Animal rights group PETA has taken issue with the name of southern Tasmania's Eggs and Bacon Bay and is lobbying for it to be changed to a vegan alternative.

Key points: PETA asks Huon Valley Council to change name to Apple and Cherry Bay

PETA asks Huon Valley Council to change name to Apple and Cherry Bay Group says current name "might as well be called Heart Attack Bay", alternative is "better, kinder, compassionate, healthy"

Group says current name "might as well be called Heart Attack Bay", alternative is "better, kinder, compassionate, healthy" Nomenclature expert says bay named after yellow and red flowers on shores

PETA Australia campaign coordinator Claire Fryer said the group had written to the Huon Valley Council requesting the location be known as Apple and Cherry Bay.

"Obviously Tasmania is known as the Apple Isle and the Huon Valley produces a lot of apples and cherries, and we think it's a much better, kinder, compassionate and healthy name for this particular area," she said.

"Considering the high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat in both eggs and bacon, the area might as well be called Heart Attack Bay.

"This name change could be just what the doctor ordered.

"It's going to remind people to stay away from fat-laden and high-cholesterol foods and focus on eating the fresh plant produce the valley has to offer."

According to popular belief, the bay acquired its name after Lady Jane Franklin, wife of the 18th century governor John Franklin, ate bacon and eggs there.

But nomenclature expert Wayne Smith said that was false.

Changing the name would promote compassion and healthy eating, says PETA. ( Flickr: Dan Gordon )

"No, that's absolutely not true," he said. "It was named a long time after she was around."

Mr Smith said the bay was named after the wildflowers that carpet its shores in November and December.

Ms Fryer said PETA wanted to encourage people to avoid animal-derived products and hoped the council would respond.

"Obviously, changing the name is a small gesture but it's going to send a powerful message, both of compassion and what everyone should be eating to remain healthy," she said.

Idea not palatable to residents

Loading

Some local residents the ABC spoke to thought the idea was a bit of a joke.

One man, Doug, said locals were perfectly happy with the name.

"These single-interest groups ought to go overseas and annoy the shit out of ISIS," he said.

"There's plenty of room in the world for them to go and annoy other people and leave us in peace.

"It's a beautiful area, I love it down here ... and I just love to think that our grandchildren will have Eggs and Bacon as their name for decades and centuries to come."

Another local, Ann Lefever said people would be very upset if the name was changed.

"There must be plenty of other places with the name of an animal in its name, but I guess its because you eat bacon and eggs that they're probably upset," she said.

Terry Dyer has lived in the area for 16 years.

"People think it's novel, my niece is a vegan and she's never mentioned it at all ... and she's very vegan," he said.

"Everybody loves it, they think Eggs and Bacon Bay, you must be telling me a lie."

But Huon Valley Mayor Peter Coad is willing to consider the idea.

"Obviously these issues should be taken seriously and have some merit," he said.

Other Australian place names could be targeted

The bay was named after the yellow and red flowers found at the bay. ( Flickr: John Tann )

Ms Fryer said the group had not ruled out requesting other name changes around the country.

"Certainly, we will consider writing to other districts around Australia where there are perhaps inappropriately named areas," she said.

She also said she was not worried about the plan being criticised.

"We want to be promoting this as a healthy and happy and compassionate area to visit, and why not celebrate the good things such as the area's apples and cherries and change the name?"