A (non riding) Derby daytrip to the East Coast (St Helens and Bay of Fires)

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If you’re looking for a change of scenery from the trails, Bay of Fires and St Helens is a perfect day trip to make from Derby. Located 90 minutes from River Cabins Derby, there is lots to do for the day including walking trails, beaches to explore, as well as restaurants and wineries.

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An energetic start to the day

Starting near Binalong Bay / Skeleton Bay the Binalong Bay loop is a 13.7km loop around Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area.

Including Dora Point, it’s an easy to moderate walk which should take around four and a half hours to complete.

The trail is beautiful and takes you past a number of different beaches and rocky terrains and formations. It feels remarkably untouched and rustic.

Whilst the name ‘Bay of Fires’ comes from the Aboriginal fires that Captain Tobias Furneaux could see along the coastline in 1773, you would be forgiven thinking it also has something to do with the brilliantly rusty coloured lichen covering the rocks in the bay.

If you don’t fancy a walk but don’t want to miss out on the scenery, you can do the coastal drive along the Bay Of Fires. 

Priory Ridge Cellar Door

On your way back to St. Helens for lunch, head inland from Binalong Bay to Priory Wines Cellar Door prioryridgewines.com

A boutique vineyard in every sense, consisting of six hectares of north facing slopes, the rich Devonian granite soil – unique in Tasmanian vineyards, transfers a special ‘terroir’ to their handmade wine.

All grapes are hand-picked and wine fermented by the grapes’ own yeasts.  The Pinot Noir is allowed to mature in French Oak for over 18 months undertaking natural malolactic conversion, thus enhancing the body and flavour and producing a rounder, fuller mouth feel to the wine.

The Sauvignon Blanc is naturally fermented in oak barrels in the French tradition.

Priory Ridge also produce small quantities of Pinot Gris, Traminer and Chardonnay.

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Late lunch at The Wharf Bar & Kitchen

The Wharf Bar & Kitchen www.thewharfbarandkitchen.com.au is perfect for a slightly snazzier family lunch. Book a window table in advance as it gets packed even in winter which is not surprising as it has some of the best views of the harbour in town. You can get all the staple favorites from burgers, steaks and salads, to a large fresh seafood menu including oysters, spanner crabs and all their fresh daily catches. 

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Top tips for the area:

  • St Helens is the largest town in this region and is a great place to stock up on food, alcohol, and assorted other supplies you might need for your stay in Derby.

    There’s an small supermarket, bottle shop, a bakery, and assorted other shops.

  • Mobile reception is poor to non-existent in Bay of Fires area (with the exception of right in the town of Binalong Bay and St Helens).

    It’s a good idea to do most of your research and planning before you arrive as you can’t rely on mobile access (even on Telstra).

For a great overview of St Helens and the MTB riding that is available in the area visit our friends at Flow or drop in to see Vertigo MTB in Derby or their store in St Helens to book a shuttle or pick up a rental bike.