Bay of fires - Top Camp to Ansons Bay

This was a decent walk with sections along the beach offering beautiful views and swimming for very keen individuals. My party began at top camp in Mount William National Park with only a short walk the first day to stumpy's campground 4 due to a late start. If you have a full day available it would be better to stay at Deep Creek Campground on the first night.

There is some tank water available at both these campgrounds but the supply is limited and the water should be treated. Vehicle access to both these sites is also possible.

The whole walk can be done along the beach, though you may find that walking on sand during an incoming tide is a rather torturous pursuit. About 4km of beach walking can be avoided by utilising a track heading south-east from stumpy's campground 4 and all the beach walking can be avoided between Deep Creek Campground and Ansons Bay. This was the route taken by my party, though there was one particularly good view point just north of Ansons Bay which is definitely worth visiting if you do choose to take the inland route. There is also a lighthouse at Eddystone Point which would be worth visiting if you have time.

As this is not a circuit walk you will need to organise a car shuffle. There are no public transport options in Ansons Bay or even a currently operating general store, so don't rely on this town for any facilities. If you wish to continue walking down to The Gardens or further you will need to follow the main road out of Ansons Bay to get across the river. From here you will need to head back to the coast and walk along the beach as there is no way to get to The Gardens from the main road (unless you want to walk around 40km via St Helens).