The world-famous Bay of Fires covers over 50 kilometres of the Eastern Tasmanian coast. It is renowned for its astonishing population of orange lichen, which serves to paint the rocks of the otherwise white-sandy beaches in a warm, fiery hue.

The Bay of Fires is known for the unique orange granite rocks which are found all along its white, sandy beaches. These mesmerizing features give the impression of crackling flames against the contrast provided by the natural black and grey rocks. Its waters are crystal clear and the palest of blues, meanwhile its soft, powdery beaches make it a popular tourist destination.

History of the Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires was initially named in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux of the merchant Vessel, HMS Adventure. The ship was under the total control of Captain James Cook and was partaking on The Great Antarctic Expedition at the time. He decided upon the name after he witnessed several aboriginal camps—the Larapuna tribe—scattered across the sands, with many of their fires burning along the shoreline. This discovery had led him to assume that a large population lived in the area.

In the 1840s, the area was an accessible location for the hunting of whales for their oils.

Things to Do

The Bay of Fires is most famous for its stunning ‘fiery’ rocks, which are actually granite boulders splashed with small populations of orange lichens. This phenomenon gives the beach a warm and inviting color scheme against the pale blues of its pristine, rolling waters. It features many rocky gullies and hidden inlets which make for an exciting adventure in this incredible landscape. The sea is neither rough nor flat here, making it suitable for both swimming and surfing, although snorkeling and diving is a frequently enjoyed passion thanks to the rich and highly diverse coral reefs which sit just offshore. It is also famous for game fishing, and to cater for this, the Bay has multiple boat ramps available for the public to use.

Also, a favorite is the act of bird watching, with the area providing a habitat for many marine and land species. The clear waters are also frequented by pods of dolphins on a semi-frequent basis, and lucky visitors may get the chance to see some of the seals, whales, and dolphins that call the area their home.

Best Time to Visit

During the summer months of November through to March, the temperatures in the Bay of Fires can usually be expected to reach above 20 degrees centigrade. However, the winter months can see the temperatures fall down into the single digits. As such, it is highly recommended that you take the time to visit this scenic and mesmerizing place during the warmer months. Preferably, your trip should be made on a bright and sunny day so that you can have the opportunity to truly appreciate the wonder of this unique landscape and its unique geography.