Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires was named the worlds “hottest” travel destination for 2009 by the international guide book Lonely Planet. The Bay of Fires was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux, in 1773, when he noticed numerous fires spotted along the coast, the area is known by aboriginals as Larapuna.
Binalong Bay is a beautiful seaside village situated about 15 minutes drive from St Helens on the east coast of Tasmania, there are approximately 200 holiday homes and around 100 properties with permanent residents who are lucky enough to call Binalong Bay home.
The area has a fantastic main beach as well as several small secluded rocky gulches and bays spotted along the coastline. Some of these places are accessible by car or a short stroll, however they are best experienced from the water. Bay of Fires Eco Tours departs from the Binalong Bay Gulch, situated just past the main beach.
To truly experience the areas beauty we recommend you stay a few nights and live like a local, there are a number of seaside holiday homes available for rent and there is also accommodation available in St Helens itself.
There is plenty to see and do in the area, or if you wish, just chilling out on the beaches and soak up the sun.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE AREA
There are arrpoximately 60 holiday rentals in and around Binalong Bay, most are available to book through Homeaway or Airbnb.
There is also a wide variety of accommodation available in St Helens including, Bay of Fires Apartments, Panorama – St Helens, The Bayside Inn, Kelraine Units, Queechy Cottages, BIG4, NRMA Holiday Park and many more.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA
St Helens Mountain Bike Trails – The trails are some of the most scenic trails in the world – where else in the world can you ride Mountains to the Sea, ending your ride in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Bay of Fires.
Located in two unique locations, you’ll find a series of stacked loops just south of the St Helens Township as well as an epic 42km wilderness trail that starts sat the top of the Blue Tier and winds and wends all the way to Swimcart beach, in the internationally acclaimed Bay of Fires. Whether you like to shred some serious downhill, enjoy some cross country flow or just want a fun day on the trails with the family, the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails have an experience for everyone.
St Helens Point Conservation Arrea & Peron Dunes – An extensive 1066ha reserve of low sand dunes and ocean beach, a short drive from the town of St Helens, popular for surfing, fishing, beach walks, boating, bird-watching and camping.
TAS 4X4 TOURS – Get off the highways and see the real Tasmania. We can drive you through our magnificent temperate forests. You can walk on our pristine beaches at the world renowned Bay of Fires. See beautiful waterfalls and unique animals in their natural habitat, experience the rich local heritage, enjoy an Aussie bush BBQ and sample gourmet local foods and exquisite fresh seafood.
Aloha Dreaming – Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage…The most beautiful experience you will ever treat yourself too!
Serpentarium Wildlife Park – An indoor reptile exhibit, presenting exotic captive bred reptiles. All our species receive personal attention and the best in husbandry care as we totally love our reptiles.
Pub in the Paddock – The Pub in the Paddock offers country accommodation and meals, licensed since 1880, it is one of Tasmania’s oldest country pubs. Literally sitting in the middle of a paddock in the Pyengana Valley, the Pub offers hearty country meals or morning and afternoon teas along with comfortable pub accommodation. Call in for a cool drink and meet the locals (don’t forget to visit Priscilla the pig) or stay a little longer and explore the local area.
St Columba Falls – The cascading waters of St Columba Falls plunge nearly 90 m from the Mt Victoria foothills to the valley of the South George River. The falls can be viewed from the carpark and a short walking track provides easy access, through a forest of tree ferns, sassafras and myrtle, to a viewing platform.
Pyenganna Dairy – Award-winning, traditional cheeses. Tasty, sturdy cheeses have been made using traditional methods at Pyengana for more than 100 years. You can watch cheese being made, sample some of Pyengana’s award-winning produce and then buy your own hearty, mature cheddar. Visit the Dairy Shop for fresh milkshakes and cakes or browse the range of locally made crafts and pottery.