Bay of Fires & Freycinet National Park
Tour the Bay of Fires
Visit Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is a wonderland of world-famous locations on Tasmania’s east coast. Characterised by its impressive red and pink granite rock formations, Tassie’s east coast is home to the renowned Wineglass Bay, Cape Tourville Lookout, The Hazards, and the Bay of Fires. Fun Tassie Tours regularly visits Freycinet National Park, so you can explore the best of Tasmania.
Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay boasts one of Australia’s most pristine and secluded beaches, with bright white sands and inviting blue waters. Though Wineglass Bay’s natural contours might give away the origin of its name, the true meaning is more sinister. The bay was once a base for whaling and sealing, and when the boats were out working, the bay’s waters would turn ruby red from the blood, like red wine.
Wineglass Bay can be accessed by hiking between The Hazards mountain range, by boat, or by walking to the Wineglass Bay Lookout.
Tasmania's Wineglass Bay
Animals in Freycinet National Park
You’ll see an abundance of wildlife in the Freycinet region during the day, but most of the marsupials are nocturnal or crepuscular (most active at dusk and dawn). Venture out at dusk or later, and you might be lucky enough to spot marsupials like the Sugar Glider, various possums, the Tasmanian bettong, pademelons, and the long-nosed potoroo. During the day, you’ll see plenty of evidence of their nighttime activity! You may also see wombats, echidnas, and Bennett’s wallabies.
Tasmania’s Bay of Fires
Where to find the Bay of Fires
One of the top tourist destinations in Australia, the beautiful Bay of Fires is located on the northeastern coast of Tasmania. Also known by its aboriginal name, Larapuna.
How long is the Bay of Fires?
Tassie’s Bay of Fires coastline extends ~50km from Binalong Bay up north to Eddystone Point.
Why is it called the Bay of Fires?
Contrary to common belief, the Bay of Fires was not named after the blazing orange lichen covering its granite boulders. It was named 'The Bay of Fires’ in 1773 by British explorer and navigator Captain Tobias Furneaux, as he saw fires along the beach that were lit by the local aboriginal people.
What creates the pure white sand?
The mighty Devonian granite boulders strewn across the bay have a high quartz content, which breaks down to create the appearance of pristine white sand.
Bay of Fires’ Blazing Orange Lichen
Tassie’s Bay of Fires is best known for the rich orange lichen carpeting the granite boulders. During the day, the lichen is an almost unnaturally brilliant display, but it makes the bay particularly stunning at sunset — as if alight on fire.
What is lichen?
Lichen is formed from a symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship between fungi and algae. The fungi create the structure of the lichen that protects the algae, while the algae are responsible for photosynthesising food for them both. Lichen is extremely adaptable and has learned to thrive in salty coastal environments.
Bay of Fires’ iconic orange lichen
Our Tours to Freycinet National Park & Bay of Fires
See the brilliant lichen phenomena for yourself on a premium Fun Tassie Tour to Freycinet National Park. Dip your toes in the crystal-clear water at the Bay of Fires or have a refreshing swim (Tasmanian weather permitting, of course). There are many activities to be had at the Bay of Fires and Fun Tassie Tours make sure you have ample time to relax and enjoy this special coastal part of Tasmania. Our tours to the Bay of Fires include:
In our Bay of Fires tours, we drive along Tassie’s scenic east coast road to arrive at Binalong Bay – the beginning of the Bay of Fires coastline. Just south of the Bay of Fires, we also stop at St Helens to sample fresh oysters from the Lease 65 oyster farm.
