Bay of Fires - Tasmania
Location
Bay of Fires is located on the northeast coast of Tasmania, extending from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. The coordinates are approximately 41° S, 148° E. The northern end of the bay is part of Mount William National Park and the southern end is part of a conservation area. Bay of Fires is primarily characterised by its pristine blue waters and orange hue granite rocks, along with its white sand beaches. Visiting There are many things to see and do at the Bay of Fires area. The most popular activity to enjoy while in the region is swimming and getting in touch with nature, as well as admiring Tasmania's beautiful and untouched coastline. The shallow water and long shoreline enables visiter to walk along the pristine sands for kilometres on end- you can walk the entire bay of you desire- from Binalong to Eddystone point. Some other amazing experiences to have while in the Bay of Fires region is to walk through Scamanda's Winifred Reserve, fly fishing in the pristine estuaries, surfing at on of the coastlines numerous wave beaches, pack the bike and ride up the abundant mountain bike tracks around Mathinna and Weldborough, explore the East Coast’s own animal park, and you can also go to the incredible Peron Sand Dunes. Climate The temperature and rainfall in the Bay of Fires region and neighbouring St Helens has a maximum of 21.3 degrees celsius and a minimum of 7.1. In January the average rainfall is 45.4 mm, with approximately 6 days of rain. February has an annual rainfall of 46.3 mm and a maximum temperature of 21.3 and a minimum of 14.3. There is 57.7mm of rain in March, and the temperature begins to drop around one degree or so. Aprils max temperature is around 18.2 degrees, and the minimum is around 11.5- significantly colder- while the rainfall is also increased, with 66.2mm. In May the temperature continues to drop, with a low of 9.7 degrees and a high 15.9 degrees. The rainfall is slightly decreased, with 65mm in total. In June, July, and August, the temperature is around on maximum 13.5 degrees and a minimum of approximately 7.7 degrees. The temperature begins to climb higher leading to the end of the year, while the rainfall greatly decreases by December. In total the hottest month of the year in Lake Hillier is February, the coldest and wettest is July, and the driest is January. The Bay of Fires region and St Helens are not commonly hit with severe weather warnings in any form. It is recommended to visit Bay of Fires in Summer- preferably December, January and February. The Bay of Fires area is in Tasmania, which therefore means it is very southern and cold most times of the year compared to mainland Australia. Fauna Some of the most interesting animals found in Bay of Fires includes: Tasmanian Devil: The Tasmanian Devil is one of the most famous Tasmanian native animals that is at the brink of extinction due to a horrific mouth cancer. It is the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial and is found only in Tasmania. The hideous sounding growls and bellowing screeches they make are believed to have contributed to the naming of the devil, and they are often heard when devil's are fighting over food and during mating. Wombat: The largest burrowing mammal in Australia, the wombat, is common in Tasmania, particularly in the north-east and coastal parts of the state, including the Bay of Fires region. Wombats can burrow up to 10 metres in length and 30 metres deep, with multiple entrances. They are very unaggressive animals. Pademelon: The Pademelon is an unusual wallaby shaped creature that is only found in Tasmania and is widespread throughout. They come in different shades of black, ash and brown and most commonly inhabit the states national parks. The name Pademelon is of Aboriginal deviation. The Eastern Quoll: The Eastern Quoll, or as it is sometimes called the native cat, is endemic to Tasmania. They are about the size of a small domestic cat, with a pointed pink nose and sharp teeth. Their fur is usually shades of brown, grey or black with small white spots covering the body except for the bushy tail which occasionally has a white tip. Eastern quolls are nocturnal and only rarely do they forage or bask during the day. The Little Penguin: The Little Penguin is the smallest penguin of the 18 species in the world and the only one to nest in Australia. It Leaves its nest to go fishing at dawn, returning at dusk, and can be found in the Bay of Fires area,in St Helens and in neighbouring Bicheno. However, almost 95% of the birds nest on offshore islands. The Humpback Whale: According to Tasmanian Wildlife Services, Humpback whales migrate northward past Tasmania to parts of mainland Australia between May and July and return southward along the Tasmanian coast between September and November. Most whale sightings occur on Tasmania's east coast. They among the most magnificent animals on earth. Flora Some of Bay of Fires most distinct native flora includes: Juniper Wattle: The Juniper Wattle is a type of Acacia bush that is commonly found in the Bay of Fires area. It has a small, shrub like appearance with pale yellow flowers and short thin leaves branching off from the stalk. It is also found in a larger tree like form further from the coastline. Eucalyptus Trees: Many varieties of Eucalyptus trees are found on Tasmania's East coast. Some of these includeEucalyptus Globulus- mainly by the coast, and Eucalyptus Ovata in surrounding gullies. Tailed Spider Orchid: The tailed spider orchid is native to much of Tasmania. It's defining characteristics include a long petaled purple flower and a tall central spike rising up through the centre. Tasmanian Smokebrush: The Tasmanian Smokebrush is a small bush of long white flowers that only inhabits Tasmania. In the Bay of Fires, it is located inland from the shoreline. Cane Holygrass: Cane Holygrass is the primary type of crass found in and around Bay of Fires. It grows long and think, often yellowing under the harsh sun. It wetter years, it grows longer and has a more green appearance. Interesting Information: - The name Bay of Fires comes from when Captain Tobias Furneaux came to the bay in 1773 and saw Aboriginal people gathering around a fire on the beach- contrary to the belief that the name comes from the bright orange colour of the surrounding rocks. - The orange hue that appears in top of the rocks comes from the stain left by red algae. - Bay of Fires is almost 29km long in total. - It is believed that the area was heavily populated and there is abundant evidence today of Aboriginal habitation in the area in the past. |