Bay of Fires is One of Tasmania’s Most Breathtaking Natural Wonders

Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia
Photo by Nico Smit on Unsplash

Natural wonders are scattered all across Tasmania, and they’re all unique and extraordinary in their own right but there’s something about Bay of Fires, a picturesque ocean bay that will take your breath away with its orange-colored granite rocks, that sets it apart.

The name of this beautiful bay makes total sense once you see its striking orange lichen-cloaked boulders, but that’s not how this natural wonder got its name. Captain Tobias Furneaux actually named it the Bay of Fires in 1773, after noticing the fires of Aboriginal people on the beaches.

The orange hue of the bay’s rocks is produced by lichen, but they’re not the only reason why you should put the Bay of Fires on your bucket list. Most people come here to explore its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and you can enjoy a long list of water sports and recreational activities during your visit.

The Bay of Fires is located about 280 km away from Tasmania’s capital of Hobart, and St Helens is the only major town in its close proximity. Its coastline covers 50 km from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. It’s a great destination for road trips because you’ll get to enjoy some of the most dramatic views of the Tasmanian coastline along the way.