If you’re planning a Tasmanian adventure and in search of the top things to do, chances are you have stumbled upon Bay of Fires. Home to what is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Bay of Fires is not to be missed during your Tasmanian holiday. There is a reason it was named by ‘Lonely Planet’ as the world’s hottest travel destination. Find out why!
Bay of Fires
Photo Credit: Paul Fleming, Tourism Tasmania
What better name for a bay that truly looks as if it is alive with fire, ideally set beside the ocean on Tasmania’s East Coast! Characterized by its bright red-orange lichen boulders contrasting spectacularly against its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this National Park is a series of beaches that stretches from popular holiday spot Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. Even through the summer season the beaches are often empty and you can find yourself a small piece of paradise.
Bay of Fires is a short drive from the township of St Helens. A great itinerary is to drive from Hobart through the East Coast to iconic travel destinations of Freycinet National Park, Bay of Fires and onwards to Launceston to end your trip. In fact, we’ve got you sorted with a Grand East Explorer for a perfect 6 days road trip! Bay of Fires is perfect for long leisurely walks, swimming, fishing and quiet coastal camping nestled behind the dunes- you’ll be left wondering how you’ll want to leave this pocket of paradise!
For the wine lovers, a visit to the charming Bay of Fires Wines is not to be missed! Located in the Pipers River region, pop by their cellar door for a range of award winning wines and premium tasting experiences in elegantly tranquil surrounds. Here, you can take luxury to the next level with a seaplane tour for a truly bespoke inspired wine experience over the most scenic vineyards. Just 45 minutes' drive from Launceston, it makes a perfect pitstop!
Bay of Fires Walk
Photo Credit: Tourism Australia
It is no secret that Bay of Fires is an adventure lover’s dream. Complete with many nature day hikes, multi-day treks and unique walking experiences, we have picked our top two best walks that cannot be missed while here- a complete guide to help you plan your Tasmania trip.
Bay of Fire Lodge Walk
If squeaky white-sand beaches and wild coastline appeal to you, the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is a spectacular reason to lace up. Voted as Australia’s Best Walking Holiday, it is an incredible trip that sees you walking through a corner of Tasmania that few are lucky enough to experience. Four days of beach walks, relaxation and adventure while staying at two exclusive sites along the way. This lodge walk is the only way to truly experience the natural beauty of this place in absolute luxury. Immerse yourself in this fully inclusive guided walk paired with gourmet delights of Tassie’s finest food and wine. Not only will you experience staying at a private standing camp for your first night but did we mention you’ll be spoiled by an award-winning accommodation for the rest of your nights?!
Day One: 4hours, 9km, Easy
Begin with your boots getting sandy with a beach stroll at Boulder Point at Mt William National Park. Journey along to the semi-permanent tents in secluded dunes at Forrester Camp.
Day Two: 7 hours, 14km, Easy
Walk amongst the coastlines bold colours and solitude of secluded coves, sand dunes and heathlands. Pop by the Eddystone Point Lighthouse before arriving at the exquisite Bay of Fires Lodge, where foots spas, outdoor baths and library time await.
Day Three: 6 hours, Easy
Glide down in kayaks through the gentle Anson’s River or treat yourself for ‘a lodge day’.
Day Four: 1 hour, 4km, Easy
A relaxing end to your walk through eucalypt forest and coastal heathland before a convivial lunch affair amongst the lush forest and capping off at Launceston.
Wukalina Walk
For an immersive cultural experience, The Wukalina Walk is a 4 days, 3 nights Aboriginal owned and led guided experience of cultural activities, traditional foods and hiking. Created with the aim to honour the history of this ancient culture, you’ll walk with palawa guides in the footsteps of their traditional people and cultural homelands of wukalina and larapuna with insights into palawa creation stories. For the first 2 nights you’ll sleep at architecturally designed standing camp of krakanu lumi in domed-ceiling huts set within the coastal heathland. The third night takes you on a different perspective in a beautifully restored lightkeepers cottage at the most northern end of larapuna (Bay of Fires).
Day One: 4.5hours, 11km, Medium
Journey on a scenic drive through Launceston before beginning the cultural walk at Stumpy’s Bay in wukalina (Mt William National Park) conquering its 216 metres high summit before arriving at your domed hut base camp.
Day Two: 2 hours, 5km, Medium
Walk along a traditional coastal pathway sampling bush tucker and engaging in traditional activities like weaving and mixing ochre.
Day Three: 17km, 6 hours, Medium
Walk amongst pure white sands and rocky headlands to larapuna (Bay of Fires) and onwards to the Aboriginal held land of larapuna (Eddystone Point Lighthouse). Arrive at your final night accommodation in a beautifully restored lightkeepers cottage.
Day Four:
The hiking part is done! You’ll enjoy leisurely walks exploring the larapuna precinct and surrounds from scenic lookouts, a rock quarry on a beach and up into a lighthouse tower- all 129 steps!
Bay of Fires Lodge
Within the Bay of Fires lies the most exclusive eco-lodge, the Bay of Fires Lodge, and only exclusive to those who embark on the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk. It sits on a hilltop 130 feet above sea level overlooking the breathtaking bay. The lodge has been largely built out of timber and glass to embrace the natural beauty outside highlighting an earthy feel. You’re in this complete wilderness, with beaches all around and a national park at the back, but you’re also in complete comfort. A designer pavilion with a double bedroom, an indoor fireplace, lounge area and a library.
To add on to the list of why we adore this heavenly sanctuary is The Bay of Fires Spa. A highlight for many! There’s another balcony at the back with little foot spas, which is perfect after a day of walking. The best part? Is the private bath that fits two and overlooks the ocean! They use LI’TYA products, which draw on Australian native plants and indigenous healing therapies.
The lodge is simple, but the service and exquisite food will leave you beyond impressed. The perfect place to rest and relax after walking to the lodge. The Bay of Fires Walk and therefore overnights at Bay of Fires Lodge, is only available October through May, avoiding Tasmania’s winter.
Bay of Fires Accommodation
The truth is, there are so many wonderful stays surrounding the Bay of Fires, that the hardest part will be choosing your selection! So with that, here are the best unique stays that will inspire your trip:
Krakani Lumi Standing Camp
Private and serene, the architect awarded Karakani Lumi Standing Camp first came on the Tassie tourism scene back in 2017. Directly informed by the half-domed dwellings, the standing camp is the realization of a contemporary architectural solution to the provision of an accommodation offering that is integrated sensitively within the natural landscape. The site fringes the northern edge of the Bay of Fires and serves as a two night stop over for a 4 day guided walk through the cultural landscape from wukalina (Mt William) to larapuna (Eddystone Point). The camp consists of one oblong communal pavilion and five cubic sleeping huts, accommodating 2 guides and 10 walkers. The architecture of the Krakani Lumi is a critical component of storytelling of the Palawa people. With conservation and connection to land as its purpose, this makes a perfect escape away from the daily grind in an authentic and unforgettable way.
Bay of Fires Bush Retreat
If privacy and seclusion are what you are looking for, look no further. A short drive from the beaches in the beautiful bush setting you will find the aptly named Bay of Fires Bush Retreat. This boutique accommodation has just 10 King Bell tents, A King Room and a Bunk House complete with stylish shared bathroom and fully equipped communal kitchen. The retreat offers a platter bar, pre prepared meals and a delicious breakfast platter not to be missed! This incredible landscape is where your worries come to escape you, as you’ll be sure to leave feeling more connected to nature than ever.
Holland House Bay of Fires
Nestled on an elevation above the land on slender steel columns, Holland House blends into its rugged terrain with incredible settings to match. With a backdrop of the Bay of Fires, Holland House is a luxurious and comfortable beach house haven. An award winning and architecturally designed house complete with 3 bedrooms, a large wood heater in the living area and a plentiful supply of kindling and wood for a cozy family or group escape. The floor and decks are made from recycled eucalyptus wandoo wood creating an ideal place to get away from it all to unwind, reflect and simply relax with oceanfront views with your loved ones.
