Touring Australia Summer 2016/17 Touring Australia | Page 58

tAs Bay of Fires by Sean Scott courtesy of Tourism Tasmania The Bay of Fires has been luring holiday makers for decades. Named by ‘Lonely Planet’ in 2009 as the world’s hottest travel destination, the Bay of Fires has to be included on your Tasmanian holiday itinerary. Spend peaceful hours snorkelling in the region’s crystal clear lagoons, and bays. Walk along the endless stretches of perfectly white sand. A fascinating aquatic world can be discovered with local guided diving and snorkelling tours. View scenic reefs, spectacular corals, underwater caves, and abundant marine life including sea dragons, boarfish, abalone and wandering rock lobsters in excellent year-round visibility of up to 20 metres. Extending from Binalong Bay, 10 kilometres north of St Helens, in the south to Eddystone Point in the north, the Bay of Fires is a glorious combination of untouched wilderness and perfect strands of beaches. Laid-back and relaxing, Binalong Bay is a charming village of holiday homes and campsites hidden among the acacia trees fringing the shores, and a great place to take time out swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking and walking. In spring, the area is ablaze with wildflowers, including native orchids and the distinct yellow flowers of native Banksia. The northern section of the Bay, from north of the outlet of Ansons Bay, to Eddystone Point lies within the Mt William National Park. The middle section of the Bay of Fires lies in the vicinity of Ansons Bay. It can be accessed via Policemans Point or the northern shore of Ansons Bay, however be aware that it is not possible to cross the outlet of Ansons Bay. The southern section of The Bay of Fires is in the Conservation Area, situated along a 13 km stretch of coast between Binalong Bay and The Gardens. Activities A wide range of activities are able to be pursued in the Bay of Fires area, including camping, beach activities, boating, bird watching, fishing, swimming, surfing and walking. Please be aware that Aboriginal middens (shell and bone deposits) are found in the sand dunes. Please do not disturb these protected sites.