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St Helens, Tasmania - Charming Seaside Village & The Gateway to The Bay of Fires
- Mar 9, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
St Helens, Tasmania - Charming Seaside Village &
The Gateway to The Bay of Fires
Set on the sparkling shores of Georges Bay on Tasmania’s north-east coast, St Helens is a laid-back seaside town best known as the gateway to the iconic Bay of Fires.
Located 163 kilometres east of Launceston and 253 kilometres from Hobart, it’s an easy and rewarding stop on any north-east Tasmania road trip. With its rich maritime heritage, working fishing port, and relaxed coastal atmosphere, St Helens offers a wonderful balance of seaside living, outdoor adventure, and easy access to some of Tasmania’s most beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
A Fishing Town with a Relaxed Coastal Vibe
St Helens is Tasmania’s second-largest fishing port and proudly holds the title of the state’s game fishing capital. The connection to the sea is part of everyday life here, giving the town a welcoming, authentic feel that visitors quickly fall in love with. The calm waters of Georges Bay are perfect for boating, kayaking, and fishing, while the surrounding coastline invites exploration at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Exploring the St Helens Town Centre
Wandering through St Helens’ town centre is a pleasure, with a great mix of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and boutique shops. Start the day with a coffee and fresh pastries, browse local art and souvenirs, or enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the water. You’ll also find practical conveniences like supermarkets, surf shops, a newsagency, and specialty stores, making St Helens an easy place to base yourself for exploring the region.
St Helens Wharf and Waterfront
The St Helens Wharf is the heart of the town’s maritime charm. Watch fishing boats come and go, enjoy freshly caught seafood, or grab classic Tasmanian fish and chips while soaking up views across the harbour. It’s a beautiful spot at sunrise, when the light reflects across Georges Bay, and equally lovely in the afternoon as the town slows into its easy coastal rhythm.
Where to Stay in St Helens
We really enjoyed our stay at BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park — a lovely, modern holiday park on Tasmania’s scenic northeast coast, just a short stroll from Georges Bay and an easy base for exploring the world‑famous Bay of Fires. The park has a great mix of accommodation options from cabins and glamping to powered caravan and camping sites, plus excellent facilities including a camp kitchen, BBQ areas, games room, playground, jumping pillow, bike hire and even kayak/SUP hire to get out on the water.
Its relaxed location across the bridge from the town centre means you’re close to cafés, shops and waterfront walks, while being perfectly placed for fishing, mountain biking, beach days and coastal hikes — making it a fantastic spot to soak up Tasmania’s east coast charm.
Must See Attractions near St Helens
The Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most iconic coastal destinations, famous for its brilliant white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and striking orange lichen-covered granite rocks. Stretching along the north-east coast, this stunning area offers everything from peaceful beach walks and swimming to camping and scenic lookouts.
St Columba Falls is one of Tasmania’s tallest permanent waterfalls, with the water from the George River plunging 90 metres over the rocky granite ledges. It is a wonderful waterfall to visit after good rains in the area. It is located in the Columba Falls State Reserve at Pyengana, approximately 25 kilometres west of St Helens on Tasmania's North East Coast.
Halls Falls is a charming waterfall nestled in the lush forests near St Helens on Tasmania’s northeast coast. Just a short drive from St Helens, this easily accessible spot features a peaceful cascade surrounded by ferns and native bush, making it a perfect quick nature stop for travellers exploring the area.
Halls Falls is located along the Groom River and cascades over the rocks downstream from a hand-made 19th-century Weir.
Pyengana Dairy
Just a short drive inland from St Helens is the Pyengana Dairy, a great destination for food lovers. Set in the lush Pyengana Valley, this family-run dairy has been keeping traditional farmhouse cheesemaking alive for more than 130 years, using techniques and heritage vats passed down through generations.
At the Pyengana Farmgate Café, you can watch cheesemakers at work, peek into the cave-like cheese maturing cellar, and taste a range of their award-winning cloth-matured cheddars and artisan blue cheeses. The milk for these cheeses comes from cows grazing on rich pastures right next door, creating a true paddock-to-plate experience.
The café offers light lunches, gourmet platters, local wines and beers, creamy ice creams, and breathtaking views over rolling hills.
Mt Paris Dam
Mt Paris Dam is a quiet, enchanting spot where history and nature meet. The Cascade River flows gently through the old pillar-and-slab dam, a relic of Tasmania’s past, slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest. Towering ferns and dense bushland create a cool, shaded sanctuary, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection.
Wander around and explore the dam walls, and listen to the soothing sounds of the river as it winds its way through this lush, green haven. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a tranquil escape, Mt Paris Dam offers a unique glimpse into Tasmania’s natural and industrial heritage, all set in a beautifully serene environment.
Little Blue Lake
Little Blue Lake is a striking natural curiosity tucked just a few metres off the road between Derby and Gladstone. Created as a mine hole, the lake has transformed over time into a vibrant pool of intense aqua-blue water, caused by the mineral-rich base that gives it its otherworldly colour.
A short, easy walk from the roadside viewing area offers the perfect vantage point to admire the lake’s vivid hue and snap some memorable photos. Surrounded by bushland and the remnants of its mining past, Little Blue Lake is a fascinating stop for travellers exploring northeast Tasmania.
Evercreech Forest Reserve is a hidden gem in Tasmania’s northeast, offering visitors a peaceful escape into lush forest surroundings. The reserve features two short but rewarding walking trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
On one walk, you can visit Evercreech Falls, a charming cascade tucked among ferns and moss-covered rocks, where the soothing sound of flowing water creates a tranquil atmosphere.
The other trail leads to the famous “White Knights”, towering white eucalyptus gums that rise majestically from the forest floor, their pale bark and grand presence making them truly awe-inspiring. Both walks are easy and suitable for families, providing an immersive experience of Tasmania’s unique flora and serene wilderness.
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