Mt William National Park - Australia
It is located in Tasmania lies in the north east corner of Tasmania,
Australia and the Bay of Fires is the local name for the unparalleled
coastline that is found here. The internationally recognized Bay of Fires is
situated between Eddystone Point and Binalong Bay and is one of the most popular
tourist attractions of Tasmania.
Mt William National Park was established in the 1970s, in part to provide a refuge for the Forester kangaroo, a Tasmanian subspecies of eastern gray kangaroo which was in grave danger of extinction at the time. Mt William within the park is 216 metres high and has amazing views across the beaches and coastal landscape. The best way to experience the coastline and the surrounding wilderness is with a guided walking tour.
Like so much of Tasmania's east coast, the geology of Mt William is dominated by granite. Due to its high quartz content, granite breaks down into a very pure sand which has formed beautiful white beaches that are one of the features of the park. The surrounding soils are impoverished and favored by heath.
Mt William National Park was set aside as a wildlife refuge in order to protect the bountiful wildlife within. Bird life is rich and varied, with nearly one hundred species recorded here, including wedge tailed and sea eagles.
In the coastal heaths you may spot species of honeyeaters including the tawny-crowned and crescent honeyeater. Other heathland species include the superb blue wren, flame, dusk and scarlet robin, firetail finch, striated pardalote and the introduced kookaburra. Tasmania devils are also to be seen, and this is the only area in Tasmania where forester Kangaroos maintain a strong community. Flocks of yellow tailed black cockatoos can sometimes be seen flying overhead. Coastal heathlands and woodlands, which also dominate the park, contain hundreds of different plant species, many of which flower colorfully in the spring and summer time.
Attractions:
Long walks on empty beaches, coastal wildflowers, fishing, diving and camping are the main attractions here. There are several sheltered camping areas around Stumpys Bay and at the end of the beach side road from Eddystone Point to Deep Creek. There is a fantastic lighthouse at Eddystone Point, which is worth visiting. The coastal waters here offer great fishing opportunities.
