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A panoramic image of the white sand beach at the Bay of Fires, with the crashing waves in the background.
Bay of Fires (photograph: Dixie Makro)

Bay of Fires Conservation Area

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Boat ramp
  • Campfires permitted
  • Camping
  • Caravan access
  • Dogs on leads are permitted
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Picnic facilities
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming
  • Toilets

ContactExpand/Collapse

  • St Helens Field Centre
    Eagle Street, St Helens TAS 7216
    Postal: PO Box 353
    St Helens TAS 7216
    Phone: 03 6387 5510

About

Tasmania’s best-known conservation area, named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s ‘Most Beautiful Beaches’ and there’s no doubt the Bay of Fires lives up to this reputation.​

The Bay of Fires Conservation Area comprises a series of magnificent bays that stretch along Tasmania’s north-east coast. Bright orange lichen encrusts the granite boulders, contrasting spectacularly against the whiter-than-white sandy beaches and turquoise water in the bays.

Binalong Bay, a peaceful beachside township, marks the southern end of the Bay of Fires, while larapuna/Eddystone Point, within Mount William National Park marks the boundary to the north.

Tasmanian beaches are renowned for their beauty and seclusion, and the Bay of Fires is up there with the best of them – perfect for long leisurely walks, swimming in the protected bays, fishing off the rocks and quiet coastal camping nestled behind the dunes – you’ll be left wondering how you’ll ever motivate yourself to leave this pocket of paradise!

​Beach activities and bird-watching are popular and pods of dolphins are frequently seen cruising close to the shore. The area is also known for its scenic reefs, underwater caves and abundant sea life and snorkelling and diving gear are often packed with camping essentials.

The Bay of Fires is part of the East Coast Whale Trail and signs at The Gardens and Binalong Bay provide information and stories about the whales commonly sighted along the coast, whaling history, migration and how to view whales safely on the water. Humpback and southern right whales come sufficiently close to the coast to allow regular sightings.

Seals and pods of dolphins also cruise the area. On the beaches, keep a lookout for hooded plovers, sooty and pied oyster catchers, a variety of gulls and the occasional white-bellied sea eagle.

The coastal heath and dry sclerophyll forest flanking the Bay of Fires provide ideal habitat for a rich variety of native mammals. Wallabies and possums ​are relatively common in the area. Spotted-tail quolls and Tasmanian devils are much more elusive.  Visitors are reminded not to feed wildlife.

The critically endangered swift parrot can be seen occasionally​ in the warmer months. They return to Tasmania from Victoria and New South Wales to breed in the blue gum forests in the Bay of Fires hinterland and feed on the nectar of blue gum flowers.

For more information on our wildlife please see Tasmania's wildlife.

Visit our caring for wildlife page for more information on interacting with and protecting our native animals.

​The Bay of Fires was named by British navigator Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 when he noticed numerous fires along the coast. This led him to believe that the country was densely populated. Aboriginal bands who frequented the area called it larapuna - the meeting place for Panpe-kanner, Leener-rerter and Pinter-rairer family groups. A number of Aboriginal midden sites found in the sand dunes containing distinct concentrations of shells and strong evidence of active hunting, gathering and food preparation activities in the area. Today, these sites are significant, sacred areas to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and a living museum protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975. Visitors are asked to respect important cultural sites by leaving them undisturbed​.

The Bay of Fires attracted European settlers who fished from 'the harbour' (Binalong Bay), grazed sheep and cut timber.

A scenic drive along the coast to The Gardens is a good way to appreciate the seascape and attractive shoreline. This picturesque area was named by the adventurous wife of Governor John Franklin, Lady Jane Franklin, who spent time in the region. 

Bay of Fires Conservation Area map Buy a map from TasMap

​​​The northern section is accessed from St Helens by taking Ansons Bay Road (C843) travelling via the Priory. Alternatively, travel east from Gladstone on North Ansons Road (C83) the junction with Ansons Bay Road. Turn east into Policemans Point Road and follow road approximately 5 km until it ends at the Policemans Point campground.

Access to the southern section of the Bay of Fires is from St Helens via the Binalong Bay Road (C850). Take the left turn-off on to the C848 at the sign 'The Gardens 13km'. This is a sealed road which terminates at private land at The Gardens. The campgrounds are located 7km along the road.

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

Stock up on food and fuel before you arrive; St Helen's is 30 mins drive to the south.

Dogs on leads are permitted in most campgrounds except for Jeanerette​.

The northern section of the Bay of Fires, from the mouth of the Ansons River to larapuna/Eddystone Point is within Mount William National Park and requires a parks pass to visit.

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

​Campgrounds are subject to fire restrictions​​, especially in summer. Please observe local signage and check the Tasmania Fire Service website for fire ban information before you head off.

Take ​care when swimming. Bay of Fires beaches have steep drop-offs into deep water and are subject to rips.

Experiences in Bay of Fires Conservation Area

Searching for somewhere to take your four-legged friend? There are a number of reserves around Tasmania that are open to visitors with canine companions.

Statewide

Dogs in parks

Searching for somewhere to take your four-legged friend? There are a number of reserves around Tasmania that are open to visitors with canine companions.

Read more
Fishing on the rocks at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

Statewide

Fishing

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

Read more
Beachside snorkelling

Bring your wetsuit, mask and fins to discover the underwater life.

Statewide

Snorkelling and scuba diving

Bring your wetsuit, mask and fins to discover the underwater life.

Read more

Accommodation

Stay Overnight

  • Bay of Fires camping

What better way to start the day than waking up to the sun streaming down over the pristine beaches and blazing geology of the Bay of Fires? There are plenty of camping opportunities for tents, caravans and campers along this stretch of the North-East coast.

Bookings and more info
Tent facing the beach, Bay of Fires Conservation Area

Bay of Fires camping