Bay of Fires
Tasmania has been a favourite location to visit for many years. With superlative natural beauty encompassing ancient geology, mountains, forests, rivers, coast, flora and fauna, the island never ceases to astound. Instead of trying to see it all in a few weeks – which is next to impossible and exhausting to try – we concentrate on a small area.
After visiting Flinders Island, it made sense to stay in the northeast. The Bay of Fires was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux as he sailed past in 1773, spotting Aboriginal fires lighting up the coastline. The name can also apply to the brilliant orange lichen that famously grows on the smooth granite boulders lining the coast.
Binalong Bay
Staying nearby St Helens at Binalong Bay provided spectacular views of the sweep of white sand with brilliant azure water. One walk is out to Skeleton Point following a rock-strewn path tracing the rocky coast through the forest. With late afternoon light, a light breeze and leading lines on the rock shelf, the location lent itself to long exposures.
Granite lines. 2025, Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia
Scamander
A short drive from Binalong Bay is Scamander. The bridge over the Scamander River has a fascinating history, which is covered in this YouTube clip by Angus Thornett, here.
The significant point Angus makes in his video is about the volume of water that can flow out the Scamander River. The remnants of the flood from the previous spring litter the beach. The bright midday light was perfect for infrared, as were the patterns in the sand at the river mouth. Abstraction in nature is a continuing favourite subject of mine to photograph.
Scamander River. 2025, Tasmania, Australia
The Gardens
North of Binalong Bay is The Gardens. This is a large granite outcrop with a lookout and beach to the north. The photographic possibilities are mesmerising. I did a scouting trip, then went back early one evening to take long exposures.
The Gardens, detail. 2025, Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia
Baileys Beach
A scenic walk from Binalong Bay up the white sand beach leads to this majestic set of rocks. A sharp cool breeze was blowing and the beach deserted late in the evening when this shot was taken.
Bay of Fires. 2025, Tasmania, Australia
Peron Dunes
East of St Helens are the Peron Dunes. We first visited here in 2001. Returning in 2025 the dunes are fundamentally different. With years of vegetation restoration, a large area of the dunes is now covered. There is still plenty to explore and a variety of textures and patterns to photograph.
Peron Dunes details, 2025. Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia
Back in St Helens, highly recommended café to visit: Sco & Co. and The Lifebuoy Café. Fabulous coffee, gorgeous outdoor seating, stylish interior and plenty of gluten-free options.