The just-released ‘Blue List’ from the guidebook giant features a huge variety of emerging destinations and hip classics worldwide. It casts a wide and adventurous net, urging travellers looking for a slice of paradise to visit Bay of Fires right now, before the crowds take hold. The resort currently boasts a population of just 300, making it the perfect retreat for stressed-out souls.
Surrounded by national park, Bay of Fires has only one building, a 10-room eco-lodge that can accommodate a maximum of just 20 guests at a time. Visitors have to walk for two days along the bay's pristine beaches to get to the lodge, which is open just six months of the year.
Described by Lonely Planet as a 'castaway bay' with 29km of beaches of white, hourglass-fine sand and sapphire blue seas, Bay of Fires beat Spain's Basque country, Chile, Thailand, the south of France, Laos, Hawaii, Colombia, Norway and China for top spot.
The list also urges people to visit the bay quickly, because "the crowds are bound to flock".
Mr Legge of the local council, said they would have to consider carefully how to handle any influx of visitors. "We don't want the hordes in there trampling it to death," he said. "I'm absolutely delighted it has been recognised throughout the world, but we relish it with caution."
Lonely Planet describes the beach as: “White beaches of hourglass-fine sand, Bombay Sapphire sea, an azure sky - and nobody. This is the secret edge of Tasmania, laid out like a pirate’s treasure map of perfect beach after sheltered cove, all fringed with forest. It’s not long since the Bay of Fires came to international attention, and the crowds are bound to flock. Now is the time to visit.”
The plan: the bay is an 18-mile ribbon of sea and surf spooling out from the old whaling town of St Helens. The best base for bronzing and boarding is Binalong Bay, which has cute cottages from £67 per night for two (00 61 3-6376 8262, www.bayoffirescottages.com.au ) and sensational lobster suppers at Angasi (www.angasi.com.au ).
But the killer way to “do the Bay” is on a guided four-day hike with the Bay of Fires Lodge (6392 2211, www.bayoffires.com.au): offered from October to April for £845pp. Bailey Robinson (01488 689700, www.baileyrobinson.com) can include the walk in a nine-day Tasmania fly-drive, from £2,750pp.
Ms Cope said the lodge was normally open between October and May, but next year would offer special winter packages to corporate and other groups.
Tasmanian Tourism Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the Bay of Fires offered visitors "the best wilderness in the world".
Source: The Australian News