The Bay of Fires runs along Tasmania’s north-east coast, from Binalong Bay to larapuna/Eddystone Point. Orange-lichen-marked granite, pale beaches and blue-green water line the coast, which also holds significant Aboriginal cultural places. A car offers the most flexibility for visiting its beaches and rocky headlands.
What makes the coast special
Orange lichen colours the granite boulders that sit beside pale sand and clear water. The Bay of Fires comprises separate beaches, bays and headlands, so a visit can mean a short stop at Binalong Bay or several coastal stops over a longer stay. Parks Tasmania says British navigator Tobias Furneaux named the area in 1773 after seeing fires along the coast; the name refers to those fires, not the orange rocks.
The northern area, known as larapuna, is a significant Aboriginal cultural place. Parks Tasmania describes it as a meeting place for Aboriginal family groups and identifies midden sites in the dunes. Leave these sites and any cultural material undisturbed. “Larapuna” is also the name of an officially designated locality; its boundaries do not precisely match those of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area or the wider tourism region.
The coast also has reefs, sea life and coastal birdlife. Dolphins and migrating whales are among the wildlife visitors look out for, but sightings are not guaranteed. Signs at Binalong Bay and The Gardens provide information about whales and their migration.
Bay of Fires beach access
For a southern visit, start at Binalong Bay and follow the coastal road towards The Gardens. From St Helens, take Binalong Bay Road, then continue on the sealed road towards The Gardens. Binalong Bay is a convenient place to walk the sand and explore nearby rocks; further north, The Gardens offers another coastal stop. The road ends at private land there, so follow signs and do not continue beyond public access.
Jeanneret Beach, Cosy Corner and Binalong Bay are among the beaches highlighted by Tourism Tasmania. Swimcart and Sloop Lagoon are other named access and camping areas. Choose a specific stop rather than assuming there is one easy walking track connecting every beach and headland.
The northern approach reaches Ansons Bay, Policemans Point and Eddystone Point. From St Helens, the drive to Ansons Bay takes about 40 minutes on a gravel road. To reach Policemans Point campground, turn onto Policemans Point Road and follow it for about 5 km. Roads in this part of the coast include unsealed sections, so allow for slower travel and check current road and park alerts before setting out.
Tourism Tasmania gives driving estimates of 175 km and 2 hours 20 minutes from Launceston to Binalong Bay, and 263 km and 3 hours 20 minutes from Hobart. These are estimates, not live travel times. Buses run to St Helens, but there are no local buses around the Bay of Fires, making a car the most flexible option.
Walk, swim or camp
At beach stops, walk along the sand and explore headlands and boulders from the shore. Parks Tasmania also lists swimming in bays and fishing from rocks. Parks Tasmania warns that beaches have steep drop-offs into deep water and are subject to rips. Before swimming, check local signs and conditions. When the sea is rough, keep clear of exposed rocks.
Camping gives visitors more time on the coast. Tourism Tasmania lists eight free campgrounds in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. Mount William National Park has six designated campgrounds, where a parks pass and camping fees apply. The northern section from the Ansons River mouth to larapuna/Eddystone Point is within Mount William National Park and requires a parks pass. Check Parks Tasmania’s current fees, fire restrictions and campground conditions before departure.