About

 

To visit the Bay of Fires  history page click this link.

 

This unusual name was given to the area by Captain Tobias Furneaux, in 1773, when he noticed numerous fires along the coast. This led him to believe that the country was densely populated. Abundant evidence of this occupation by Aboriginal people can be seen along the coast today.

A scenic view of the bay can be glimpsed by driving along the coast to The Gardens. This picturesque area was named by Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of Governor John Franklin, who spent some time in the region.

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What to do

Freycinet National Park
In its own way Freycinet National Park is one of Australia's most interesting wilderness areas - where else in the world do you see red granite cliffs tumbling into the cold ocean? This 10 000 ha park is alive with unusual animals - Tasmanian pademelons, white-breasted sea eagles, red-necked wallabies - and in season offers spectacular displays of rare native flora, notably a wide variety of native orchids. It is fair to say that it is one of the country's most spectacularly beautiful areas and when the weather is perfect it is hard to imagine a more peaceful and awe-inspiring piece of coastline.

Freycinet National Park Activities
Cape Tourville
The most popular activities in Freycinet National Park are bushwalking and scenic views. A good starting point is to drive to Cape Tourville. The 6.4 km dirt road, while hardly amazing, is perfectly adequate for conventional vehicles. The views are spectacular. Although Wineglass Bay is hidden by Mount Parsons there is a dramatic view across Thouin Bay to Lemon Rock and Cape Forestier.

Day Walks
When you enter Freycinet there is a brochure which provides a map and advice on a series of walks. These walks include an easy ten minute walk to the beach and rocks around Sleepy Bay. The Bay is on the route to Cape Tourville and the walk down to the rocks is easy and enjoyable. The kelp on the rocks is particularly impressive.

There is also a walk to Little Gravelly Beach, a tiny beach nestled between two craggy headlands. This is a 30 minute walk with the final stretch - from the top of the cliffs to the beach - being quite steep.

There are a number of ways to see Wineglass Bay. There is a medium walk of 1 1/2-2 hours which takes the walker to the lookout above Wineglass Bay. There is a 3-4 hour walk which goes to the lookout then continues on to the beach. It returns by the same route. The final route is 5 hours and is a circuit via the lookout and the beach and back to the main carpark.

There are many more walks of varying difficulty in the park. It is hard to imagine a more attractive option than staying for a week in the outstanding, award-winning Freycinet Lodge and spending each day attempting a different walk.

 

Accommodation

Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet National Park
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0101
Facsimile: (03) 6257 0278
Rating: ****
 

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Farm & Eco stays

Churinga Farm Cottages
Coles Bay Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0190
Rating: ****

 

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Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses

Coles Bay Retreat
29 Jetty Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: 0418132538
Facsimile: (03) 8660 2446
Rating: ****

 

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Apartments

Iluka Holiday Centre Apts
Esplanade
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0115
Rating: **
 

Three Peaks Holiday Apts
Freycinet Dve
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0333
Rating: ****
 

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Cottages & Cabins

Cottages by the Sea
2308 Main Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0102 or 1800 632 351
Facsimile: (03) 6257 0102
Rating: ***
 

Cottages By The Sea
2308 Main Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0102
 

Gum Nut Cottage
Cnr Coles Bay & Jetty Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0109
Rating: ***
 

Haven Holiday Cottages
Swanwick Dve
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0216
 

Jessies Cottage
7 Esplanade East
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0143
Rating: ****
 

Swan River Cottages
100 Swanwick Drive Swanwick
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0370
Rating: ***

 

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Lodges & Chalets

Friendly Beaches Lodge

Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: 1 800 506 003
 

Pine Lodge Cabins
³Pine Lodge" Harold St
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0370
Rating: **

 

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Caravan Parks

Freycinet National Park (Limited Facilities)

Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0107
 

Iluka Holiday Centre
Esplanade
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0115
Facsimile: (03) 6257 0384
Rating: ***
 

Coles Bay Caravan Park
Coles Bay Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0100
Rating: ***

 

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Camping & Other

Coles Bay Waterfronters
Coles Bay Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0416

Meals

 

Cottages By The Sea
2308 Main Rd
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0102
 

Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet National Park
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0101
Facsimile: (03) 6257 0278
 

Madge Malloy's Restaurant
3 Garnet Ave
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Telephone: (03) 6257 0399