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St Helens Travel Guide

The East Coast

Overview

The east coast of Tasmania is essentially a microcosm of Australia—offering gorgeous white sandy beaches, beautiful sunny weather, freshly caught seafood dishes and locally grown fine wines. If you’re looking for a relaxing Tassie getaway, far from the hustle and bustle of things, then this is your spot. Bring the rods, camping gear and binoculars—for there is a wealth of sea and birdlife here you simply won’t want to miss!

St Helens

St Helens is a tangible paradise. Offering surf, serenity and a skyline as warm as its people, this town combines coastal beauty with lifetime-worthy excursions, relaxation and recreation. The largest town in north-east Tasmania, St Helens is situated along Binalong Bay at the southern end of the Bay of Fires. It is the state's second largest fishing port, renowned for its catches of deep sea fish and lobster and its popular fishing spots.

Attractions

Bay of Fires

You may have noticed that Tasmania’s not exactly lacking in beautiful beaches—and the Bay of Fires cements the island state’s status as one of the world’s hottest travel destinations. Join a guided snorkelling or diving tour and discover the kaleidoscopic array of aquatic life teeming beneath the surface, including reefs, corals, weedy sea dragons, boarfish and wandering rock lobsters. We definitely recommend spending a night or two here—there’s plenty of top camping spots located all along the coast.

St Columba Falls

The 90 metre-tall cascading spectacle is said to be Tasmania’s highest waterfall. The surrounding State Reserve is home to the elusive platypus, which makes its burrows along the shores of the burbling creek. Roll out the rug and have a picnic at any number of scenic spots along the way—a short walking track through the forest leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. Little-known fact: this heavily forested expanse of land was once home to the fabled Tasmanian Tiger. (Image courtesy of Tourism Tasmania & Andrew McIntosh)

Evercreech Forest Reserve

Enjoy a family picnic or barbecue beneath the shady canopy of gargantuan white gums (at over 90 metres, they’re the world’s tallest!) You can then set out on a walking track of your choosing, any of which will take you through rich woodland and alongside the headwaters of the South Esk River.

Need to know

Accommodation

Staying in St Helens is as dynamic as the landscape itself. Cruise ships, apartments, hostels for backpackers, camping and even bed and breakfast locations are all available. In addition to local hotels and motels, travellers can elect to stay at a resort, holiday rental home or even rent a cabin—whatever takes their fancy!

Getting there

St Helens is almost three hours’ drive from Devonport and sits at the top of Tasmania’s beautiful east coast. It’s the perfect spot to begin your northern descent down the incredible beaches and ocean views.