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Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia by Diego Delso –

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires is located on the northeastern coast of Tasmania. It includes a gorgeous coastline that stretches over 50 kilometers from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. The northern section of the bay is part of Mount William National Park; the southern end is a conservation area. The conservation area is divided into three sections, with Ansons Bay dividing the southern and northern ends.

The Bay of Fires is a region of white beaches, blue water, and orange-hued granite, the color of which is actually produced by a lichen. The northern section of the bay is part of Mount William National Park; the southern end is a conservation area.

Here are 10 amazing facts about the Bay of fires.

1. The Bay of Fires got its name comes from Captain Tobias Furneaux

The Bay’s iconic name comes from Captain Tobias Furneaux as he sailed past in 1773, spotting Aboriginal fires lighting up the coastline. 

Evidence of these first Tasmanian inhabitants in the form of shell and bone piles are dotted in and among the grass. The name could also apply to the brilliant orange lichen that grows on the granite boulders lining the bay.

2. Visitors swarm the Bay of Fires for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches

Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia by Diego Delso –

The conservation area is divided into three sections, with Ansons Bay dividing the southern and northern ends. Drawing in visitors for decades, this popular conservation reserve is actually a string of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, interspersed with lagoons and rocky bluffs. 

Famous for the orange lichen-covered granite boulders, combined with the powder-white sand and turquoise waters, this ideal setting is a spectacular place to soak in the sensational views and experience a dreamlike walk along the beach. These magnificent secluded beaches and inlets are a sight to behold and give the Bay of Fires its reputation as one of the most pristine natural wonders of the world.

3. The Bay of Fires offers the best Sunrise view at Skeleton Point

Watching the sunrise over the ocean, igniting the rocks in a blaze of orange, and bouncing off the azure blue water in a million shards of light is undoubtedly worth the early morning wake-up call. 

Tasmania seems to be blessed with the best sunrises we have witnessed in all of Australia and Skeleton Point is one of our favorite places in the whole state to watch the dawn of a new day.

4. There are hidden rock pools along the coastline of the Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia by Diego Delso –

Dotted along the coast, you’ll find many hidden rock pools perfect for taking a quick dip or relaxing on a hot summer day. As most pools come and go with the tide, you’ll have to time your swim with a high tide and be prepared for the swimming pool to disappear slowly.

While you’ll likely discover plenty on your own, a favorite of many people is located in Cozy Corner, tucked between large rocks and featuring waste deep water. Another great swimming spot is by the iconic lone tree located at the end of Binalong Bay.

5. The Bay of Fires offers the best scene of native marine life

The rockpools from Cosy Corner North to Swimcart Beach are known to be full of starfish, crabs, and the occasional giant blue bottle as well.

Cosy corner is one of the best places to find native marine life along the entire east coast of Tasmania. For the best chance to see the rock pools teeming with marine life, visit them at low tide. 

6. There’s plenty of wildlife to be spotted at the Bay of Fires

Beach at Bay of Fires by Aaroncrick –

These beaches provide plenty of opportunities to hone your birdwatching skills. Bird life is abundant, with pelicans, gannets, sea eagles, and oystercatchers all to be seen on the shore, while black swans haunt the nearby estuaries.

Along the coastline, you get encounters with Aussies of the furred, feathered, scaled, or spiky kinds are relatively common. Wallabies, wombats, pademelons, quokkas, and echidnas all occupy the coastal heathland.

7. The Eddy stone Lighthouse is one of the most ancient monuments in the Bay

This pink granite tower topped with a glass lantern bespeaks the eternal European ambition to master new environments through technology. Built in 1889 to safeguard shipping routes along Tasmania’s east coast, it stands on Eddy stone Point.

This is also the site of a famous historic lighthouse. The Tasmanian Eddy stone Lighthouse is a graceful, somewhat melancholy structure and a reminder of harsher and more uncertain times in our history.

8. The Bay of Fires is a photographer’s dream in every season

Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia by Diego Delso –

Known for its striking moods, the Bay of Fires is a photographer’s dream in every season. From giant waves crashing in and storms brewing just off the coastline to brilliant blue sky days perfect for swimming in the protected bays. 

Even at its busiest, the Bay of Fires remains relatively quiet, so if you have the flexibility and love warmer days, head over between November and March. Or, if you prefer ultra-quiet beaches and trails, visiting in September, October, April, or May is sure to please.

No matter the weather, you’ll find the Bay of Fires lives up to its fame of being one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. 

9. The Bay of Fires offers the best snorkeling experience

The best thing about snorkeling in the Bay of Fires is the ease of access to the rock reefs and kelp forests that are teeming with marine life. Each of the coastal points offers something unique and can be accessed right off the beach.

The best place to snorkel in the Bay of Fires is Seatons Cove, where the water is almost always calm and transparent. At this location, you’re very likely to see giant smooth stingrays and swim among beautiful underwater rock structures.  Freediving is also a hugely popular activity in the Bay of Fires and Seatons Cove again is the best place to quench your underwater thirst.

10. Visit and Climb Mount William While at the Bay of Fires

A gently inclined track followed by a short, steep scramble brings walkers to the top of this 216-meter peak, which is technically a hill rather than a mountain. The windswept summit yields impressive 360-degree views. On the ocean side, you overlook Bass Strait, with Flinders Island visible in clear weather. 

On the inland side, the outlook is of rolling green farmland. As you ascend and descend, keep watch for animal tracks and other evidence of native fauna, as well as colorful lichens and bush orchids.