Travelling from St Helens to Bay of Fires in Tasmania makes for an unforgettable road trip. But don’t rush it! This spot is way too beautiful to speed on by. Tasmania’s East Coast is ground central for relaxing and exploring – world class beaches, sparkling seas and sleepy coastal towns. And that’s exactly what we recommend (with a twist or two) travelling from St Helens to Bay of Fires. Whether you’re a beach bum or hiker, a surfer or seafood lover, the Bay of Fires is a slice of paradise that will live rent free in your head forever. Here’s all you need to know about where to stop and stay, what to do and how to get there.
Is Bay of Fires worth visiting?
The Bay of Fires is Tasmania’s big wow coastal scenery. Globally renowned for its beautiful bays, powder white beaches, and huge granite boulders peppered with fiery orange lichen.
Stretching 50 km from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, the Bay of Fires promises Insta-perfect beaches, shots like this one 👇🏽, crystal-clear swims, deserted coastal walks, and iconic sea views.
YES! Bay of Fires is worth visiting.
It’s where we take our international visitors to Tassie. It’s on our Tasmanian Top Ten places to visit list. It’s our all year round favourite chillaxing coastal destination.
Read on to find out exactly WHY that is and what you’ll be missing if you bypass the Bay.
Oh, and we answer all of your driving the Bay of Fires FAQs at the end. 👇🏽👇🏽
How to get to Bay of Fires from St Helens
There’s only a couple of St Helens to Bay of Fires transport options. And unfortunately bus is not one of them.
Your best bet travelling St Helens to Bay of Fires is with a rental car or campervan. Check out the best route and must see stops down below 👇🏽
If car hire is not for you, you can bus from:
- Launceston to St Helens on the Calows Coaches Route 740 Bus or
- Hobart to St Helens via the 702 Bus from the Hobart Transit Center to Epping Forest, and then changing to the 740 Bus at Epping Forest.
The problem you face, once you get to St Helens, is finding transport into the Bay of Fires. You may find a local taxi to take you. You may not.
All of this is to say, the best way to fulfil those once in a life time beach holiday dreams, is a Bay of Fires tour from Launceston.
St Helens to Bay of Fires without a car
A Bay of Fires tour departing Launceston will not only get you to the best Bay of Fires beaches, it will serve up the very best of the Bay in ways you don’t see or experience on a self guided road trip. We recommend the 4 day Bay of Fires Hiking Tour from Launceston
🏅 4 day Bay of Fires Hiking Tour from Launceston
If you’re up for a mind-blowing adventure, the 4-day Bay of Fires tour from Launceston is a must-do. This tour fully covers our ‘must do list” — you’ll experience spectacular beaches, pristine waters, and those iconic orange-tinged boulders. You’ll hike through incredible Bay landscapes, stay in eco-friendly lodgings, and indulge in gourmet meals with local flavors. Everything is taken care of—transport, park fees, and expert guides, so you can just enjoy the magic of it all.
Who is this Bay of Fires tour for?
It’s one for the nature lovers, wanderers, and adventurers who crave a peaceful yet exhilarating walking experience with deep local insights the self-guided traveler never gets.
By the end of this tour, you’ll feel totally rejuvenated and in awe at Tasmania’s stunning coastal beauty. It’s not just a walk—it’s an unforgettable experience that will never leave you.
Trust me, if you want to see the Bay of Fires without a car, a four da walking tour is an incredible option 👇🏽
4 Day Bay of Fires Hiking tour from Launceston
St Helens to Bay of Fires driving route
The ‘highlights of St Helens to Bay of Fires’ round trip route we’ve mapped out for you below is doable in a day.
The route is 129 kilometres, taking 2 hours 48 minutes, non-stop. An early 8am start gives you 6 hours of daylight to explore in winter, and 9 hours in summer.
This route takes you to the most popular must-visit spots if you’re driving the Bay of Fires:
- Binalong Bay: Kickstart your adventure here with stunning beaches, cool rocky coves and serene waters.
- The Gardens: Head north for pristine coastal views and dramatic landscapes.
- Ansons Bay: Chill out in quiet a seaside village with its postcard-perfect bay.
- Eddystone Point: Wrap up your trip with an historic lighthouse and panoramic ocean vistas.
Your first stop is Binalong Bay at the southern end of Bay of Fires. The drive from St Helens to Binalong Bay is a short 10km trip along Binalong Bay Road (C850). The road is sealed all the way so there’s no problems with access.
If you’re relaxing into your road trip we recommend stopping in along Binalong Bay Rd at Tasmanian Clean Water Oysters (off Aquaculture Drive) to pick up some the creamiest, freshest oysters in the area at pretty cheap prices.
| 📌 Note: Tasmania Clean Water Oysters is a take away retailer only. There are no dine in options. |
To access many of the must visit spots further north in Bay of Fires – including more incredible beaches and camping spots – you’ll want to double back from Binalong Bay to Gardens Road which heads north along the coast.
Gardens Road will take you to The Gardens and through the largely untouched Bay of Fires Conservation Area.
There’s loads of spots to stop along this route or use our list of the 8 best things to do at the Bay of Fires to save time researching 👇🏽👇🏽
Gardens Road won’t take you all of the way to Anson’s Beach and Eddystone Point Lighthouse. To get to these two adjacent tourist spots, head back the way you came – Gardens Road > Reids Road > Anson Bay Road.
The roads from Binalong Bay north through the Bay of Fires Conservation Area and along it’s many gorgeous beaches are gravel. Most hire cars in Tasmania do allow rental cars on gravel roads, just check whether there’s extra insurance required.
| 🔐 Insider tips for a Bay of Fires day trip: 1. Bring your own food, snacks and water – there’s nothing available after Binalong Bay. 2. There are toilet facilities along the coast and at Ansons Bay. 3. Be prepared for gravel road driving. Potholes are common and can slow your day – plan a little longer on the road to Ansons Bay. 4. Bring a jumper even in summer. It can get windy and cold any time of year. 5. Fill your tank before you go. There’s no petrol stations en-route. |
8 best things to do at Bay of Fires
1. Remote beach combing & photography
I mean, what else are you hitting the Bay of Fires for if not the world class beaches?
Of course the first thing on our list is to get out and explore the iconic, the unimaginable, the breathtaking beauty of beach after sparkling beach along the Bay of Fires coast.
Here are the best Bay of Fires beaches to explore and get snap-happy at are:
- Binalong Bay Beach – most accessible for rental car drivers or a quick stopover
- Swimcart Beach – best camping & amenities
- Cozy Corner North – best windswept deserted beach vibes
- Ansons Bay – best beach fishing spot for bream and more
- The Gardens – Suicide Beach and Honeymoon beach for swimming secluded bay
If you’re a fan of cool lookouts and rock formations head to The Gardens, Sloop Reef, Orange Rock and Sloop Rock.
2. Beautiful beachfront stays
‘Stay at the Bay’ is our mantra for your trip to St Helens and Bay of Fires.
Take two nights out of your Tasmania itinerary (or add them in!) to slow down, wander the Bays, stare at the views with a glass of local pinot in hand, and lap up the quiet.
But picking the where to stay in Bay of Fires can be tricky. Which location is best? Were is the best value stay? What if you want privacy and seclusion? And where do you find the best beachfront homes?
Here’s our 10 cents, having been a few times now.
For a sleepy seaside hamlet feel overlooking the most iconic of Bay beaches, with access to a good local restaurant / cafe, book a stay at Binalong Bay. There’s accommodation options with killer sea views just a hop, skip and jump to the powdery white sands of Binalong Bay beach and the rock pools. It’s often cheaper to stay here than further north into the Bay of Fires.
If remote, secluded, rugged beach-scapes, dramatic boulder outcrops and direct beach access are more your style head to accommodation further north near The Gardens and Cozy Corner. Just make sure you’re good to drive on gravel roads first.
To avoid disappointment on your holiday of a lifetime, check out our favourite beachfront Bay of Fires Accommodation below 👇🏽.
3. Bay of Fires Walks
The best way to explore the Bay and it’s famous orange coloured boulders is on foot, along some of it’s self guided and entirely free (yay) coastal short walks. And you won’t get better hiking sea views anywhere on the planet.
Here are the three best short walks in the Bay of Fires (marked on our St Helens to Bay of Fires Map 👆🏼 ):
- The Binalong Bay Coastal Walk – Jeanneret Beach to Skeleton Point via Binalong Bay. Easy walk from beach to beach along the coast for about 4km. Beach walking and rock clambering, but totally worth the adventure.
- Skeleton Bay Track – Skeleton Bay to Skeleton Point (or further around the point). Stick along the coast for this walk as its more picturesque than the inland dirt track. Does require some boulder hopping, but that’s all part of the fun!
- Eddystone Point Lighthouse – 1.6km across the breadth of Eddystone Point taking in the lighthouse historic site at one end and Larc Beach at the other. An easy stroll for all abilities.
4. Swim, snorkel, kayak or paddle board
Who can stand in front of calm crystal seas like this 👆🏼 and not want to take a dip?
Bay of Fires is apparently a rewarding and fun place to dive because of all of the boulders and rock formations creating underwater swimthroughs and tunnels. There’s also heaps to see underwater, with colourful sponges, kelp and heaps of sealife. Dive maps of the best spots are available.
If you’re up for a paddle, check out the local paddle hire place in St Helens.
The locals also say you can snorkel for abalone straight off the ocean floor if you find the secret gulches along the coast….
Holiday adventure challenge anyone?
5. Glamping in the Bay of Fires
Glamping
If you’ve never been glamping its a luxury way to connect with nature and feel spoilt at the same time. An excellent holiday choice in our opinion!
The good news is you can glamp the Bay of Fires, and Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is Glamping central. Stay here for the core memories, because you’re going to make some.
What we love about the glamping experience in Bay of Fires:
- Staying in their glamorous bell tents feels like you’re on a Moroccan safari, but luxe!
- There’s a bar onsite! Ummm, yes please 🙋🏼♀️. Glass of red around the fire anyone?
- The magical nighttime vibe – sitting around the fire surrounded by canvas tents glowing like lanterns in the darkness.
- It’s well set up for winter. Fire pits, electric blankets and cozy tents.
- The yummy food inclusions and amazing hospitality.
- Nature, nature all around.
It’s unique. It’s affordable. It’s a one of kind experience. You don’t have to wonder where to stay in Bay of Fires for romance and adventure. Book a glamping stay at Bay of Fires Bush Retreat and thank us later!
6. Off grid freedom camping
If you’re a DIY camper, the beachside camping options are soooo great I can’t even believe that there are free.
But the question is, where to stay in Bay of Fires if you’re camping?
I recommend Swimcart Beach if the goal is to nab a camp site right alongside some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Imagine waking up to rolling waves, glimmering white sand, with only the crashing waves disturbing the perfect quiet…
If Swimcart Beach is full Cozy Corner is your second best option.
Facilities are standard off grid camping style – drop as well as hybrid toilets and bring your own water. You can’t reserve a spot so getting in by the beach in peak time can be a crap shoot. But we’ve also been to camping spots in the Bay with barely a soul around…
If you prefer to stick to hybrid style toilets (some folks hate the drop) head to Jeanneret Beach, Swimcart Beach, or Cozy Corner (north and south).
| 👀 Bay of Fires Camping Tips: – There are no water or shower facilities at these campsites and no toilets at Sloop Reef or Seaton Cove. – Also, you can’t grab firewood off the beaches in the Bay of Fires. So get some instead at the IGA in St Helens. – There’s no power or bins at Bay of Fire Campsites. Signal is patchy too. |
Can you take your dog from St Helens to Bay of Fires?
The one major criticism we have of Bay of Fires Break O’Day Council is that there are NO spots dogs can go off leash in the Bay of Fires. I understand some areas are environmentally sensitive, sure. But many are not. Its overly restrictive on dog owners and gets a big thumbs down from us.
If you’re a pawrent like us and need a dog off leash beach, you have to drive all the way to Stieglizt, which is near St Helens. Stieglitz Beach and Maurouard Beach (east) are off leash for party pooches.
In the Bay of Fires itself dogs are allowed on leash at Jeanneret Beach, Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner (north and south).
Check out the Bay of Fires dog off leash map for specifics.
7. Beach fishing – Bay of Fires style
Picture this. You’re lounging back in your favourite fold up deck chair with your toes squelching through powder soft sand. Beverage in one hand. Fishing rod in the other. Staring out at the blue waters of one of Tassie’s best big bream fishing spots. Behind you, a bucket full of flathead, whiting or bream to fry up for dinner….
Ahhhh, the serenity.
Bay of Fires is one of Tassie’s most well known fishing spots and what a bounty of beaches, gulfs and rivers to do it off.
Ansons Bay Beach is apparently where to head. Or where the fish are. 👆🏼
8. Mountain Bike the Bay
The Bay of Fires Mountain Bike trail is supposed to be an epic adventure. I haven’t done it myself (immediately no) but knowing the area well, I love the thought of zipping through the bush here with fleeting views of the spectacular coastline.
Uplift Shuttles will transport you to the trailhead for this 13km mostly downhill ride. It’s an intermediate to advanced trail and they can pick up from St Helens.
Our Bay of Fires best accommodation list
Where to stay in Bay of Fires is an important decision. Because this location is a special occasion, core memories, premium type Tasmania holiday experience.
So if you’re going to pay for the privilege, why not make it beachfront? And don’t dilly dally when you do find accommodation that suits. Great stays in the Bay are as rare as hens teeth. That’s why we’re serving up the best of best below 👇🏽 . So you can beat everyone to it.
We’ve stayed in Binalong Bay. It’s an excellent choice for more affordable Bay of Fires accommodation. Also good if you don’t fancying hitting the gravel roads further north. Here are our fave Binalong Bay stays:
- Bay of Fires Bush Retreat $$ – Bay of Fires Bush Retreat like camping for millionaires, but actually offers affordable luxury compared to the holiday home stays in the Bay of Fires area. Great attention to detail, relaxed vibes, stunning bush setting, romantic tents and just loads of fun!
- Binalong Brae $$ – If you’re looking for great value, this is the stay in the Bay you’re after. Super modern interior, spacious and really well appointed accommodation with great views overlooking Binalong Bay. Walk to the beach and the trails. You won’t find better prices for the quality than this.
For remote, rugged, and secluded look further north. The further you go the fewer the options so book these beauties early! Here is the Bay of Fires’ best accommodation list for dreamy views over the best Bay of Fires beaches, ample privacy, and 5 star experience:
- The Cove Bay of Fires $$$$ – The Cove promises an unforgettable Bay of Fires experience! Stylish, modern rooms and panoramic ocean views make waking up each day a dream. You’re just meters to the beach and the tranquil surroundings make for a perfect escape. Everything you need for a serene family getaway.
- Holland House Bay of Fires $$$$$ -This place is stunning. Special. The views of pristine white-sand beaches and brilliant blue ocean through floor to ceiling windows are breathtaking. Direct & private beach access to explore the Bay. It’s modern, yet cozy and secluded – ideal to relax with family and enjoy Tasmania’s natural beauty. A stay here will be the highlight of your trip.
- Driftwood Bay of Fires $$$$ -Driftwood will forever be your happy place. It’s a serene retreat from the rest of the world. Warm and welcoming, well-appointed inside with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters – just perfect for relaxation. The sunsets here are chef’s kiss and the home itself an ideal mix of comfort and natural beauty.
- Sloop Cottage $$$ -A charming cottage both cozy and rustic. You’ll have direct access to the beach but in a secluded private location – amazing for unwinding and connecting with nature. It’s a warm, inviting place to say with and a more intimate, authentic and affordable luxury Bay of Fires getaway
What’s next?
Travelling the East Coast of Tasmania? Plan your trip with our Epic East Coast Tasmania Guide.
We share where to go, what to do, the best seafood, beaches, bays, stays and walks along the East Coast.
FAQs
Is St Helens in Bay of Fires?
St Helens is not in the Bay of Fires. It’s 10km or a 12 minute drive south of Binalong Bay. Binalong Bay is the southern most point of the Bay of Fires.
Bay of Fires extends from Binalong Bay north to Eddy Stone Point, covering around 50km of coastline along the Bay of Fires Conservation Area.
What is the closest town to Bay of Fires?
St Helens is the closest town to Bay of Fires, and where all of the amenities are if you’re stocking up to explore the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. You’ll find fuel, two supermarkets, banks, cafes, a bakery, liquor store and even a visitor information centre in St Helens. It’s your best starting point for any Bay of Fires road trip or multi-day sojourn.
Is St Helens in Bay of Fires?
No, St Helens in not in the Bay of Fires. It’s 10km south of the Bay of Fires area. The Bay of Fires starts at Binalong Bay and stretches 50km north along the coastline to Eddystone Point.
How far from St Helens to Bay of Fires?
Not far! The Bay of Fires stretches 55 kilometres north to south along the east coast of Tasmania. St Helens is located on the east coast of Tasmania, south of the Bay of Fires.
St Helens is 10 kilometres south of the Bay of Fires southern-most point at Binalong Bay. And 65km from the Bay of Fires northern-most location at Eddystone Point.
How far is Bay of Fires from Launceston?
Its 193km from Launceston to the Bay of Fires. The shortest drive is just over 2.5 hours along the Esk Highway (B42) through Fingal and St Marys. This is not the most interesting route if you’re after a road trip experience.
Our favourite route to Bay of Fires from Launceston, is along the A3 via Scottsdale and Derby. This is a more winding route so takes longer (3 hours 45). But there’s also more to see along the way including:
– Scottsdale
– Derby
– Pyengana Pub in the Paddock
– Pyengana Dairy Door
– some beautiful Tasmanian temperate forest and rural countryside.
Is Bay of Fires worth going to?
Absolutely it is! If you love picturesque beaches, off grid camping, photography, hiking and walking, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing or even mountain bike riding the Bay of Fires is a amazing spot to visit.
And if you just enjoy wandering, or relaxing in peace and quiet it’s a pretty darn great place to spend a seaside holiday too.
What is the distance from St Helens to Bay of Fires?
It’s 10km from St Helens to the start of the Bay of Fires at Binalong Bay. The Bay of Fires stretches around 55km from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north.
Which part of Bay of Fires is best?
The best part of the Bay of Fires depends on what you’re looking to see and experience. For example:
– Binalong Bay Beach is best for swimming as it’s both jaw-droppingly beautiful and sheltered from the winds and waves.
– The Gardens and Sloop Rock Lookout are the best spots to explore rock pools and capture in photograph the famous iridescent orange rocks set agains turquoise blue seas.
– Ansons Bay is the best part of Bay of Fires for fishing, with species like flathead, whiting and bream ready for the catch.
Is it better to stay at St Helens or Binalong Bay?
It’s definitely better to stay at Binalong Bay than at St Helens, if you want to experience the best the Bay of FIres has to offer. If you stay at Binalong Bay, one of the most famous Bay of Fires beaches – Binalong Bay Beach – is right at your doorstep. You can walk to Binalong Bay Beach, the nearby orange lichen covered boulders and rock pools, from most accommodation In Binalong Bay. You can also walk along coastal trails to nearby Jeanneret Beach and Swimcart Beach, two equally popular pretty Bay of Fires Beaches.
Staying at Binalong Bay you feel immersed in the beauty of the Bay, it’s stunning coastline and relaxing vibe. St Helens is a charming town with convenient amenities like shops and cafes. But it’s 10km away from the picturesque coastal scenery visitors travel from far and wide to the Bay of Fires for.
And if you’ve come a long way, why not just stay in the Bay?
How do you spend a day in the Bay of Fires?
You can spend an unforgettable day in the Bay of Fires following the road trip route we recommend in this post 👆🏼.
You start out visiting Binalong Bay and work your way north, stopping at postcard perfect beaches, bays and coves along the way. Our road trip route travels north along the coast, through the Bay of Fires Conservation Area as far as The Gardens. And then on to Ansons Bay and Eddystone Point further north from there.
Why are the rocks red at Bay of Fires?
The rocks at the Bay of Fires in Tasmania are red because of a type of lichen that grows on them. This lichen, a symbiotic organism made up of algae and fungi, produces a vivid orange-red pigment (colour) as it thrives on the granite boulders. It’s this natural phenomenon that creates the striking and iconic landscape for which the Bay of Fires is renowned.
Is there a St Helens to Bay of Fires bus?
There’s no bus from St Helens to Bay of Fires. You do need a car to get to the Bay of Fires and around the Bay of Fires Conservation Area.
The best way to reach the Bay of Fires without a car is to book a Bay of Fires tour from Launceston.
Why is it called Bay of Fires?
The Bay of Fires got its name from Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773. As he sailed along the coast, he saw numerous fires lit by FIrst Nations people of the area, which made the area appear to be ablaze. The fires, meant for cooking and warmth, were visible from his ship, and he aptly named the region the Bay of Fires. This unique historical name now represents one of Tasmania’s most beautiful coastal spots.
To First Nations people, “larapuna” is the original name for the Bay of Fires area. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, representing a place of rich history, traditional practices, and connection to the land. The area is known for its ancestral sites, traditional food sources, and significant cultural stories that are integral to the community’s heritage and identity.
How long to spend at St Helens?
With the average visit to Tasmania around 10 days, I recommend no more than 2 nights stay. But not in St Helens. Stay instead in the Bay of Fires. Thank me later.
The most popular destination for stays inside the Bay of Fires is the seaside hamlet of Binalong Bay. But there are beachfront holiday homes sprinkled all along the captivating coastline from Binalong Bay in the south up to The Gardens further north. Check out these incredible stays in the post above 👆🏼
Are there toilets at Bay of Fires?
Yes there are toilets at Bay of FIres, located at Binalong Bay Beach, Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner North, Cosy Corner South, Jeanneret Beach, Policemens Point and Grants Lagoon.
Toilets are either pit toilets (also called drop toilets) or hybrid style toilets..
