditional ceremonies.

To learn more about the rich history of the Bay of Fires, check out the Wukalina Walk, a 4-day / 3-night Palawa owned and led guided tour that includes hiking, cultural activities, bush tucka and traditional foods.

Where Is The Bay Of Fires?

The Bay of Fires is located in the northeast of Tasmania. The 50 km coastline stretches from Eddystone Point in the north to Binalong Bay in the south. It’s flanked by Mount William National Park in the north and native coastal forests in the south.   

The closest ‘major’ town to the Bay of Fires is St Helens, a 10 km drive south of Binalong Bay. The Bay is considered a town that offers public toilets and a cafe/restaurant but little else, requiring a trip to St Helens for fuel, groceries and any other basic needs. 

How To Get To The Bay Of Fires

The drive to the Bay of Fires is 2 hrs 20 minutes east of Launceston and 3 hrs 10 minutes northeast of Hobart. 

The road leading to the southern end of the Bay of Fires is accessed from the town of St Helens and is aptly called Binalong Bay Road. This road will take you as far as The Gardens, but to get to Ansons Bay and Eddystone Point, you will need to retrace your steps back through Binalong Bay and take Reids Road to Ansons Bay Road. 

Alternatively, you can reach the northern end of the bay by taking Ansons Bay Road from St Helens.

The road leading to Binalong Bay and The Gardens is sealed, however, to get to most of the campsites, you will encounter a dirt road. To get to the northern point of the Bay of Fires – Anson’s Bay – you will be driving along a well maintained but unsealed road for quite some time. 

Aside from a slow drive, the road is accessible for 2wd and campervans. There are some tracks that are 4wd only, but these don’t lead to the main locations that I will be suggesting in this post.

Best Way To Explore The Bay of Fires

Due to the remote nature of the Bay of Fires, the best way to explore this destination is by car or by tour. There are some great tour options that will take care of your entire holiday, but if you rather plan your own trips you’ll want to either bring your own car or hire one. 

Top Tour Options For The Bay of Fires

• 5 Days Tasmania West and East Coast Tour – Get Your Guide
• Bay of Fires 4 Day Walking Tour – Viator
• Bay of Fires Walk – 4 Day Walking Tour – Park Trek

If a tour is not your style, our recommendation would be to hire a campervan so that you cover both a vehicle and accommodation in one hit. There are a few different options for campervan hire, including Camplify – where individuals list their personal campervan or car camping set up for hire.

Campervan Hire Options

• Camplify
• Apollo Camper
• Britz
• Cruisin’ Motorhomes
• Discovery Campervans
• Maui Rentals

Hire Car

For those that wish to travel with a hire car and experience the luxurious and quirky accommodation options surrounding the Bay of Fires, we recommend finding the best deals with Rental Cars.

When To Visit The Bay Of Fires

The Bay of Fires and the extended northeast coast from St Helens to Bicheno is fondly known as Tasmania’s sunshine coast – one of the reasons we chose St Helens to live!

This pocket of Tasmania receives the best weather in the whole state, with beautiful sunny days throughout the year. Of course, we get our fair share of rain, wind and the traditional moody Tassie weather, but far less frequently than the rest of the state. 

Therefore, the entire year is a great time to visit, and the time you choose may depend on your preferences. In summer, especially during school holidays, the crowds are almost as thick as the flies. But in winter, you better bring your 5 mm wetsuit to swim in! 

Personally, we love the shoulder seasons from April to June and September to November. While it’s a little chilly in the water, the warming sun and the minimal crowds make up for the need for a wetsuit and a down jacket!

How Long Do You Need To Visit The Bay Of Fires?

How long you spend at the Bay of Fires depends highly on the activities you plan to engage in once you’re there. While you can visit Binalong Bay on a day trip from St Helens or as you’re passing by, to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and experience all it has to offer, I would recommend at least one to two nights.

Most visitors tend to stay close to Binalong Bay, exploring the rocky points in the south and enjoying the abundance of free camping options nearby. To include a trip to Ansons Bay and Eddystone Point, you may want an extra night as you need to drive a further hour north to reach the point.

Things To Know Before Getting To The Bay Of Fires

If this is your first time visiting Tasmania, you may be shocked by the remoteness of almost the entire state. Large supermarkets like Woolworths are reserved for the largest ‘cities’ and almost every destination will lead you along a dirt road at some point. 

But to be honest, that is a huge part of Tasmania’s charm. Although it does require some planning when venturing past Launceston or Hobart. For the Bay of Fires, you won’t need to worry too much because St Helens is quite a large town as far as the state goes, but there are a couple of things to know before getting to the Bay of Fires.

Stock Up On Food And Water

There is no water at the Bay of Fires campgrounds, with the closest drinking water tap located in St Helens at the blackwater dump station. 

You can do your grocery shopping in St Helens before entering the Bay of Fires, however, the IGA is a little more expensive than Woolworths or Coles. If you’re coming from Launceston or Hobart, I recommend stocking up at one of these grocery stores instead. 

There are no stores in Binalong Bay, meaning if you forget something you’ll need to drive all the way back to St Helens! 

Reception Can Be Unreliable

Don’t rely on there being reception where you stay. Even at the campsites that state that there is reception, it can be fickle at times. Especially in the height of summer when the campsites are full.

Purchase Firewood On Your Way

Sourcing firewood at the Bay of Fires is prohibited so you’ll want to grab some on your way. You can purchase a bag from the petrol stations or the Super IGA in St Helens.

Grab a Full Tank Of Fuel Before You Go

There are no fuel stations at the Bay of Fires, with St Helens being the closest in the south and Gladstone the closest to the northern point around Ansons Bay. These two towns are almost 100 km apart.

If you’re travelling around Tasmania by car, it’s a great idea to download the FuelApp for Android or IOS to ensure you know how far it is to the next fuel station! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Bay Of Fires Worth Visiting?

In our opinion, yes. There is such a diversity of things to do in the Bay of Fires and the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the state. 

Do I Need A National Park Pass For The Bay of Fires?

A Tasmanian National Parks Pass is needed to visit the northern end of the Bay of Fires, past Ansons Bridge, where you’re within the boundaries of Mount William National Park. To find out more information on these passes, visit the Parks Tas website. 

Is The Bay Of Fires Free?

The Bay of Fires is free to visit and to camp, except when entering the Mount William National Park north of Ansons Bay. For this area, you will need to purchase a National Parks Pass.

Is The Bay Of Fires Worth Visiting In Winter?

Yes, the Bay of Fires is a great place to whale watch in the cooler months and due to its location, is one of the warmest destinations in Tasmania during winter. 

Can You Do Bay Of Fires In A Day?

While you can visit the Bay of Fires as a day trip, you will be racing to fit in all the best locations and activities that make the Bay of Fires so special. To truly experience the best of the Bay of Fires, we recommend visiting for a minimum of one night and ideally for 2 -3. 

How Long Is The Bay Of Fires Walk?

The Bay of Fires Walk is 61 km from Top Camp Campground in the Mt William National Park to Binalong Bay. It is a point to point walk that requires shuttling if completing the entirety. 

The Bay of Fires Walk is navigationally simple, allowing you to complete partial sections of this walk if you rather not do the entire 61 km.

Should I Stay In St Helens Or Binalong Bay?

Both St Helens and Binalong Bay are great options for your Bay of Fires holiday. Which you choose to stay in depends widely on your intended activities and length of stay. Binalong Bay is the best option for an easy and relaxing getaway where you can immerse yourself wholly in the beautiful destination.

Whereas staying in St Helens provides more accommodation and dining options than Binalong Bay and is an ideal choice if you only plan to visit the Bay of Fires as a day trip. 

Where To Stay In The Bay Of Fires

We are yet to find another destination with as many free camping options as the Bay of Fires. The entire stretch of coastline is filled with forest and beach campsites nestled close to the stunning coastline.

But if camping isn’t your style, you won’t be disappointed with the countless choices for Airbnb’s scattered along the coast. The Bay of Fires offers some of the most luxurious and quaint accommodation options in all of Tasmania.

Camping At The Bay Of Fires

There is no state in Australia that does free camping better than Tasmania, and within Tassie, the Bay of Fires is home to the most and maybe even the best options in the whole state! 

From Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, there are 10 options for free camping and 8 of these have toilets. Each campsite is located either beside the beach or at the edge of an inlet and are all 2wd accessible.

The popular campsites with toilet facilities have designated campsites to choose from and all allow fires in firepits outside of fire restrictions (check the Tasmanian Fire Service website for updated information).

Below is a list of all the free camping spots from north to south. For more information on each individual campsite, you can visit this post on the best campsites in the Bay of Fires. 

Policeman’s Point

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Seasonal dog access
• Phone Reception: Telstra only

Sloop Reef

• Toilets: No
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: None

Seatons Cove

• Toilets: No
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: Telstra only
• Camping in tents is not permitted

Cosy Corner North

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: None

Cosy Corner South

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: Telstra only

Swimcart Beach

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: Yes

Jeanneret Beach

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: No
• Phone Reception: Yes

Grants Lagoon

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: Telstra only

Dora Point

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: Yes

Moulting Bay

• Toilets: Yes
• Bins: No
• Power: No
• Water: No
• Maximum stay: 4 weeks
• Dog Friendly: Dogs on leads permitted
• Phone Reception: Yes

If you choose to spend time at these campsites, please ensure you’re following the 7 leave no trace principles. These areas won’t stay free if we don’t all do our bit to keep them clean and safe for the local wildlife and thriving ecosystem. 

None of these campsites have bins provided so you will need to take all your rubbish with you to deposit at St Helens. There is a blackwater dump station located on the corner of Tully and Young street in St Helens to dump chemical toilet contents, please don’t use the campground toilets. 

Additionally, there are also no water facilities at these campsites so be sure to fill up your water bottles and tanks before leaving St Helens. A drinking water tap located at the dump station mentioned above. 

Other Accommodation In The Bay Of Fires

The Bay of Fires has numerous rental home options surrounding Binalong Bay, along with a quirky bush retreat in the hills above. St Helens offers extra variety with caravan parks and hotels.

Bay of Fires Bush Retreat

The Bay of Fires Bush Retreat offers a real taste of the Tassie wilderness without foregoing comfort. This beautiful retreat has the option of staying in bell tents or a king room for couples, and a bunkhouse for groups. 

The retreat is complete with a stylish amenities block and a fully equipped communal kitchen. Or if you rather avoid cooking on your holidays, you can choose the platter bar, pre-prepared meals and breakfast that are all made by their in-house chefs. 

Big 4 St Helens Holiday Park

The Big 4 in St Helens is the closest caravan park to the Bay of Fires. It’s situated just south of the town on a hill overlooking Georges Bay. This holiday park has cosy modern cabins and an inviting outdoor fire pit. They even offer shuttles to the St Helens mountain bike trails nearby. 

Tasman Holiday Parks – St Helens

The Tasman Holiday Parks – St Helens is another caravan park style accommodation located further around Georges Bay towards Steiglitz. The restaurant within this park, Parkside Bar and Kitchen, offers delicious pizza and seafood options. 

Binalong Bay Rental Home Options

• The Cove Bay of Fires
• Tranquility Bay of Fires
• Baileys Beach House, Binalong Bay

What Is There To Do In The Bay Of Fires?

The better question to ask is what isn’t there to do in the Bay of Fires!?

This sprawling coastline is a water lover’s paradise whether you’re into snorkelling, diving, fishing, surfing – or all of the above! And if you’d rather stay on the shoreline, the multitude of rock pools, wildlife and boulders to explore will keep you entertained for quite some time. 

There are countless things to do in the Bay of Fires, some that may even surprise you! A local tip from us, allow more than one night.

1. Explore The Beaches

The Bay of Fires is most famously known for its beautiful beaches. And we may be biased but we think they are some of the best in Australia. With over 10 different beaches to explore, all offering a slightly unique experience, you’ll be sure to find your favourite among the choices. 

2. Go Swimming In The Crystal Clear Waters

A common question we’ve been asked is whether you can swim at the Bay of Fires and the answer is, absolutely! While you may only last for a quick dip without a wetsuit, the crystal clear water is beautifully fresh and enticing. 

The bays lining the coastline are well protected in many of the locations listed below, making these beaches safe for families and very pleasant for snorkelling or diving. 

Note: As with any beach, the ocean can be turbulent at times and there are no lifeguards on duty along the coast, so use your judgement and know your skill level.

3. Walk Along The Coastal Tracks

Sometimes you just can’t see enough from a car window, and luckily, there are plenty of beautiful forest and coastal walks throughout the Bay of Fires. You can wander along the points, creating your own walk through the bouldered beaches or there are also a few dedicated walking trails in the area. 

Bay of Fires Walk

The most popular hike in the area is the Bay of Fires multi-day walk. This walk has many guided tours to choose from, or you can walk it yourself and stay at the many campsites dotting the coast. You can find the hiking notes on Alltrails. 

Skeleton Point – Dora Point Walking Track

A track winds through the coastal forest flanking Skeleton Point, Grants Point and Dora Point, south of Binalong Bay. This trail will lead you to secluded rock pools and sandy coves that are perfect for a dip. 

Mt William Hike

While only rising 216 m above sea level, Mount William (Wukalina) offers expansive views out towards the islands rising from the Bass Strait.

This 3.6 km trail takes less than 90 minutes and guides you through black gums and banksias before popping out onto a granite peak. Keep an eye out for Aboriginal historical remnants and forester kangaroos as you wander along this path. 

4. Search For Rockpools

The Bay of Fires coast is filled with translucent turquoise pools hidden among the giant orange boulders. Some are large and sprawling, while others are just the right size to float in without a worry of drifting out to sea. 

While half the fun of rockpools is wandering the rocks in search of these hidden gems, why don’t we at least put you on the right track?

Our favourite locations that have stunning rock pools to discover are Cosy Corner North, Sloop Reef – where you’ll find the Insta-famous mermaid pools – and The Gardens which is located at the end of the coastal road in the north. 

5. Go Surfing

As you may have guessed by the name, the Bay of Fires is a bay and surfing is very inconsistent at these beaches. However decent swell does occur occasionally, and when it does, there are some perfect waves for beginners through to intermediates. Look for NE swells and westerly winds for the best surfing conditions at the Bay of Fires. 

When the swell does perform, the best surf beaches in the Bay of Fires are:

• Taylors Beach
• Jeanneret Beach
• Ansons Bay

6. Go Stand Up Paddleboarding

While these beaches aren’t the best for surfing, they’re perfect for paddleboarding. A very popular pastime with the folk that frequent the Bay of Fires is to paddle from a bay in the north to Binalong Bay for lunch or a drink before returning. You could even pack your own picnic and find a secluded rock pool to laze in for the afternoon.

There is a tour company based in St Helens named SUP Tours with Tasmanian Walkinbarefoot East Coast Tours that offer guided SUP tours in Binalong Bay or Georges Bay in St Helens. They don’t have a website but you can reach them on 0497 284 148.

7. Sea Kayak To The Tiny Islands Nearby

Sea kayaking is another widely popular activity to do in the Bay of Fires. You can thoroughly explore each cove along with the many tiny islands just off the coast. Some of these islands are often overly populated by seals sunbaking on the rocks!

Unfortunately, there are no Sea Kayaking tours available in the Bay of Fires – business opportunity anyone? 😉 – so this activity is reserved for those that have their own kayak. 

8. Watch The Most Magnificent Sunrises and Sunsets

With so much colour onshore, the sunrises and sunsets we’ve witnessed in the Bay of Fires have been some of our absolute favourites to date. Winter is especially incredible, where each morning and night seems to set the sky on fire. 

Here are some of our favourite locations to photograph a beautiful sunrise or sunset in the Bay of Fires.

Sunrise:

• Binalong Bay
• Jeanneret Beach
• Cosy Corner North
• Dora Point

Sunset:

• Skeleton Point
• Binalong Bay
• Sloop Reef

9. Go Snorkelling In The Stunning Rock Reefs

No matter which cove you choose, there is an abundance of marine life living among the rock reefs and soft coral dominating the Bay of Fires. 

With such ease of access, these beaches are perfect for any level of snorkelling, whether you’re trying it out for the first time or you’re a seasoned snorkeler. There is such a diverse range of life to see below the crystal water, where the fish play hide and seek within the swaying kelp forest. 

10. Go Diving Right Off The Beach

The diving off the Bay of Fires coast doesn’t require a boat ride to reach the rock reefs and soft coral gardens, making it super easy to access for everyone. Due to the shallower depth, these waters attract loads of freedivers who are able to enjoy the flourishing marine life without the need for a tank. 

The best beaches to dive off are Seatons Cove, Jeanneret Beach and Eddystone Point, where you’re bound to see abalone, smooth stingrays and many reef fish. 

11. Go Beach Fishing

It is widely known that Tasmania is one of Australia’s prime fishing destinations and the Bay of Fires certainly doesn’t disappoint. The ocean is filled with Australian salmon and even the occasional kingfish. 

There is no licence needed for ocean fishing, however, understanding and respecting the size requirements and amounts for local fishing is paramount in keeping this one of Australia’s great recreational fishing destinations.

Spearfishing is also very popular in these waters, where hand spears and spear guns can be used to take any scalefish except bream and boarfish. For abalone and rock lobster, you will need a licence and to take these by hand. Using spearfishing gear is prohibited for these sea creatures. 

For more information on licenses, the requirements and what you can take, visit the Tas Gov website. 

12. Visit The Lighthouse At Eddystone Point

The Eddystone Point Lighthouse stands 35 m tall and contains giant crystal lenses that cast a beam 26 nautical miles out to sea. The lighthouse is still active today, meaning you cannot go inside the pink granite tower. 

But due to the ease of access by car and the stunning location that’s surrounded by empty fine-white sandy beaches, it is still a highly worthwhile adventure – especially in winter when whale sightings are extremely common.

13. Go Mountain Biking

This may seem to be a weird activity to add to the Bay of Fires, but when an iconic trail shares the coastline’s name, it’s worth a mention! 

The 42 km long Bay of Fires trail begins in the Blue Tier, a forest reserve located between St Helens and Derby before tightly making its way to Swimcart Beach. This trail has an excellent mix of downhill flow and cross country, truly allowing you to earn that swim at the end.

And in the town of St Helens, just around the corner, there is an extensive network of trails that range from family-friendly trails to thrilling downhill runs. The St Helens mountain bike trails are located on Flagstaff hill just south of the town. 

14. Enjoy Wine Tasting At The Local Wineries

Tasmania is home to many delicious wineries, though most are located further south or in the Launceston region. We do, however, have one quaint winery in the Bay of Fires called Priory Ridge. 

Priory Ridge is located 15 minutes west of Binalong Bay in the farmlands overlooking the coast. Their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are favourites of ours, but even if you’re not the greatest fan of wine, it’s still a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

Final Thoughts On The Bay Of Fires

The Bay of Fires is such a diverse coastline that offers an abundance of activities and loads of curious wildlife. It’s our favourite destination in Tasmania for a beach holiday and we recommend spending at least 3 nights here. 

When you visit, make sure to bring your wetsuit and grab a snorkelling kit! The bays along this coastline are the perfect place to snorkel for any level and a great way to experience the hidden beauty beneath the surface! 

Just don’t forget to stock up on all your food and water before leaving St Helens. As I’ve explained above, there are no facilities out at the Bay of Fires except for a few public toilets and a cafe at Binalong Bay! 

We would love to hear about your adventures at the Bay of Fires and if you have a question that we have yet to answer, please let us know in the comments below.