Explore St Helens

Welcome to St Helens, the Jewel of Tasmania's North-East. This charming town serves as the gateway to the iconic Bay of Fires and the world-class Mountain Biking Trails, all while offering some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere in the world.

Life in St Helens revolves around the ocean. The beaches, bays, and estuaries provide the perfect setting for activities such as swimming, beachcombing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, as well as various forms of fishing. You can hire or bring your own boat, join a charter for big marlin and tuna fishing on the edge of the continental shelf, or simply cast a line from the jetty in pursuit of local bream. Don't miss the opportunity to savour delectable, freshly caught seafood, including oysters, scallops, abalone, rock lobster, and various types of scale fish, available at local fish punts and town cafes and restaurants.

St Helens is your gateway to the enchanting Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay. Closer to town, you can embark on a one-hour return walk to the awe-inspiring Peron Dunes and the vast ocean beach. Explore the town's shops, cafes, and galleries, and take a trip to the History Room at the St Helens History and Visitor Information Centre, where you can uncover the Trail of the Tin Dragon—a series of experiences that narrate the story of Chinese tin miners who lived and worked in north-east Tasmania.

The St Helens Mountain Bike Trails offer some of the most picturesque cycling routes globally, allowing you to ride from the mountains to the sea, concluding your journey at one of the world's most beautiful beaches, the Bay of Fires. Whether you're into downhill thrills, cross-country adventures, or simply a day of family fun on the trails, there's an experience for everyone.

Must-Do Activities in St Helens:

  1. Take the one-hour return walk to Peron Dunes and the expansive beach.

  2. Stroll around Georges Bay from Moulting Bay to Dora Point.

  3. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the foreshore trail from Golden Fleece Bridge to Lions Park.

  4. Explore the town's shops and galleries.

  5. Delight in local food and wine at the numerous cafes and restaurants. We recommend The Wharf Bar and Kitchen for the best local oysters and seafood.

  6. Visit the History & Visitor Information Centre to learn about Bay of Fires walks/tour options and discover the Trail of the Tin Dragon, which delves into the history of Chinese tin miners in the region.

  7. Enjoy a movie at the classy Easy Tiger Cinema, with plush seats and glass of wine.

Divers will appreciate the area's marine life, with opportunities to explore underwater caves and encounter abundant sea creatures.

As an insider tip, consider taking a one-hour return walk from St Helens Point Conservation Area to the remote and beautiful Beerbarrel Beach. You can also go gemstone fossicking on a serene pedal-powered kayak tour of nearby Ansons Bay with Secret River Tours. St Helens truly offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, making it a top destination for tourists in Tasmania.

Getting to St Helens is convenient, with a 3-hour and 20-minute drive from Hobart and a 2-hour and 10-minute drive from Launceston.

GAME FISHING

As a hub for game fishing and the second-largest fishing port on the island, St Helens is renowned for its deep-sea fishing and southern rock lobster (locally known as crayfish or crays). Seafood lovers will be delighted with the abundance of excellent seafood available at local restaurants and fish-punt eateries. You can head offshore on a game-fishing charter to chase marlin, albacore tuna, and yellowfin tuna, or hire a boat for bay fishing. You can also drop a line off a jetty for a more laid-back fishing experience.

BAY OF FIRES TRAIL

Descending from the summits of the Blue Tier mountains to the golden sands of Swimcart Beach, the 42-kilometer mountain bike trail of the Bay of Fires Trail offers an exhilarating introduction to the Bay of Fires. Part of the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails network, this route offers a roller-coaster ride, taking you from mountain rainforest to the breathtaking coastline. Shuttle services to and from the trail are available in St Helens and Derby, making it a convenient adventure for enthusiasts.