Bay of Fires 'at risk' tourist site

ENDANGERED: Tasmania's Bay of Fires has joined Stonehenge on Wanderlust Magazine's Threatened Wonders list.

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Tasmania's picturesque Bay of Fires has joined Britain's iconic Stonehenge monuments on a list of the world's most threatened tourist sites.

Independent travel magazine Wanderlust included the sites in its second annual Threatened Wonders list of eight places around the world it believes are in need of some TLC.

The magazine said the Bay of Fires, famous for its white sand and crystal blue waters, was in danger of being overrun by tourists.

It also noted the controversy surrounding Tasmanian government's plans to turn the area into a national park, despite the area being dotted with Aboriginal burial sites.

The plan was put forward after Lonely Planet named Bay of Fires as its top must-see destination of 2009.

Wanderlust recommended tourists try and avoid overcrowding the area.

"Avoid Binalong Bay, the southern part where Lonely Planet recommends staying, and you'll escape the crowds as well as the controversy," the magazine said.

The other threatened sites named by the magazine were: Britain's ancient Stonehenge, Jordan's Wadi Rum, Yangshuo in southwest China, Tulum in Mexico, Peru's famous Machu Picchu, Jaisalmer in India and Timbuktu in Mali.

The magazine's editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes said each of the sites had bad planning, poor security and too many tourists in common.

"The Threatened Wonders List aims to draw attention to destinations that could be all but destroyed for future generations if something doesn't change soon," she said.

"Tourism can be a double edged sword for destinations.

"At the same time as supporting local communities, if things aren't managed properly the negatives can soon outweigh the positives creating major environmental and cultural issues.

"We urge people to travel with care and responsibility as they embark on their explorations in 2010."

- AAP