Bay of Fires Bush Retreat
THE LOCATION
The Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is located in Binalong Bay, along the east coast of Tasmania. It is an ideal base for exploring the famous Bay of Fires where you can go hopping between beaches, coves and exploring for swimming holes. There are eco tours, snorkelling and diving nooks and the opportunity for kayaking or stand up paddleboarding – head into Binalong Bay township for further info.
If the water temperature is a deterrent, there are a number of short to medium walking and hiking trails in Skeleton Bay Reserve.
THE ACCOMMODATION
The bush retreat offers three main accommodation options: the Bell Tents, the Bunk House (group accommodation) and The King Room.
We stayed in a Bell Tent named Ansons (after Ansons Bay to the north). Each Bell Tent has power and features a king sized bed, electric blanket, two chairs, hot water bottles, drinking water, marshmallows and towels. There are flaps on the side and at the entrance for ventilation and to keep out the flies and mosquitos.
We stayed for two nights at the end of November. During the day, the tents can become quite hot if there is no sun or breeze, however, depending on your plans, you may not find yourselves inside your tent a lot during the day. We slept quite well in the tents at night, staying comfortable and warm. We didn’t need to use the hot water bottles and Bevan had to turn off the electric blanket each night.
We stayed in a Bell Tent named Ansons (after Ansons Bay to the north). Each Bell Tent has power and features a king sized bed, electric blanket, two chairs, hot water bottles, drinking water, marshmallows and towels. There are flaps on the side and at the entrance for ventilation and to keep out the flies and mosquitos.
We stayed for two nights at the end of November. During the day, the tents can become quite hot if there is no sun or breeze, however, depending on your plans, you may not find yourselves inside your tent a lot during the day. We slept quite well in the tents at night, staying comfortable and warm. We didn’t need to use the hot water bottles and Bevan had to turn off the electric blanket each night.
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THE AMENITIES & FACILITIES
All accommodation options share the amenities block where there are five toilets and four showers. The bathroom block is cleaned daily. Hair dryers are also provided.
The open-air fully-equipped kitchen is the communal area where you’ll find gas stoves, ovens, a microwave, fridges and pantry staples, including rice, pasta, couscous, chilli flakes and parmesan. Guests are welcome to cook their own meals with access to the pantry staples and the on-site vegetable and herb garden. The closest stores for provisions are the IGAs or East Coast Village Providore at St Helen’s.
Otherwise if you’re feeling too tired, there is an honesty bar with pre-made gourmet meals, cheeses and artisanal snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We were so surprised with the quality of the frozen gourmet meals and we ended up eating these for our dinners during our two night stay. We can highly recommend them and we agreed that the flavours and portion sizes are well worth their value ($20 – $25 each).
The communal area has two fire pits, board games, first aid kit and woollen blankets. The wifi works best here too although it can be sluggish at times when it becomes windy or multiple people are online. Allocated on-site parking is available for bush retreat guests.
As our visit coincided with the beginning of summer, we found the late evenings and early mornings a little cool but a fleece jumper or light puffer jacket would be sufficient when hanging out in the communal area.
The open-air fully-equipped kitchen is the communal area where you’ll find gas stoves, ovens, a microwave, fridges and pantry staples, including rice, pasta, couscous, chilli flakes and parmesan. Guests are welcome to cook their own meals with access to the pantry staples and the on-site vegetable and herb garden. The closest stores for provisions are the IGAs or East Coast Village Providore at St Helen’s.
Otherwise if you’re feeling too tired, there is an honesty bar with pre-made gourmet meals, cheeses and artisanal snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We were so surprised with the quality of the frozen gourmet meals and we ended up eating these for our dinners during our two night stay. We can highly recommend them and we agreed that the flavours and portion sizes are well worth their value ($20 – $25 each).
The communal area has two fire pits, board games, first aid kit and woollen blankets. The wifi works best here too although it can be sluggish at times when it becomes windy or multiple people are online. Allocated on-site parking is available for bush retreat guests.
As our visit coincided with the beginning of summer, we found the late evenings and early mornings a little cool but a fleece jumper or light puffer jacket would be sufficient when hanging out in the communal area.
THE HOSPITALITY
Staff are available at reception every day from early morning until approximately 6.00pm. There is an after hours phone number to call in an event of an emergency.
Breakfast can be provided for an additional $25 per person. This can be booked before or on arrival.
Breakfast can be provided for an additional $25 per person. This can be booked before or on arrival.
THE LOWDOWN
How To Get To Bay of Fires Bush Retreat
Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is about 260 kilometres north of Hobart or around 3 hours 30 mins drive. The closest township is Binalong Bay (2 minutes drive) and only 10 minutes drive from St Helen’s. You will need your own vehicle to access the bush retreat as there is no public transport access. The last turn off onto Reids Road is along an unsealed road. Cars can manage this road but be sure to drive carefully in case of loose flying rocks.
