Bay of Fires Bush Retreat
Rustic-luxe glamping. Communal, convivial, and deliberately slow. The shared kitchen and fire pits mean you'll likely meet fellow travellers — that's the point. Simple but thoughtfully designed spaces, sustainably accredited, with a surf-and-hike crowd as the typical guest.
Pre-order the Bush Retreat Breakfast ($25pp) before arrival — it needs to be arranged in advance and guests rave about it
Why It Matters
Listed on both the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels. Rated #1 specialty lodging in Binalong Bay on TripAdvisor. Run by a professional chef on-site. Holds Quality Tourism Accreditation and Sustainable Tourism Accreditation (ATIC). The communal setup is genuinely unusual — this isn't a private-villa retreat, it's structured around gathering.
Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is a glamping property set on 25 acres of native bushland near Tasmania's iconic northeast coast. Think African safari camp transported to the Tasmanian bush — canvas bell tents with king beds, a communal kitchen pavilion, multiple fire pits, and an honesty bar. Owners Thomas (Tom) Dicker and Anna Hoffmann live on-site; Tom is a former head chef (Angasi restaurant, Binalong Bay; Drift Café, Devonport) and his culinary background shows up in the pre-prepared gourmet meals and special events like the Fireside Feast. The beaches of the Bay of Fires are a two-minute drive away.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Bunk House
From AUD350 / nightSleeps up to 6 guests. Configured with one king bed and two bunk beds (four bunk spots total). A good pick for groups of friends or families — guests have noted the interior has a stylish light feature and is well-maintained. Shares the communal kitchen and bathroom block.
King + Bunk BedsKing Bell Tent
From AUD220 / nightCanvas bell tents arranged throughout the native bushland. Each has a king-sized bed with white linen, timber furnishings, electric blanket, hot water bottle, heater, and power points. The aesthetic is simple and clean — no clutter, no minibar, no en-suite. Shared bathroom block (individual shower rooms with hairdryers) is a short walk away. Two tents can accommodate an extra single bed on request.
King
King Room
From AUD220 / nightThe one hard-walled room on the property — same king bed setup as the tents but in a more traditional room configuration. Shares the same bathroom block as the rest of the retreat. Good option if the canvas feel isn't your thing, though you'll miss some of the immersive outdoor atmosphere.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Binalong Bay is the main swimming beach, a two-minute drive from the retreat. The broader Bay of Fires stretch offers further options for surfing and swimming across its white sand beaches.
Trails through the native bushland surrounding the property and into the Bay of Fires conservation area. Wildlife spotting is common — brushtail possums and wallabies have been spotted on the retreat grounds at night.
An annual ticketed dinner event hosted by the retreat, typically in May. A curated menu using Tasmanian produce, eaten around the fire pits. Guests consistently rate it as a highlight. The 2025 event ran in May.
Ansons Bay lagoon is a short drive north — a calm, sheltered waterway ideal for kayaking. Also known for fishing and boating.
Offshore reefs near Binalong Bay offer clear water and abundant marine life. Excellent snorkelling and diving conditions for those who bring or hire their own gear.
The retreat sits close to some of Australia's best mountain biking networks — the St Helens trails, Blue Tier, Weldborough, and the renowned Derby trail system are all accessible from the property. Suitable for all levels.
The Mt Pearson Reserve area has a cellar door for local wine tasting. The broader Tasmanian wine scene is accessible on day trips from the retreat.
A multi-day small-group photography retreat based at Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, led by nature photographer Coreena Vieth of Shutterbug Walkabouts. Covers landscape photography technique, field sessions at various coastal locations, and image review sessions. The September/October 2026 edition runs 28 Sep – 1 Oct.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Disabled access available — contact the property directly for specific details and requirements.
Handcrafted amenities block a short walk from all accommodation. Four individual private shower rooms — each with its own change area, mirror, and hairdryer — plus four separate WCs.
Heaters provided in all accommodation for cooler months.
On-site productive garden. Guests are welcome to pick fresh herbs and vegetables to use in the communal kitchen.
On-site electric vehicle charging available for guests.
BUILD YOUR BAY OF FIRES BUSH RETREAT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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