Hidden among the bushland of northeast Tasmania, just a couple of minutes from Binalong Bay, Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is camping for people who quite like the idea of sleeping under canvas but also quite like king-sized beds. Honestly, same.
The retreat’s bell tents come decked out with proper bedding, towels and enough space that you won’t wake up spooning your backpack. There’s also a private king room and bunk house for anyone whose relationship with canvas remains complicated, plus handcrafted bathrooms with hot showers nearby.
Most of the action happens around the communal kitchen and dining pavilion, where guests have everything from gas burners and an oven to a BBQ, fridges, pots, pans and all the other bits you inevitably forget when camping.
Stock up on local produce and seafood in nearby St Helens and have a crack yourself, or take the easier route with one of the retreat’s pre-prepared meals and breakfast options.
There’s also an honesty bar stocked with local wine, craft beer and organic cider, which feels like a dangerous amount of trust to place in people on holiday. Grab something cold, find a spot around the fire and suddenly that ambitious plan to be in bed by nine has gone completely out the window.
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Eventually, you should probably venture beyond camp. The retreat sits at the southern entrance to the Bay of Fires, where white beaches, absurdly clear water and those famous orange-lichen-covered boulders stretch along the coast. Swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking and bushwalking are all within easy reach, while St Helens has mountain bike trails for anyone who considers lying on a beach isn’t outdoorsy enough.
Then it’s back to the bush, where dinner tends to stretch out, strangers become drinking buddies and your tent contains an actual bed you’ll be excited to crawl into.
You still get the campfires, canvas, bush and smug satisfaction of spending a weekend outdoors. You just don’t have to sleep on the bloody ground.
Why It Exists
To get you properly into Tassie’s northeast bush without asking you to sleep on the ground, eat baked beans from a tin or sacrifice a hot shower.
The Vibe
Canvas tents, king-sized beds, crackling fires, communal dinners and an honesty bar surrounded by bush. Camping, after a very good glow-up.
Your Bed Tonight
A roomy bell tent with a king-sized bed and proper linen, with hot showers nearby. Or opt for the private king room or bunk house if canvas isn’t your thing.
The Thing You’ll Brag About Later
Waking up under canvas, then being on the white sand and orange-lichen-covered rocks of the Bay of Fires within minutes.
Eat / Drink This
Raid St Helens for fresh Tassie produce and seafood, cook up a storm in the communal kitchen.
Steal This Local Move
Spend the day swimming and exploring around Binalong Bay and then claim a spot by the fire before everyone else does.
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