WHY GO The Bay of Fires is located on the East Coast of Tasmania and was named the hottest travel destination for 2009 by Lonely Planet. Described as "a castaway bay" - expect the whitest of sandy beaches, the clearest blue ocean and the freshest of sea air. Tasmania's secret is now out in the open and it's time to visit before everyone flocks to this pristine location!
TO DO One way to experience the natural beauty of the Bay of Fires is via a four-day hike. Gear up for a trekking adventure along the coast, led by well-informed, young Tasmanian guides. In a small group, explore the fascinating beach environment and the diverse flora. Rest at the Bay of Fires Lodge (http://www.bayoffires.com.au/), which offers superb accommodation in the midst of this wilderness paradise.
Another way to take in the diverse beauty of the Bay of Fires is on water aboard Bavaria. Cruise Georges Bay over lunch, sail into a beautiful sunset, or undertake a day trip to Eddystone Point or St Helens Island. Marvel at the world's best beaches featuring pure white sands, azure waters and unique red rocks, while feasting on Tasmania's finest seafood and wines. Tel: +61 3 6376 1783, www.bayoffiressailingcruises.com.au
The waters along the Bay of Fires offer some of the most exciting and diverse temperate water-diving in Australia. Dive amongst huge granite boulders which form gutters, tunnels and swim throughs. And enjoy exploring this unique reef system which supports kelp, colourful sponges, prolific fish life, fixed marine life, crayfish, abalone, sea dragons, dolphins, and even migrating whales in October and November. Tel: +61 3 6376 8335, www.bayoffiresdive.com.au
EAT Named after the native Tasmanian oyster grown in Georges Bay, St Helens - Angasi is an award-winning restaurant overlooking the beach of Binalong Bay. Deemed Best Café Restaurant in the 2008 Savour Australia National Awards For Excellence, Angasi serves simple flavours showcasing fresh local produce. Try the cooked Pacific oysters and savour flavours of Panko crumbed with wasabi aioli, crispy bacon and Eureka Farm Worcestershire, or in salt and pepper fried with olive and sour cream. If you prefer your oysters au naturel, try them cured with trout and avocado salsa, peanut nahm jim dressing, or simply with lemon. With a great menu and an extensive range of Tasmanian wines, eating at Angasi is a must and bookings are recommended. Open every day, it's just a 10-minute drive from St Helens. Tel: +61 3 63 768 222, www.angasi.com.au
STAY There's a great range of accommodation in Binalong Bay, but if you're planning to visit during December and January, book well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you want to be less than 80 metres from the beach, check into The Bay of Fires Character Cottages - a 2008 Take a Beach, Best Places to Stay finalist. Stay in a cottage overlooking the white sands of Binalong Bay beach and take in views of the Bay of Fires. Tel: +61 3 63 768 262, www.bayoffirescottages.com.au
Angasi Apartment offers a night of comfort and style. This warm and inviting space features a luxurious lounge, quality linens and a private wine selection. Enjoy uninterrupted views from the private sundeck - a perfect place to watch the sun set over Binalong Bay. www.stayz.com.au
If you want to get closer to the bush, try Bed in the Treetops, a luxurious bed and breakfast hideaway nestled high on an 80-acre property on Tasmania's East Coast, with spectacular views of the Bay of Fires. Stay in one of two private open plan spa suites, which can sleep up to six guests. Tel: +61 3 6376 1318. www.bedinthetreetops.com.au
If you need accommodation for the family, try Point Break. Just five minutes from the beach it sleeps up to eight people in four rooms and overlooks the Bay of Fires. The house is set up for self-catering and is a great option for families. Tel: +61 3 6331 1224, www.pointbreakbinalong.com
Another suitable family option is The Lazy Wave Beach House - a two-storey, four-bedroom home offering spacious accommodation with a sensational north-facing front verandah. Plenty of room for the children to play and ample parking - great for double family groups! Tel: +61 3 63 768 1592, www.lazywave.com.au
GETTING THERE Fly direct to Melbourne from Singapore with Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeairlines.com), Emirates (http://www.emirates.com/) or Qantas (http://www.qantas.com.au/). From Melbourne, fly to Launceston or Hobart on one of the daily flights offered by Tiger Airways (www.tigerairways.com.au), Jetstar (www.jetstar.com) or Virgin Blue (http://www.virginblue.com.au/). From Launceston or Hobart you'll need to hire a care for the two or three-hour drive respectively to the east coast of Tasmania. Reputable car hire companies include: Avis (http://www.avis.com.au/), Budget (www.budget.com.au), Europcar (http://www.europcar.com.au/), Hertz (http://www.hertz.com.au/), Redspot (http://www.redspotrentals.com.au/) and Thrifty (www.thrifty.com.au).
Posted Feb 09
