All you need to know

Accommodation Guide

The SHiP - Bay of Fires

Welcome Aboard

Welcome to The Ship – Bay of Fires.
We love it here, and we’re confident you will too.

The Ship is a hosted property — we live here and are around if you need us. If anything isn’t quite right, or if you’re after local tips, just ask. Wander the 27 hectares of land, follow the tracks, say hello to Roula, Toula, Soula, Voula, Foula and Agape (the chooks), and help yourself to herbs or salad greens from the garden.

Slow down. Look out. Breathe in.
Enjoy your stay.

Brett (Captain) & Debi (Admiral)

About The Ship

The Ship is a solid steel structure perched on a hill overlooking the Tasman Sea. You are facing north — early mornings and evenings often bring wallabies to the lawn, and between May and December you may spot whales breaching offshore. At night, look up: the universe puts on a show, and occasionally the aurora joins in.

Everything here has a story. The Ship reflects our background in shipping and our travels. The rooms feature original artwork by Tasmanian artist Nick Glade-Wright, and the books are from our personal collection — eclectic, well-loved, and often signed first editions.

Wi-Fi

Network: The Ship
Password: bayoffires

Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in: From 2:00pm
Please drive to the front door to unload, then park near the shed. We’ll meet you on arrival and show you around. If you’re arriving after 5:00pm, please let us know — a rough arrival time on the day is perfect.

Check-out: By 11:00am
We’ll be preparing for incoming guests. Late check-out may be possible depending on bookings — just ask.

Getting Here

Digital maps can be unreliable.

From St Helens, follow Binalong Bay Road toward Binalong Bay. After about 10 minutes, turn left at Gardens Road, then almost immediately left again onto Reids Road (dirt road). About 300 metres down, look for the driveway on the right marked by an anchor, rudder and propeller — that’s us.
If you reach Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, you’ve gone too far.

House Guidelines

We share this land with plants, animals and ancient systems that have evolved over thousands of years — we’re caretakers, not owners.

  • There are two guest apartments; the BBQ area is communal and designed for shared stories and good company.

  • Snakes are present in the bush — they’re not interested in you, but please stay aware.

  • Fire safety is critical. We monitor conditions closely and have firefighting water reserves and a fire plan in place.

  • Please smoke only in the BBQ area and never in the bush.

  • If using the smokeless fire pit, keep it low, avoid windy nights, and always replace the lid.

  • We are on tank water and septic — water is precious. Please flush toilet paper only.

There hasn’t been a fire here in over 120 years — we’d like to keep it that way.

What’s On Board

  • Queen-size Saffire bed

  • Towels & organic toiletries

  • Rain shower

  • Heater & ceiling fan

  • Bar fridge (extra space in BBQ area fridge)

  • Starlink high-speed internet & Smart TV

  • Ruark Bluetooth speaker

  • Coffee machine with fresh beans (BBQ area)

  • Heston Blumenthal gas BBQ & hot plate

  • Smokeless fire pit

  • Books, blankets, glassware, cooking utensils

  • Fresh eggs & garden produce (help yourself)

What to Bring

Toothbrush & toothpaste, walking shoes, beach towel, sunscreen, hat, camera, snorkel, fishing gear, charging cables — and a sense of wonder.

Food & Drink

We’re licensed to sell drinks at The Ship. There’s a menu in the BBQ area fridge — wines, gin, whisky, beer and local favourites. It’s an honesty system; please record what you enjoy and settle up on departure.

Breakfast is available by arrangement — we use local ingredients and haven’t had a complaint yet.

We can also organise BBQ platters, seafood or cheese from East Coast Village Providore. With notice, these can be waiting for you on arrival.

Things To Do

The Bay of Fires is famous for beaches, wilderness, food, wine, fishing and riding.

Highlights include:

  • Swimcart Beach, Cozy Corner, Dora Point, Mermaid Pool

  • Eddystone Point Lighthouse

  • St Columba Falls

  • Weldborough Pass Myrtle Forest Walk

  • Early-morning swims in the Tasman Sea (highly recommended)

You’ll need a car — public transport is limited.

E-Mountain Bikes

We partner with Gravity Isle for e-mountain bike hire. Bikes must be booked at least 48 hours prior to arrival. We can also organise lunch hampers for your ride — ask us for details.

Eat & Drink Nearby

Some local favourites (we’ve tested them):
The Hub Seaside, Easy Tiger Brewery, The Wharf Bar & Kitchen, Azuki, Lifebuoy Café, Parkside Bar & Kitchen, The Social, The Panorama, East Coast Village Providore, Bay of Fires Lobster, Pyengana Dairy, Pub in the Paddock, Weldborough Hotel — and many more hidden gems.

Something Different

We can arrange a studio visit or creative session with Christie Lange Ceramics in Binalong Bay — a chance to create something to take home with you.

Reviews & Farewell

If you booked via Airbnb, a review is always appreciated — though please tell us directly if anything needs attention. Google reviews also help others find us. And don’t forget to leave a note in the visitors’ book — we treasure those stories.

Thank you for staying with us.
Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back aboard.