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St Helens Tasmania
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Mar 9, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
St Helens Tasmania
Nestled on the shores of Georges Bay on Tasmania’s northeast coast, St Helens is a charming seaside town and the gateway to the famous Bay of Fires beaches, just a few kilometres away. It’s conveniently located 163 kilometres east of Launceston and 253 kilometres from Hobart, making it an easy stop on any northeast Tasmanian road trip.
The town is renowned for its rich maritime heritage and is Tasmania’s second-largest fishing port, earning its reputation as the game fishing capital of the state. With its stunning waterfront, relaxed coastal vibe, and easy access to pristine beaches and national parks, St Helens offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm for visitors exploring Tasmania’s northeast coast.
St Helens Town Centre
Strolling through the streets of St Helens, you’ll find a delightful mix of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and boutique shops that make wandering the town a pleasure. Start your morning with freshly brewed coffee and pastries, browse for local art and souvenirs, or enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the charming eateries. There is also supermarkets, surf shops, newsagency and other specialty stores.
St Helens Wharf
The town’s wharf area is equally inviting, offering a true taste of its maritime charm. Here, you can watch fishing boats bobbing in the water while enjoying fresh seafood straight from the ocean, or tuck into classic Tasmanian fish and chips as you take in the harbour views. The wharf is also a great spot to soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere, watch the sunrise over Georges Bay, or simply enjoy the hustle and bustle of the working port.
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 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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