Written by Sheree Strange, February 19, 2025
Tasmania’s Bay Of Fires has been recognised as the Best Australian Beach 2025, a list compiled each year by beach expert Brad Farmer, AM.
It’s also the first time the designation has gone to a cluster of beaches, rather than a single stretch. The 10 kilometre cluster stretches across the southern portion of the Bay Of Fires Conservation Reserve, bookended by The Gardens and Binalong Bay.
“I spent plenty of time in Tasmania assessing the beaches and in the end, there were so many incredible options, I couldn’t even settle on one,” says Farmer. “[That’s] why, for the first time, I’m awarding the best beach to a cluster of neighbouring beach bays in the Bay of Fires.”
“They say cold water is good for you, but even if you’re not up for a refreshing dip, there is still plenty to do and see… It’s a location made for photography or painting, fishing, and surfing.”
Accessibility at Bay of Fires
The southern end of the Bay of Fires is a 2.5 hour drive from Launceston, or 3.5 hour drive from Hobart. There are no public transport options in the area, so plan to visit with your own vehicle, or take a guided tour/cruise.
The town of St Helens (named Tasmania’s Top Tourism Town in 2020) is the closest stop for fuel, groceries, and other essentials you’ll need for your adventure. The town has multi-use paths, ramp access to most buildings, and accessible public toilets.
Binalong Bay is a short drive north of St Helens, and will give you postcard-worthy views of white sand beaches and turquoise water from the accessible viewing platform. If you’re planning to stop overnight (or longer!), you can find wheelchair accessible accommodation at Horizon at Binalong Bay.
At the northern end of the Bay of Fires, there are accessible boardwalks from The Gardens which allow travellers of all abilities to admire the area’s natural beauty.
If you’re hoping to get down on the sand and into the water yourself, you may need to bring your own mobility equipment (e.g., beach wheelchair), as access to loaned equipment is limited.
If you’re planning a camping or caravan holiday, tents, small caravans and campervans are welcome at all campsites in the Bay of Fires (though access to public bathrooms and other amenities is variable). Long caravans are able to access Policemans Point, Grants Lagoon, Swimcart Beach, and Cosy Corner (North and South). All of the sites are free to access.
There is a comprehensive audio guide to the Bay Of Fires available on VacayIt.
Top 10 Best Australian Beaches 2025
There were nearly 12,000 candidates for the Best Australian Beaches list, and the final top 10 list highlights the incredible diversity of Australia’s coast.
- Bay of Fires, Tasmania
- Woolgoolga, New South Wales
- Emily Bay Lagoon, Norfolk Island
- North Kirra Beach, Queensland
- Little Lagoon, Western Australia
- Fishery Bay, South Australia
- 1770, Queensland
- Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
- Caves Beach, New South Wales
- Cowes Beach, Victoria
“There is no doubt that Australia has the best beaches in the world,” says Don Farrell (Trade and Tourism Minister). “Tourism Australia’s 2025 Best Australian Beaches list highlights just how extraordinary our coastline is. There will be many families, just like mine, that love looking through the Best Australian Beaches list every year to pick which ones they want to visit next.”
