Sunset at the Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Located on the northeastern coast of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires is an idyllic destination. Voted as the world’s best beach and named one of the world’s hottest travel destinations by Lonely Planet, this place is a gem.
Why is it called the Bay of Fires?
Contrary to the name, the Bay of Fires isn’t fiery. It was named by the Captain of the Adventure in 1773. He’d spotted aboriginal fires on the beaches in the area. The indigenous population refer to this area of Tasmania as Larapuna.
The Bay’s Vibrant Orange Rocks
One of the most noticeable features is the orange colour of the rocks at the Bay of Fires. It can seem to be on fire which is particularly stunning during sunset when the whole bay comes alive with fiery hues. This orange colouring is due to the lichen that grows here.
The Best Beach in the World
The whole Bay of Fires boasts a 29-kilometre stretch of white sandy beaches and a clear blue sea, making it a gorgeous stop if you choose to visit. It is also peaceful, with seemingly few tourists only adding to its charm.
The Perfect Spot to Watch Sunset
As the sunset kicks in, the orange colour of the rocks starts to fade away, but it is still a sight to behold. You can jump across the rocks to find the perfect vantage point to watch the sun go down. The way the bay has formed allows you to look across the water. This way you’ll not only get to watch the sunset but also a reflection and contrast to the rocks.
The Best Way to Experience the Bay of Fires
The best way to experience the Bay of Fires is to spend a few days hiking. If, like me, you’re short on time, you can still enjoy it as a stop on a tour as you drive through. It remains one of my favourite stops in Tasmania, and I’d love to return to spend more time there (and take better pictures).
All in all, the Bay of Fires is a unique and stunning part of Tasmania that I’d recommend to anyone heading there. The vibrant orange rocks, clear blue sea, and white sandy beaches make it a great place to kick back and relax.
Next time I’ll take some better pictures – Check out these on Google, they make mine look dreadful.
