larapuna / Bay of Fires describes a long section of Tasmania’s north-east coast, not one beach. Binalong Bay anchors the south; larapuna / Eddystone Point and Mount William National Park mark the north.

Understand the cultural landscape

Aboriginal families used and cared for this coast long before Tobias Furneaux applied the English name after seeing fires in 1773. Middens and other cultural places remain significant and must be left undisturbed.

Orange-lichen granite beside clear water
Coastal granite and lichen create the region’s characteristic colours.Diego Delso, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Choose the right reserve

The southern conservation area and northern national park have different rules. A parks pass is required in Mount William National Park, while dog and camping restrictions vary by site.

Long exposed beach in the Bay of Fires region
Beautiful beaches can still have rips, cold water and steep drop-offs.Diego Delso, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Prepare for exposed beaches

Steep drop-offs, rips and cold water make conservative swimming essential. Stock up in St Helens, check fire restrictions and avoid driving at wildlife-active dusk.

Allow several days to explore rather than rushing between Cape Portland and the southern bays.