A NEW eco tourism venture has officially been launched on the East Coast.
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Bay of Fires Eco Tours - run by St Helens' Duggan family - is expected to become the final piece of the region's tourism puzzle in June.
The concept will see tours operate out of St Helens and give tourists a look at the unique bay from the ocean, much like the coast's first settlers would have experienced it.
On Saturday, the business's vessel was given its sea berth.
Known as InFurneaux, the boat is named after the man who first documented Tasmania, Tobias Furneaux.
The 36-foot boat is worth almost $500,000.
St Helens Chamber of Commerce president Peter Paulsen said the venture was a long time in the making.
"The idea of doing a Bay of Fires tour has been around for a long time, but the concept needed a vessel like this to happen," he said.
"From the chamber's perspective, we're absolutely delighted to have this off the ground."
Mr Paulsen said the business would complete the East Coast tourism picture.
"It will really give people an opportunity to see the area. This will link through the new Great Eastern Drive that has been opened.
"It's the destination at the end of the drive."
Saturday's sea trial at George's Bay was described as highly successful by Mr Paulsen.
"It went really well, we had no dramas at all. It's just lovely to get the boat in the water and see how it handled," he said
Bay of Fires Eco Tours will begin taking bookings on June 1.
Anyone interested in booking a tour can do so by visiting www.bayoffiresecotours.com.au