The Bay of Fires is a popular destination and a must stop during your Tasmania Road Trip. This area is considered one of the most beautiful places in Australia. It stretches over 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. The Bay of Fires is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and beautiful vegetation. But it’s the orange lichen-covered granite boulders that attract most visitors. Those orange rocks in fact make the bay look like it’s set on fire, especially during the sunset. However, it will surprise many that the name has nothing to do with those stones. In this guide, we will give you a touch of history of the Bay of Fires, as well as the best way to visit & discover it.

The Origins of the Name

Bay of Fires is an area of Tasmania that was home to the North-east Aboriginal nation, who called it larapuna. The name ‘Bay of Fires’ was given by an English explorer, Captain Tobias Furneaux when he sailed past in 1773 and spotted numerous Aboriginal fires along the coast. There is still evidence of the lives of the first Tasmanian along the coastline, in the form of middens (shell and bone dumping grounds).

Discovering the Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires is a long coastline of Tasmania, without one precise spot to visit. The whole area starting from Binalong Bay and passing along the sea is covered with smaller and bigger granite blocks that are colored bright orange by lichens.

Our first stop was Jeanneret Beach Campsite. There is a small and very beautiful bay where we hanged out for a while. It’s just next to the popular Jeanneret Beach, but far less crowded. In fact we stayed there for almost 2 hours and haven’t seen another soul. The white sand was the most powdery and delicate we ever walked on. The boulders on the left side of the bay are beautiful. It’s a perfect spot to start discovering the Bay of Fires.

After relaxing on the Jeanneret Beach, head a bit more north to the Cosy Corner. Leave your car at the parking lot and walk 5 min downhill through the forest to the rocks. There is a path, but it’s almost covered by bushes so just make your way through (and remember to make a lot of noise, to scare snakes off- just in case ?).

If you still have some daylight left, check out The Gardens, another spot just a few minutes drive to the north.

↬ Read : Hike Cradle Mountain Guide – the Heart of Tasmania

Practical info

How to get there

The best way is to get to the Bay of Fires is by renting a car in Launceston. The drive takes approximately 2.5h.

↬ TIP : On the way from Launceston stop at the beautiful Bridestowe Lavender Estate.

Getting around

You can choose to drop your car at the Jeanneret Beach Campsite and walk to the interesting points. Alternatively move around by car, leaving it at the parking lot of each location.

Entrance fee

Entrance to the Bay of Fires is free of charge.

What to bring

A swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen and all the beach essentials. Even if the water is only 16 degrees, the sun is strong. It’s a perfect place to relax on an idyllic beach.

Bring water in a reusable bottle and some snacks.

Where to eat

Most of the nearby restaurants are located in St Helens. The only one closer to Binalong Bay is Meresta Eatery.

Meresta Eatery closest to Bay of Fires with beautiful views over the sea.

The Wharf Bar & Kitchen serves fresh seafood daily.

Where to stay

Following our Tasmania Road Trip Guide we recommend driving a bit more south and staying closer to Freycinet National Park for this night.

↬ Find all the best deals for the Bay of Fires on booking.com

We recommend: Bay of Fires Eco Hut – Sea Eagle Cottage