Tuesday 7/02/2024 Cosy Corner North – Taylors Beach – Suicide Beach – Seaton Cove – Orange Rock – Sloop Rock Lookout
Bay of Fires, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Larapuna Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies, Geri Louis, John Louis
Despite a midafternoon arrival, we were keen for a quick exploration around our new base at Cosy Corner North. Heading north from our campsite just after low tide we were immediately onto the beautiful white, very fined grained, sandy beach. At the northern and southern ends are granite headlands well worth wandering around as there, in places, very aesthetically arranged sculptured lichen-encrusted boulders formed compelled compositions for photographs.
Max elevation: 14 m
Total climbing: 81 m
Total descent: -85 m
Average speed: 2.84 km/h
Total time: 02:43:23
As the others decided to return to camp I continued along Taylors and Suicide Beaches passing Seaton Cove and Orange Rock before getting close to Sloop Rock Lookout. Just offshore, Sloop Rock is a striking formation that somewhat resembles the rude up-your-finger gesture.
Northern end of Cosy Corner
I noted no one else venturing beyond the first headland, which as a photographer pleased me as there was no-one getting into the frame of my photos! The afternoon light also proved to be photographically excellent, producing wonderfully contoured lighting to the rocks creating a great 3D look.
The walk itself involved a lot of rock hopping and route finding amongst the jumbles of boulders and consequently was great fun. I returned to camp very content with what I had been fortunate enough to see and the photos I was able to capture.
Geri’s Dairy Entry for the Day
“Today was driving day from Myrtle to Bay of Fires.
Steve and Sue discovered two malfunctions in the Trakadu, so a bit of a late start while Steve, John and Sue tried to solve the problems. 1. problem with cupboard and shelves. 2. grey water tank wouldn’t empty. Fuses, relays, etc checked. Trakadu service rang. Waiting for response.
I managed some good bird photos of grey fantail, Family of wens and flame robin. Also last walk along river. Beautiful day again.
Sue and Steve were ahead of us and let us know that Cosy Corner South was very busy and they were at cosy Corner North. They had a spot and we found one in front of toilet and in front of a group that didn’t mind that we parked there.
After a late lunch, (we arrived at 215), we went for a walk to look at and photograph the beautiful beaches. Steve kept going, Sue tested the water (almost went for a swim)
“ Bay of Fires” named by early explorers) seafarers who saw smoke from aboriginal campfires (or burnings) -.. not because of the red colour on the granite boulders from lichen.”
Wednesday 8/02/2024 Cosy Corner North – Old Man Rocks – Round Hill Point – Swimcart Beach – Jeanneret Beach – Cosy Corner – Binalong Bay – Grants Lagoon
Participant: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report)
This morning I headed off alone to walk to along the southern shoreline just after high tide. I was expecting less than what I had seen yesterday, as the headland at the southern end of the beach appeared to be more like a rock platform. It turned out more visually appealing than I had anticipated.
Max elevation: 19 m
Total climbing: 111 m
Total descent: -106 m
Average speed: 3.84 km/h
Total time: 03:33:55
I got as far south as Binalong Bay without leaving the beach. The beach was soft, making walking a little like hard work or a great workout depending on how your point of view. Old Man Rocks and Round Hill Point each had some very photogenic boulders and rock formations, which up close revealed huge crystals within their structures.
Cosy Corner and Binalong Bay from headland at Jeanneret Beach
Views in both directions revealed long, white, sandy beaches with rocky headlands in both directions. There is a lot of beautiful coastline for exploration here.
I was a little disappointed with Grants Lagoon, as I only saw two birds, both seagulls. Returning via the bush track which runs parallel to the shoreline but in amongst the foredunes, I sighted a pair of Willie Wagtails and a couple of small skinks. Parts of these foredunes are fenced off, with signs warning of nesting birds and to keep out and remain close to the water’s edge.
One of the headlands requires following a rough bush track, which had me taking my time in an attempt to improve my chances of avoiding any “too close” snake encounters.
Along the coast, I also sighted several Pacific Gulls as well as many regular seagulls. Once again, away from the road access points, there were very few people.
Back near camp, I found the rest of my travelling group leaving the water after a very enjoyable swim, reporting the water to be much warmer than they had anticipated.
Geri’s Dairy Entry for the Day
“Lovely listening to the waves when waking this morning. There was no need to rush so we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast after which I did a few sketches in this diary.
We went over to Sue’s Trakadoo, where we did some trip organising with Sue. Steve had gone for a walk to Binalong Bay. Sue is a great organiser and planner. We booked Coles Bay, Triabunna, Maria Island Ferry and Freycinet campground followed by Coles Bay, then Triabunna. Then it was time for a swim, pleasant once wet. Water crystal clear, waves not big, so we had a pleasant splash about. After lunch we packed up and headed into St Helens, via Binalong Bay for a look. All us (No. 8) but was told it was taken. We found out later that this was meant to be Sue and Stere’s site but they had the option of a site with a view on an upper tier. Office obviously hadn’t update the change. We had arrived just alter Sue and Steve.”
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Bay of Fires: An Australian Tapestry of Granite, Sand, and Ancient Flames
Tasmania’s Bay of Fires, nestled on its pristine east coast, is a captivating blend of fiery orange lichen-covered granite boulders, pristine white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This natural wonderland boasts a unique geological history, diverse ecosystems, and a rich tapestry of indigenous and white history, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.
Landscape Features:
Granite Boulders: The Bay of Fires is most famous for its iconic granite boulders, sculpted by millennia of wind, waves, and glacial erosion. These lichen-covered giants, ranging from fiery orange to deep red hues, line the coastline, creating a visually stunning and unique landscape.
White Sand Beaches: Sheltered coves boast pristine white sand beaches, like the picturesque Richardson Beach and The Hazards Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the turquoise waters.
Coastal Heaths: Fragile coastal heath communities, dominated by tea-tree, banksias, and low-lying shrubs, thrive on the windswept slopes and behind the beaches, adding to the diverse coastal landscape.
Island Archipelagos: Scattered off the coast, numerous small islands, including the Friendly Beaches and Bramble Cay, offer further exploration opportunities with diverse marine life and unique coastal scenery.
Forests: Inland, pockets of dry sclerophyll forests and wet eucalypt forests provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna, contrasting with the open coastal landscape.
Geology:
The Bay of Fires’ dramatic landscape is a testament to its ancient geological history. The granite boulders, formed over 200 million years ago, were originally part of a vast batholith deep within the Earth’s crust. Subsequent weathering, erosion, and glacial activity sculpted these boulders into their present-day shapes and adorned them with vibrant orange lichen.
Scenic Highlights:
Granite Boulder Sunsets: Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the setting sun casting its golden light on the fiery orange boulders, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable scene.
Panoramic Views: Hike to lookout points like The Gardens Track Lookout or Mount William summit and be rewarded with stunning panoramas encompassing the coastline, granite boulders, and offshore islands.
Snorkelling and Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful fish, kelp forests, and unique marine life around the islands and along the coastline.
Kayaking: Paddle through the crystal-clear waters, navigating around the granite boulders and exploring secluded coves and beaches inaccessible by land.
Stargazing: Immerse yourself in the dark skies devoid of light pollution and witness the brilliance of the Milky Way and constellations.
Local Flora:
The Bay of Fires supports a diverse range of plant life adapted to its coastal and forest environments. Coastal heaths dominated by tea-tree, banksias, and low-lying shrubs thrive on the exposed slopes. Sheltered areas boast pockets of dry sclerophyll forests with eucalyptus and sheoaks, while wet eucalypt forests offer a diverse range of tree species and ferns in the hinterland.
Local Fauna:
Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of native Tasmanian animals while exploring the Bay of Fires. Agile wallabies and pademelons might be spotted grazing amongst the coastal heaths, while colourful parrots, honeyeaters, and kookaburras flit through the trees. Look out for shy platypuses in the waterways and listen for the distinctive calls of Tasmanian devils and quolls in the twilight hours.
Indigenous History:
The Bay of Fires holds deep significance for the indigenous Palawa people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Evidence of their connection to the land can be found in middens and stone artefacts scattered along the coastline. The park recognises and respects the ongoing cultural connection of the Palawa people to their traditional lands.
White History:
European explorers first sighted the area in the early 1800s, naming it “Bay of Fires” due to the reddish glow of the lichen-covered granite boulders at sunset. The area later saw logging and fishing activities, but conservation efforts led to the establishment of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in 1965.
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