The Bay of Fires is another of Tasmania’s gems. The stretch of bays on the east coast are renowned for white sandy beaches and red rocky shores. The sand is white due to the level of quartz and the rocks are coloured by lichen.

However the bay did not get it’s name from the rocks, but from explorer Furneaux in 1773 who recorded lots of fires burning along the coast. He assumed that the country was densely populated.

Even on a cloudy afternoon it was beautiful. We drove to “The Gardens” where there is a short walk on the beach and over the lichen covered rocks. The red / orange is stunning. There are views here along the coast.

We then stopped at Taylor’s Beach. Another perfect almost empty stretch of sand and surf.

Bingalong Bay is at the southern end of the Bay of Fires, with a sweeping beach then a few outcrops, small coves leading to Skeleton Rock.

We stayed overnight in St Helens, a small harbour town on George’s Bay. Our room overlooked a bird reserve and the harbour, with black swans swimming close by our balcony.

We drove out around St Helen’s Point and found other coves.

At the end of the road was a boat ramp that was obviously popular. I was intrigued that most of the utes or trucks were “work” trucks. We spoke to one guy who had just pulled up with his boat. I guess going fishing or diving for abalone took precedence over actual work on a friday morning. Our red car stood out in the car park as the only “car” car and without a boat trailer.

An unexpected treat was Peron Sand Dunes. We saw a sign, drove a few metres up the dirt track, walked a way through the wet long grass and wow …..