Bay of Fires Trail
Depart: 9.30am
Return: 4.30pm
From: 21 Quail Street, St Helens. Tas
Cost:
From $90 per person (rates become cheaper for larger groups)
Minimum of 4 people (or two people and two ebikes) for the bus to run. Don’t have 4 people, give us a call on 0474371365 and we can arrange a booking over the phone for you.
Ebike and Shuttle Package From $245pp
The Bay of Fires MTB trail is set to be one of Australia's most epic adventure trails.
Commencing at the Blue Tier at Poimena the 43kms of the trail is full of flow, awesome features, spectacular coastal views and of course finishes at the squeaky white sands and aqua blue water of Swimcart Beach in the Bay of Fires.
Departing the depot in the centre of St Helens at 9.30am, we transport you, your bike and gear in comfort to the top of the Blue Tier. The 40-minute trip will go quickly as you glimpse some of the terrain you ride in the distance.
At the halfway point is the Ansons Bay Road crossing, we'll be there ready to rehydrate and refuel you ready for the last 22kms of joy.
Once you've finished the epic adventure ride, you'll find it hard to leave the beautiful Swimcart Beach. The 15-minute trip back to St Helens will give you time to debrief and will have you planning from your next MTB adventure.
Don’t want to bring your bike? We can help there too you can hire one of our Giant Trance Elite Advanced 3 eBikes.
Need more information? Read Below:
Overview
The Bay of Fires Trail is a point‑to‑point wilderness mountain‑bike ride in the region around Blue Tier and the coastline of Bay of Fires (near St Helens / Binalong Bay). It starts high up in the forest/mountain plateau of Blue Tier and descends all the way to the beach at Swimcart Beach on the coast. St Helens MTB Trails+6St Helens MTB Trails+6Discover Tasmania+6
Some of the headline stats and descriptors:
Length: about 42 km (some sources say around 41.7 km) from start to finish. Trailforks+3Trouty Cottage Derby+3St Helens MTB Trails+3
Elevation drop: significant — from around 740 metres above sea level at the top down to near sea level at the coast. LOGO
Terrain: It traverses a variety of environments — sub‑alpine plateau, rainforest, granite boulders, open forest, coastal scrub and then finishing on beach sand. St Helens MTB Trails+2Trouty Cottage Derby+2
Profile: Mostly a descent ride but with some climbing & undulating sections. It is not a flat “beginner” trail—it has remoteness and requires preparation. St Helens MTB Trails+1
Access: Because it is point‑to‑point, shuttles or logistic planning are required. LOGO+1
In short: it’s a “mountains to sea” descent ride, immersive and spectacular.
The Ride Experience & Terrain Breakdown
Here’s how the trail typically unfolds, with approximate transitions and what you’ll be riding through.
Start – Blue Tier Plateau & Sub‑Alpine Forest
You begin on the plateau of Blue Tier (the trailhead is up high). From the descriptive sources:
You ride through sub‑alpine terrain (or at least high forest) with expansive views and a crisp mountain feel. Discover Tasmania+1
Then you descend into lush temperate rainforest: myrtle and beech trees, tree‑ferns, moss‐covered logs. One source:
“Crossing the threshold onto the trail … you’re guided through a myrtle beech forest before a break in the canopy reveals a sprawling vista.” St Helens MTB Trails
Early on the trail you’ll encounter “flowy berms, jumps and drops” in the first ~13 km (in some descriptions) that are designed to carry speed. Trouty Cottage Derby+2St Helens MTB Trails+2
Middle – Mixed Terrain, Granite Boulders & Ridge Trails
After the initial descent and forest section you move into more varied terrain:
Granite boulders and rock formations start to appear: “… rock formations are sprinkled along the route …” St Helens MTB Trails+1
There are some climbing/undulating ridges: although the overall direction is downward, the trail does include climbs or flat contouring. One description: “From the halfway point… the trail gains about 200 m of elevation over 10 km.” St Helens MTB Trails
The environment transitions more toward coastal forest and scrub, as you approach the coast; the trail opens up with views of the sea. Trouty Cottage Derby
Finale – Coastal Descent & Beach Finish
The final section is among the most memorable:
The trail drops you into open forest / eucalypt / grass tree zones, the soil gets sandier and you sense the ocean is nearby. St Helens MTB Trails
The finish: you end up riding into or adjacent to the sand/dunes of the coast, arriving at Swimcart Beach on the Bay of Fires coastline. The rock + white sand + ocean is the reward after many kilometres of trail. Discover Tasmania
Ride Feel & Highlights
Flow: Many riders note that the first 13 km of the trail (or the early descent) features great flow: loamy dirt, berms, “pop” and speed. Trouty Cottage Derby+1
Variety of environment: From high plateau to rainforest to open ridges to coastal scrub and beach – you get a huge variety in one ride.
Scenery: At many points you’ll get dramatic views — especially as the trail drops toward the coast. The sense of reward arriving at the beach is strong.
Technicality: While it’s “flow‐oriented” in places, you will encounter technical sections (rock, roots, boulders, variable terrain). It’s not a casual ride for complete beginners.
Remoteness: The ride passes through remote areas where services are minimal — you’ll need to be self‑sufficient. One source states: “There is nowhere to buy water or spares along the way.” St Helens MTB Trails+1
Ride Direction & Logistics
The typical direction is from Blue Tier (top) → coast (bottom).
Because it is point‑to‑point, you’ll generally start via a shuttle or arranged transport to the top, ride down and finish at Swimcart Beach, then either shuttle back or arrange pickup. mtbexpress.rezdy.com
Some riders may ride only a portion (top half or bottom half) if they wish to do less distance. St Helens MTB Trails
Who It’s For / Difficulty & Suitability
Skill & Fitness Level
The trail is rated as “Intermediate to Advanced” in many descriptions — due to its length, terrain variation, remote nature and technical sections. vertigomtb.com.au+1
Fitness: While downhill dominates, the climbs and undulations still demand fitness and stamina (especially over 40+ km). The remote nature adds an extra layer of requirement.
Beginners: Not ideal to attempt the full 42 km unless you are confident on mountain bikes and prepared. If you are less experienced you might do just a section of the trail.
Bike Choice & Gear
A full suspension mountain bike (trail or enduro style) is recommended given the length, changing terrain, technical sections and descent. Some operators recommend e‑bikes as an option. vertigomtb.com.au+1
Good brakes, tyres with decent grip, and suspension setup matter because you will hit rock, root and faster sections.
Because the ride finishes at a beach, bringing a change of clothes / towel is often mentioned. LOGO
Timing & Duration
Ride time: Many sources state around 3‐5 hours to complete the full trail (rider dependent). mtbexpress.rezdy.com+1
Some mention you must allow at least 4.5 hours for the full 42 km ride. St Helens MTB Trails
Weather & daylight: Because of the remoteness and changing climate (mountain top → coast) you’ll want to ensure enough daylight and good weather window.
Hazards & Remoteness
Mobile phone reception may be patchy in parts of the trail. St Helens MTB Trails
Services are minimal: no shops or water supply along the trail (only at start and finish). Bring water, snacks, a repair kit. Trouty Cottage Derby+1
Trail conditions can be slippery, especially after rain. Some segments may be diverted for safety/maintenance. St Helens MTB Trails
Access, Shuttle & Logistics
Start & Finish
Start point: Blue Tier (Poimena Road / Blue Tier Forest Reserve). Discover Tasmania
Finish point: Swimcart Beach, in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area near Binalong Bay. LOGO
Shuttles & Transfers
Because you’re finishing on the coast and starting on a mountain plateau, shuttles or a vehicle arrangement is common: one way up, ride down, pick up at bottom.
What to Bring / Preparation
Bring lots of water (no water available on the route). St Helens MTB Trails+1
Bring snacks/food.
Repair kit: spare tubes, pump, tools.
A change of clothes/towel for the beach finish. LOGO
Head protection, gloves, good biking kit.
Let someone know your plan (because of mobile black spots).
Consider weather: at the top it can be cold/wet, at the coast hot/exposed. One operator recommended: “Prepare for changes in weather, cold/wet on the Blue Tier and very hot exposed on the coastal half.”
Best Time to Ride
Many shuttle services operate in the warmer months.
Outside of peak weather windows, trail conditions might be more challenging (rain, slick rock, muddy).
Early booking for shuttles is wise (seats limited).
Why It Stands Out
Unique “mountains‑to‑sea” ride: Very few mountain‑bike trails take you from a high mountain plateau all the way down to the ocean over 40+ km of singletrack/varied terrain.
Variety of landscapes: From sub‑alpine, rainforest, boulder fields, open eucalypt forest, coastal heath to beach sand.
Trail build & surface: The trail has been purpose‑built by quality trail‑builders (e.g., World Trail) and many riders comment on the great “hero dirt” and flow sections. Tassie Trade+1
Memorable finish: Ending on the white sands of Swimcart Beach with the view of the Bay of Fires is a big highlight.
Destination riding: It’s part of the larger Blue Derby / St Helens mountain‑bike region, which is impressive in itself.
Considerations & Things to Know
Not beginner friendly: While rewarding, it demands skill, fitness and preparation.
Logistics: Point‑to‑point means you’ll plan transport both ways.
Gear & preparation are key.
Weather variability: From mountain top cold and wet to exposed coast.
End‐of‐ride amenities: While the finish is beautiful, you still may need to arrange pickup or return transport.
Trail maintenance & conditions: Check latest status (closures, diversions) before you go. St Helens MTB Trails
