Holiday houses in Binalong Bay

Binalong Bay, a small, coastal town in northeast Tasmania, is characterised by the riotous colours of its landscape. Part of the viscerally named Bay of Fires, this portion of the coast is known for its distinctive orange-tinged boulders and rock formations, caused by maritime lichen. Russet outcrops contrast spectacularly with the bay’s sparkling white sand and azure waters, creating a dazzling backdrop for outdoor activities, from kayaking to boating on the gulch’s waters to camping within groves of acacia trees. The offshore reef barriers make for prime surfing conditions, with the swell rolling into the bay from the Pacific.

Local menus are peppered with regional seafood — especially rock lobster, Tasmanian abalone, and oysters — as well as delightful wines from Tasmania’s many vineyards. Cooler climate grape varieties thrive on the island, so sample light Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc with the local shellfish.

The best time to look for accommodations in Binalong Bay is between December and March, with January and February in particular being the warmest months with the least amount of rain. The ocean waters are at their warmest during this time, and are mild enough to swim in. In January the Festival of King Island, held overlooking Currie Harbor, celebrates local folk, blues, country, and rock musicians, with live performances in a dreamy, harbourside setting. Also in January is the Burnie Lilium Show, held in the Burnie Arts and Function Centre on Tasmania’s north coast. The show features floral art across all skill levels, and brings with it an extensive gift shop, offering a wide range of flowers and seeds to take back to home gardens.

The Bridport Summer Party, traditionally held during the last week of February, sees tasty local cuisine accompanied by a wide variety of beverages from distilleries and winemakers across Tasmania. The event also includes family-friendly activities such as face painting, saucer rides, and merry-go-rounds.

The Bay of Fires

Binalong Bay is situated on the Bay of Fires’ southernmost part. It’s worth devoting at least one day of your trip to head up the coast and enjoy the area’s remarkable natural sights. Fishing, hiking, boating, and camping are all popular activities, as is visiting Mount William National Park on the bay’s northern end. Curiously, the Bay of Fires gets its name not from the bright lichen-coated rocks, but rather from firelit camps set up along the shore in the 18th century, when this stretch of coast served as a meeting place for Aboriginal family groups.

Ansons Bay

A hamlet best known for its fishing and boating, Ansons Bay is one of the more secluded parts of the Bay of Fires. Kayaking is quite popular in the Ansons Bay Lagoon, and you can easily rent a boat for general recreation or sports fishing. If you have a licence, you can catch your own dinner to cook and enjoy on the beach, as the bay is rich with crawfish, abalone, and other shellfish.

Eddystone Point

An hour’s drive from Binalong Bay, you’ll find Eddystone Point, an area of white, curved rock beaches and the home of an old stone lighthouse. Although the historic lighthouse has been decommissioned, you can still visit the well-maintained structure and explore the grounds.