St Helens, TAS
Small town ease, big-ticket nature to enjoy. St Helens is your launchpad to exploring the Bay of Fires and Tasmania’s East Coast.
Where To Stay In St Helens
Conveniently situated in Georges Bay, BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks St Helens is ideal for those wanting easy access to the beach and town amenities. You’ll find a range of accommodation options from powered grass or slab sites, all the way through to their luxurious Superior 3-Bedroom Cabins.
Where To Eat & Drink In St Helens
Our go-to morning coffee and breakfast spot is The Lifebuoy Cafe. They’re famous for their homemade Spiced Beans and Canadian Waffles. Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week. No need to book unless you’re with a group of sox or more.
For a more upscale place to grab a bite, The Wharf Bar & Kitchen is right on the waterfront and famous for its seafood dishes. The best thing to do here is indulge in several of their shared plates. Highlights we loved include the Crab & Dill Arancini, Crispy Battered Eggplant…and of course, the Oysters. The vibe here is excellent, with highly trained staff and sweeping sea views. The Wharf closes during the depths of winter for about a month or so but reopens annually around mid July.
Every good coastal country town has a local pub and St Helens’ answer to that is The Panorama Hotel. It’s a relaxed, scenic pub overlooking Georges Bay, offering pub classics, wood-fired pizzas and a range of Tasmanian beers and wines. We loved watching the sunset with the locals on the large deck.
After a day exploring, if you feel like letting your hair down, we’ve got a surprise for you. St Helens has its very own karaoke bar, The KAZZBAR. It’s a well-stocked nightspot run and frequented by locals who will welcome you in – then drag you on stage to belt out a tune with them.
What To Do In St Helens
Bay of Fires
Just a short drive north of St Helens, the Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations. Famous for its stark white sands, turquoise waters, and fiery orange boulders, this stretch of coastline is perfect for beach walks, swims, photography, or simply soaking up the serenity. Begin at Binalong Bay and explore north along the coast for endless scenic views.
St Helens Point & Peron Dunes
For those looking to explore on foot or with a 4WD, Peron Dunes offer a unique adventure. Located at the end of St Helens Point, these rolling white sand dunes contrast beautifully against the ocean and coastal bushland. It’s an ideal spot for a walk, a photo session, or even a bit of sandboarding if you bring your own gear.
Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area
This peaceful pocket of bushland offers a blend of native forest, coastal tracks and calm bays perfect for kayaking and picnicking. Walk the Dora Point loop for an easy family-friendly option or settle in for a relaxed afternoon of wildlife spotting and water views. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural side of the East Coast without the crowds.
Located about 40 minutes south in Bicheno, this wildlife sanctuary is home to Tasmania’s most beloved creatures including Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos and echidnas. Daily feeding sessions and keeper talks make it an engaging stop for families, and the large open enclosures mean animals can be seen up close in a natural setting.
Cerise Brook Orchard & Family Golf
Ten minutes inland from St Helens, this charming local orchard is the perfect place to pick fresh summer fruit that's in season (cherries, plums, and nectarines). There's also a fun 9-hole chip-and-putt golf course, making it a quirky, wholesome stop for families or travellers looking for something offbeat.
The Essentials in St Helens
You’ll find a large IGA supermarket and a pharmacy in the heart of St Helens town centre. There’s no dedicated outdoor store, but Good Sports is a local sporting goods store that should have you covered for basic camping and fishing gear. There’s also a Mitre 10 (next door to the IGA supermarket).
The St Helens District Hospital is located just out of town and has a 24/7 emergency department.
The Drive To St Helens
As always, we give you the rundown on the drive you’ll take from the nearby major towns and cities.
From Launceston - At 160 km, this is a scenic 2-hour journey via the Tasman Highway. You’ll wind through the forests of Scottsdale and Weldborough, with options to stop at the famous Pyengana Dairy for cheese and a meal at the historic Pub in the Paddock.
From Hobart – Roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes (300 km) via the Midland and Tasman Highways. This drive takes you through the Midlands farming belt and then into winding forest roads as you near the East Coast.
