Bay Of Fires Tasmania

BAY OF FIRES, TASMANIA

The Bay of Fires in Tasmania has been named by international guide book Lonely Planet the world's "hottest" travel destination for 2009.

The Bay of Fires is described by Lonely Planet as "a castaway bay" with a 29 kilometres ribbon of sea and surf spooling out from the old whaling town of St Helens, on Tasmania's north-east coast.

"White beaches of hourglass-fine sand, Bombay Sapphire sea, an azure sky - and nobody," the guide says.

"This is the secret edge of Tasmania, laid out like a pirate's treasure map of perfect beach after sheltered cove, all fringed with forest.”

"It's not long since the Bay of Fires came to international attention, and the crowds are bound to flock. Now is the time to visit."

Premier Travel Tasmania’s private charter tours include this lesser known part of our island. As the reports suggest, this part of the world is characterised by its lack of people and sheer natural beauty. The combination of white sands, turquoise sea, azure skies and green bush are truly spectacular and if you ever come across a beach with only a few people it is considered too crowded to bother with.

Whether you travel with Premier Travel Tasmania on a bespoke guided tour or as guest of one of our small group charters tour, we offer many opportunities to visit those beautiful parts of Tasmania that are hardly ever visit. Allow us to introduce a few facts about this latest Tasmanian dream location.

BAY OF FIRES FACTS

The name Bay of Fires was given to the area by English navigator Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 when he observed numerous fires along the coast. He then believed that the country was densely populated and there is abundant evidence today of Aboriginal habitation in the area in the past.

Furneaux was commander of HMS Adventure which accompanied James Cook in HMS Resolution on Captain Cook's second voyage to Australia. Furneaux was separated from the Resolution when he explored Tasmania's south and east coasts.

The total conservation area of Bay of Fires is 1210 ha in size. The northern section of the Bay, from north of the outlet of Ansons Bay to Eddystone Point lies within the Mt William National Park. The middle section of the Bay of Fires lies in the vicinity of Ansons Bay. It can be accessed via Policemans Point or the northern shore of Ansons Bay, however be aware that it is not possible to cross the outlet of Ansons Bay.

The southern section of The Bay of Fires is in the Conservation Area, situated along a 13 km stretch of coast between Binalong Bay and The Gardens.

A wide range of activities are able to be pursued in the Bay of Fires area, including beach activities, boating, bird watching, fishing, swimming, surfing and walking.

Aboriginal middens (shell and bone deposits) are found in the sand dunes. It is important not to disturb these protected sites.