Bay of Fires

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Bay of Fires

Bay

The Bay of Fires (palawa kani: larapuna) is a sweeping coastal region on Tasmania's northeast coast known for white beaches, clear water and bright orange-lichened granite. Travelers come for beach walks, wildlife and secluded camping.

Bay of Fires HobartLaunceston, TasmaniaDevonport, TasmaniaBurnieBay of Fires

Bay of Fires essentials

Address: Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, northeast Tasmania, Australia

The Bay of Fires, known in palawa kani as larapuna, runs roughly from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point and was named in 1773 after Captain Tobias Furneaux saw Aboriginal fires along the shore. The distinctive orange color of many rocks is caused by a lichen growing on the granite.

The northern part of the region falls within Mount William National Park while the southern sections are managed as a conservation area, so the landscape alternates between protected heathland, dunes and rocky headlands. The area has long cultural significance as a meeting place for Aboriginal family groups and saw bay whaling in the 19th century.

Visiting feels remote and coastal: expect long stretches of sand, scattered rocky outcrops, and short walking tracks rather than large built facilities. Activities commonly pursued here include walking, swimming where conditions allow, bird watching, fishing, boating and camping in designated places.

  • Binalong Bay: A popular southern access point with broad white sand and turquoise water, good for beach walks and photography.
  • Eddystone Point: A rugged headland marking the bay’s northeastern extent with dramatic coastal scenery and seabird life.
  • Orange granite outcrops: Scattered granite rocks coated in orange lichen provide striking color contrasts against the white sand and blue sea.
  • Coastal walks: Short beach-and-headland walks link bays and viewing spots, offering wildlife and seascape viewing along sheltered coves and open shore.
  • Sea and shore birdlife: The area supports a variety of coastal birds; bring binoculars for shorebirds and seabirds on headlands and tidal flats.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bay of Fires#

The Bay of Fires is pleasant most of the year; summer is best for swimming and beach activity while spring and autumn offer mild weather for walking and fewer crowds. Winter is cooler and wetter but can be dramatic for photography and wildlife.

Summer (best for beaches)
December - February · 11°C - 22°C (52°F - 72°F)
Warmer, sunnier weather makes beach swimming and long coastal walks most enjoyable, though some rain and windy days still occur.
Spring and Autumn (best for walking)
September - November; March - May · 7°C - 22°C (45°F - 72°F)
Mild temperatures and clearer days suit walking, bird watching and photography, with fewer visitors than peak summer.
Winter (quieter, wetter)
June - August · 5°C - 14°C (41°F - 57°F)
Cooler and wetter conditions reduce swimming but create dramatic seas and quieter beaches; plan for shorter daylight and adverse weather.

Weather & Climate near Bay of Fires#

Climate

Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (785 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 22 Good
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 13° - 22° 17° 67 mm partly cloudy 70% 5.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.6h
February Very Good 13° - 22° 18° 39 mm partly cloudy 72% 4.6 m/s 1.9 very high 13.5h
March Very Good 12° - 21° 16° 65 mm partly cloudy 73% 4.9 m/s 1.3 high 12.2h
April Good 10° - 19° 14° 64 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.8h
May Good 8° - 16° 12° 64 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.1 m/s 0.3 low 9.7h
June Good 6° - 14° 8° 63 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.6 m/s 0.2 low 9.1h
July Good 5° - 14° 7° 74 mm partly cloudy 86% 4.0 m/s 0.2 low 9.3h
August Good 5° - 14° 7° 73 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.6 m/s 0.4 low 10.4h
September Very Good 7° - 16° 11° 67 mm partly cloudy 82% 5.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.7h
October Very Good 8° - 17° 13° 59 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.9 m/s 1.3 high 13.1h
November Good 10° - 19° 14° 68 mm partly cloudy 76% 5.8 m/s 1.8 very high 14.3h
December Good 11° - 20° 16° 82 mm partly cloudy 72% 5.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bay of Fires#

The Bay of Fires lies on Tasmania’s northeast coast; the nearest regional center for services is St Helens and the wider region is served from Launceston to the west and Hobart to the south. Launceston and Hobart airports handle national and some international connections.

Most visitors reach the beaches by car from St Helens, Binalong Bay or nearby local towns, with the last stretches reached on sealed local roads and short walking tracks from small car parks; check local access details as some sections are within national park or conservation land and have limited services.

Tips for Visiting Bay of Fires#

  • Respect cultural sites and the palawa kani name larapuna; follow guidelines and signage in national park and conservation areas.
  • Check local warnings and signs before swimming - surf, rips and changeable weather can make some beaches unsafe.
  • Facilities and supplies are limited in parts of the bay; bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent and plan fuel and food stops in larger towns.
  • Camping rules differ between the national park and conservation areas, so check local regulations before you stay overnight.
  • Leave no trace on fragile dunes and rock-lichen habitats - avoid walking on lichen-covered rocks where signage asks you to keep off.