Australia's 29-kilometre ribbon of sea, surf and sand that is the Bay of Fires in Tasmania is renowned for its island beach culture, cosy cottages and nature walks.
Bay of Fires has been named by guidebook publisher Lonely Planet as the top place to visit in 2009.
It is located just northeast of St Helens, Tasmania's largest town on the island's northeastern coast, and lies between Eddystone Point in the north and Binalong Bay in the south.
Idyllic area
The entrance to the Bay of Fires is Binalong Beach, a 10-minute drive from St Helens.
It is an area of idyllic white-sand beaches, placid lagoons and hidden coves with suitable accommodation choices and fishing and diving facilities.
A major drawcard for visitors is the four-day Bay of Fires Walk organised by the Bay of Fires Lodge and conducted by experienced guides.
Origin of name
The name Bay of Fires was given to the area by English navigator Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 when he observed numerous fires along the coast.
He then believed that the country was densely populated and there is abundant evidence today of Aboriginal habitation in the area in the past.
Furneaux was commander of HMS Adventure which accompanied James Cook in HMS Resolution on Captain Cook's second voyage to Australia. Furneaux was separated from the Resolution when he explored Tasmania's south and east coasts.
