history and ecology of the bay of fires

Source: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

The Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s East Coast extends from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. This unusual name was given to the area by Captain Tobias Furneaux, in 1773, when he noticed numerous fires along the coast. This led him to believe that the country was densely populated. Abundant evidence of this occupation by Aboriginal people can be seen along the coast today including Aboriginal middens (shell and bone deposits) that are found in the sand dunes. Note: please do not disturb these protected sites.

This area has a rich geoheritage, with a remarkable diversity of Earth features for such a small island, with rocks from all major geological periods, a vast suite of different rock types and a range of geomorphological processes which are not found in other parts of Australia.

In particular, this area has rich karst (cave) systems, including some of the deepest and best decorated caves in the southern hemisphere, and is the Australian stronghold of Jurassic dolerite, which forms the distinctive mountains and towering sea-cliffs of eastern Tasmania.

The variety of rock types, landscapes, and soil forming processes are dominating influences on biodiversity. Tasmania has many species which have become, or are on the verge of extinction on mainland Australia. The lack of introduced predators and the relatively large amount of intact habitat on the island, make Tasmania a refuge.  The wildlife found here includes Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, snakes, and exotic birds that are protected by the expansive ecosystem. 

However, this unique coastal ecosystem has been threatened by several invasive weeds.  Sea spurge, marram grass and sea wheat grass have spread to Tasmania’s coastline and have detrimental impacts on the native ecosystem.   The invasive sea spurge and sea wheat grass have rapidly spread across the west and north-western coasts while marram grass has expanded state wide.  These invasive weeds impact the shape of coastal beaches and dune systems resulting in the loss of nesting sites for coastal birds such as the hooded plover.  The spread of these invasive species has also increased beach erosion and caused damage to Aboriginal heritage sites.  In addition, marram grass is able to out compete native grasses resulting in the displacement of two native grass communities and five coastal dune plant communities.  Much of Tasmania’s coastal ecosystems have experienced irreversible damages as a result of these invasive species while the remaining coastline is still vulnerable.  

These unique features found along the eastern coast of Tasmania are highlighted in the Bay of Fires Walk with Life’s An Adventure.  Our educated guides emphasize these one of a kind attributes to provide you with an exciting and all-encompassing experience of Tasmania’s Bay of Fires.