Binalong Bay to St Helens Point — Bay of Fires Coastal Back Road via Gardens Road
Orange granite, blue water, soft sand — earn it.
The Bay of Fires needs no introduction to anyone who’s seen a travel magazine in the last decade, but most people experience it on foot or from a sealed road. The coastal 4WD track running north from Binalong Bay toward The Gardens and looping back toward St Helens Point gives you access to beach camping spots, rocky headlands, and the kind of granite boulder coastline that looks fake until you’re standing on it. The track surface alternates between soft sand requiring tyre deflation to around 18 PSI, loose gravel approaches to beach access points, and firm compacted dirt through the coastal scrub. The Swimcart Beach crossing near The Gardens is the technical crux — soft sand with a short uphill exit that catches unprepared drivers.
A stock 4WD in good shape handles this comfortably with the tyres aired down, making it one of Tasmania’s more accessible coastal drives. However, don’t underestimate soft sand — bring a compressor and a shovel at minimum. Camping is available at designated sites within the Mt William National Park section; a national parks pass is required. Best from November through April when the weather is settled. St Helens is your last fuel and supplies stop. Phone reception is patchy at best north of Binalong Bay. An honest easy-to-moderate run with extraordinary rewards.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 390 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with tyre deflation |
| Nearest town | St Helens, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | parks.tas.gov.au |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Patrol handle this trail without a lift?
Yes, a stock 4WD with reasonable clearance is fine — the minimum requirement is 4WD with tyre deflation. A lifted setup isn't necessary, but airing down to around 20-22 PSI is essential for the sandy sections or you'll dig yourself in.
When is the trail actually passable and what closes it?
November through April is the sweet spot — Tasmanian summers keep the tracks firm and the beach camps accessible. Winter brings rain that turns soft ground into bog, and some sections near Gardens Road can become impassable after heavy rainfall regardless of season.
Do I need a permit to drive through and camp here?
Yes, a permit is required — you're entering Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania managed land, including Mt William National Park at the southern end. A valid Tasmania Parks Pass covers entry; purchase one online at parks.tas.gov.au or at the Parks office in St Helens before you roll.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The soft sand beach and dune crossings are where people get into trouble — it's not technically difficult but the sand can be deep and dry, especially mid-summer. If you haven't aired down properly and you're carrying a heavy load, getting stuck well away from any help is a real possibility.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and is there any water on-route?
St Helens is your last reliable fuel — fill up there before heading north, as there's nothing along the 24km coastal track. There's no potable water on the route itself, so carry everything you need for your stay; plan for at least 5-10L per person per day if you're camping overnight.
Trail track
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