Welcome aboard.
THE GUIDE BOOK
Everything you need for your stay at The SHiP, and the Bay of Fires beyond the gate.
We love it here, and we're sure you will too
The Ship, Bay of Fires is a hosted property. That means we live here, and we're around when you need us. Let us know if there's any issue with the rooms or the communal BBQ area, and hit us up for local tips on exploring.
Feel free to wander the twenty-seven hectares, there are tracks throughout. Say hello to Roula, Toula, Soula, Voula, Foula and Agape, the chooks. Give them a raspberry and they'll be your friend for life. Help yourself to the vegetable garden for salads or herbs.
Chill out, relax, and enjoy your stay.
Brett (Captain) and Debi (Admiral)
A solid SHiP on the hill.
The Ship is a solid structure of steel sitting on top of a hill overlooking the Tasman Sea. Out your window you'll see native coastal trees, mostly ironbark and peppermint gum, and the sea beyond, next stop New Zealand. You're facing north.
Early morning or evening, you're probably looking at our resident family of Bennett's wallabies, with a couple of rabbits on the front lawn for good measure. At night, look up. The universe is on full display, and if you're lucky, you might catch an aurora to the south. Between May and December, a whale breaching is not unusual.
There's a theme here. The Ship is built on our history in shipping and our travels. Everything is original and has a story, if you're curious, ask us and we'll give you some yarns. The rooms have original art by Nick Glade-Wright, a well-known Tasmanian abstract colourist, and the books are our personal collection, eclectic, with a few first-edition signed copies in the mix.
Wifi
Check in & out
What to bring
Walking shoes, beach towel, sunscreen, hat, camera, snorkel and fishing gear, charging cables, and a sense of wonder.
DIRECTIONS
Finding The SHiP
Follow Binalong Bay Road from St Helens towards Binalong Bay. After about ten minutes you'll come up a hill and see a sign on your left to "The Gardens" (Gardens Road). Turn left here, then left again almost immediately onto Reids Road, it's dirt. About 300 metres down a small incline, you'll see a driveway on your right. That's us.
There's no number on the entrance, but an anchor, a rudder and a propeller on a wooden sign tell you you're in the right place. If you reach "The Bay of Fires Bush Retreat," you've gone too far, turn around and come back.
Check-in. Rooms are ready at 2pm. Drive to the front door, unpack, then pop your car over near the shed. We'll meet you and show you around. Arriving after 5pm? Let us know in advance. Honestly, an approximate time on the day is perfect.
Check-out. Please check out by 11am. The Ship is getting popular, and the Captain and Admiral need to change the beds and clean for the next visitors. Need a later check-out? Ask us, we'll see what we can do depending on who's arriving that day.
LOCAL DESTINATIONS
The spots we send people to.
Chances are you'll find a beach or walk where you'll wonder where everyone is. Our suggestion: take an early-morning dip in the Tasman Sea, it sets the mood for the day.
Getting around. You'll need a car, there's one taxi in St Helens and that's about it for public transport.
St Helens (ten minutes away) has two supermarkets for provisions, the East Coast Providore for the refined stuff, and a diverse art scene with galleries, gift shops and clothes shopping.
E-mountain bikes. We've partnered with Gravity Isle for e-bike hire from The Ship. Order at least 48 hours ahead. There are tracks off the main roads to beautiful beaches and coastlines, and we can arrange a lunch hamper to take with you, just give us as much notice as possible, pricing varies with bike and duration.
On two wheels
E-mountain bikes
We've partnered with Gravity Isle for e-bike hire from The Ship. Order at least 48 hours ahead. There are tracks off the main roads to beautiful beaches and coastlines, and we can arrange a lunch hamper to take along, just give us as much notice as you can.
Eddystone Lighthouse
The northern tip of the bay, worth the drive out.
Deepwater Creek
Quiet water where the creek meets the sea.
Cozy Corner
Sheltered when the wind's up, good for a swim.
Swimcart Beach
The orange rocks at sunrise, this is the photo.
Jeanneret Beach
Boulders down to the waterline, stay for hours.
Mermaid Pool
Still, clear water even when the sea is up.
Dora Point
Calm and shallow, backed by she-oaks.
Peron Dunes
Windswept white sand near St Helens.
House guidelines
We share this land with plants, animals and systems that have evolved over thousands of years. We're caretakers here, not owners.
Two apartments, one BBQ area
There are two guest apartments. The BBQ area is communal, made for shared stories and good company.
Snakes live here too
They're in the bush and they're not interested in you, but stay aware, especially in long grass on warm days.
Fire safety comes first
We monitor conditions closely and keep water reserves and a fire plan in place. Please smoke only in the BBQ area, never in the bush.
Using the fire pit
Keep it low, avoid windy nights, and always replace the lid when you're done.
Water is precious
We're on tank water and septic. Please flush toilet paper only, and go easy where you can.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
From St Helens, follow Binalong Bay Road towards Binalong Bay. After approximately 10 minutes, turn left into Gardens Road, then almost immediately left again onto Reids Road, an unsealed road. Continue for around 300 metres and look for the entrance on your right, marked by three maritime icons – an anchor, a ship's wheel and a propeller. You've arrived at The SHiP.