Binalong Bay - East Coast, Tasmania.

Binalong Bay is a small coastal town located in north eastern Tasmania inhabited by just over two hundred residents.

This picturesque town nestled at the southern end of the Bay of Fires, just over 170 kilometres from Launceston, is an easy two and a half hour drive via the Tasman Highway.

Established early last century this former farming and fishing hamlet is the only permanent town along the Bay of Fires coast, it now boasts a wide selection of holiday accommodation, one of the state’s most awarded restaurants and some of the most fantastic surfing and deep sea fishing Tasmania has to offer.

Binalong Bay was given its name by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 when he saw the numerous fires of the local Aboriginal people burning on the beaches, renowned for having some of the purest beaches anywhere in the world where the sun reflects off the rocks and the azure blue water back onto the small seaside town giving it a warming glow,

The Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s East Coast extends from the town of Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north, named the world’s ‘hottest’ travel destination in 2009 by international guide book Lonely Planet, this pristine bay was described by them as a ‘a castaway bay’ with its 29 kilometre ‘ribbon of sea and surf spooling out from the old whaling town St Helens’.

The southern end of the region is a conservation area, whilst much of the northern section lies within the Mount William National Park. An array of activities can be conducted in the Bay of Fires area, including camping, a variety of walks, boating, bird watching, swimming, surfing and fishing.

 

Things to see around - Binalong Bay

Dive

Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires coast offers more to explore than just what’s above the water.

The local waters offer some of the most diverse and exciting temperate water diving in Australia. Bay of Fires Dive is a newly established SSI affiliated dive charter, instruction and retail facility operating from Binalong Bay. They offer introduction to scuba, full open water scuba courses, hire, new gear sales, dive charters and tank refills.

With a range of local dive sites Bay of Fires Dive can guide you amongst huge granite boulders, gutters, tunnels and swimthroughs. The local reef system supports thick kelp forests, colourful sponges, prolific fish life as well as crayfish, abalone, seadragons. Dolphins, and even migrating whales are known to cruise past the area.

For groups of two to four persons the introduction to scuba course will cost you $175 for a four hour dive, which includes gear hire, a Certificate of Achievement and a day to remember.

Telephone: 03 6376 8335 Location: 291 Gardens Road, Binalong Bay, Tasmania.

Website: www.bayoffiresdive.com.au

Walk

The Bay of Fires area offers so much to see that the best way to ensure you don't miss anything is with a guided walking tour with a qualified guide.

What better way to observe the natural harmony of all the area has to offer than spending four days exploring superb beaches, prime heathlands and historic landmarks such as the Eddystone Point Lighthouse. The Bay of Fires Walk takes you on an adventurous tour with dramatic landscape, ecology and wildlife. Led by well-informed, young Tasmanian guides, small groups can discover both the captivating beach environment and the rich assortment of the nearby woodlands.

Day Three of the walk is spent at the Bay of Fires Lodge, offering magnificent accommodation in this near-uninhabited wilderness paradise, both seclusion and comfort are guaranteed, you can spend the day relaxing or exploring the tranquil waters of the Anson River.

Telephone: 03 6392 2211 Location: Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, Tasmania.

Website: www.bayoffires.com.au

Mount William National Park

The Mount William National Park is a 13,000 hectare park on Tasmania's idyllic North East Coast.

The National Park is at the northern end of the Bay of Fires area and features areas of low grassland, sweeping beaches, azure waters and an easy 90 minute walk to the summit of Mt William.

The National Park is a paradise for all types of outdoor activities and provides nature lovers, photographers and bush walkers an experience not to be missed.

Access

The southern section of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area near Eddystone Point is accessed from St. Helens by taking the Ansons Bay Road (C843 & C846). Alternatively, travel east 32 kilometres from Gladstone on the Eddystone Road (C843). Travel along the unsealed road (approximately 35 kilometres) to the junction with South Ansons Bay Road. The nearest petrol is available from Gladstone.

Camping

Campgrounds are generally not suitable for larger caravans and motorhomes due to the narrow access tracks and overhanging tree branches, camping fees are payable via deposit boxes situated at each campsite within the park or available from the Gladstone Store, there are numerous camping areas within the park, visiting the Parks Tasmania website will provide additional information, maps and other information you may need when planning your trip.

Facilities

No toilets (must bring own), no water or firewood, no rubbish collection. Maximum stay 4 weeks.

Telephone: 03 6376 1550 Address: P.O. Box 353, St Helens, Tasmania.

Website: www.parks.tas.gov.au

The weather on Tasmania’s East Coast is typically settled and warm, with an average maximum temperature of 22.5 degrees Celsius (72.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer and 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-75 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter.