Positioned on glorious Georges Bay, St Helens exudes a relaxing yet lively vibe. And it’s ideally placed near some of the state’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
St Helens is 165km east of Launceston (2hr 10min drive) or 250km northeast of Hobart (3hr 10min drive) along the northeast coast of TAS.
For its widespread appeal. St Helens attracts those who crave adventure or relaxation and nature or history. And these surrounds gift a litany of astounding photo opportunities.
Mainly Maritime
This captivating maritime museum features a private collection curated over decades and numbering a staggering 10,000-plus items. Some relics date several centuries. Paintings, maps, posters, models, ship artefacts, dairies, and personal accounts of navy life are among the many fascinating objects to view via dedicated exhibition rooms.
St Helens mountain biking trails
The town has positioned itself as a premier destination for biking with the opening of the $4.5 million St Helens Mountain Bike Trail Network in late November 2019. This includes the 42km Bay of Fires Trail along with various shorter loop options that reveal a wealth of glorious landscapes.
The new paths complement the established Blue Derby network, which boasts 125km of purpose-built mountain bike trails among lush rainforest, inland from St Helens.
St Helens History Room
St Helens has a rich history covering a wide assortment of themes, and this attraction is the best place to unearth it all. The likes of maritime, mining, Aboriginal, and early-settler heritage is retraced through a collection of 1000-plus artefacts and more than 20,000 photographs. Also found here is the local visitor info centre.
St Helens Point Conservation Area
The beautiful coastal setting is home to rugged beaches that suit surfing and fishing along with vast sand dunes. This is an excellent spot for a stroll, and there are various tracks to choose from.
Fishing in St Helens
Those who like angling will love St Helens. Regarded as the state’s game-fishing capital, the town boasts ample opportunity to land a catch, and abundant varieties are found in these waters. Solid recreational fishing can be enjoyed around Georges Bay, either from the shore or vessel, with easy access to the water via three boat ramps. Fishing charters are available, too.
Priory Ridge winery
Wine lovers won’t want to miss this boutique beauty, occupying space in a character-filled heritage building on the outskirts of town. Sample a small but delicious range of cool-climate wines in rustic surrounds.
Bay of Fires
The star-studded Bay of Fires Conservation Area stretches roughly 50km along the coast from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north and is simply mesmerising. The expansive combination of glittering white-sand beaches, gin-clear waters, and orange-coated granite boulders is irresistible. An absolute must-visit.
Distance: 15km north of St Helens (to Binalong Bay).
St Columba Falls State Reserve
The picturesque reserve is home to a feast of forested landscapes in addition to its signature attraction: St Columba Falls. This is one of the state’s tallest waterfalls, cascading roughly 90m. Various viewing areas are on offer, and the reserve creates an excellent picnic setting.
Distance: 30km west of St Helens.
Evercreech Forest Reserve
Entering oxymoron territory, this towering attraction is a hidden gem. Evercreech is engulfed by gorgeous scenery, highlighted by a collection of the world's tallest white gums. Some reach a neck-craning height of 90m-plus and can be admired along various walks.
Distance: 35km west of St Helens.
Douglas-Apsley National Park
Diverse treasure bursts from a national park that could be considered on the underrated side. Waterfalls, wildlife, waterholes, gorges, and eucalypt forest can all be explored on a web of walking paths in this protected area, which is shadowed by a dolerite-capped plateau.
Distance: 80km south of St Helens.
St Columba Falls State Reserve was once a prime playground for Tasmanian tigers. Although the carnivorous marsupials are now believed extinct, there have been several accounts in recent years from people adamant they’ve seen these creatures roaming around the area. And supposed sightings are not limited to these surrounds.
Looking for accommodation in St Helens?
Park type: Holiday.
Spotted just 300m from St Helens’ waterfront, the park has a generous assortment of cabin accommodation as well as ensuite, powered, and unpowered sites. There’s shared backpacker-style accommodation available in the MTB bunkhouse room and pet-friendly options for dog owners.
Facilities abound. There's a sizeable indoor play area with a toddlers’ section and various recreation. It’s joined by an outdoor playground and jumping pillow and there’s an indoor and an outdoor camp kitchen; the latter complete with a wood-fired pizza oven. A large chain fire pit in the park’s MTB Bunkhouse area makes a great social setting.
Tasman Holiday Parks - St Helens
Park Type: Partner Park
Overlooking Georges Bay, this Bay of Fires caravan park meets your needs for thrills, relaxation or seaside fun.
You only have to step outside your cabin or caravan to appreciate sensational views – every single day. This St Helens holiday park hugs the waterfront, so you are guaranteed the best holiday action and enjoyment – whatever your passion.
Explore the gorgeous beach, discover local attractions and enjoy all the activities our park has to offer including the Parkside Bar and Kitchen, a gourmet store, Jumping Pillow, kids’ playground, camp kitchen, BBQ area, indoor recreation room and much more.
