St Helens Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to St Helens with this comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to St Helens

St Helens is a coastal town located in Eastern Tasmania, Australia. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with its breathtaking natural scenery and abundance of recreational activities. St Helens is also known for its rich history and culture, which can be seen in its museums, galleries, and historical sites.

List of Places to Visit in St Helens

  • Binalong Bay: A picturesque bay known for its stunning turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Bay of Fires Conservation Area: A scenic coastal reserve that’s popular for its orange-hued boulders, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
  • St Helens History and Visitor Information Center: A museum that showcases the town’s rich history, natural heritage, and cultural attractions. It’s an excellent starting point for your St Helens adventure.
  • Scamander Beach: A stunning beach with calm waters that is perfect for swimming, relaxing, or watching the sunrise or sunset.
  • St Helens Point Conservation Area: A nature reserve with impressive sand dunes, coastal heathlands, and significant birdlife. It’s an ideal spot for hiking and bird watching.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

St Helens is known for its rich history and culture, which is apparent in its galleries, museums, and historical sites. Some culturally important attractions in St Helens include:

  • St Helens History and Visitor Information Center: A museum that showcases the town’s rich history, natural heritage, and cultural attractions. It’s an excellent starting point for your St Helens adventure.
  • Old Tempestuous Mill: The site of a once-thriving timber industry which operated from the early 20th century until the 1970s. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the region.
  • St Helens Anglican Church: A historical church that dates back to the 1840s. It’s an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture and has impressive stained glass windows.
  • St Helens Wharf: A historic wharf that was once a bustling fishing port, now used as a seafood depot. It’s an ideal spot for a stroll and to watch the boats coming and going.

Natural Attractions of St Helens: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

St Helens is known for its beautiful natural scenery and abundance of recreational activities. Some of the natural attractions you should visit include:

  • Bay of Fires Conservation Area: A scenic coastal reserve that’s popular for its orange-hued boulders, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
  • St Helens Point Conservation Area: A nature reserve with impressive sand dunes, coastal heathlands, and significant birdlife. It’s an ideal spot for hiking and bird watching.
  • Pyengana Dairy Company: A farm that produces award-winning cheese and butter. You can tour the farm, learn about cheese making, and sample the delicious products.
  • St Columba Falls: A stunning waterfall that cascades down a 90-metre drop. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography.
  • Peron Dunes: A vast sand dune system that offers excellent views of the surrounding area. It’s an ideal spot for sandboarding, hiking, and photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St Helens

St Helens has many hiking and biking routes that offer spectacular views of the surrounding area. Some of the most popular hiking/biking routes include:

  • Mount William National Park: A vast national park that offers a range of hiking and biking tracks suitable for all ages and abilities. Some of the popular tracks include Stumpys Bay, Sensory Reserve Trail, and Mt. William Summit Trail.
  • Peron Dunes: A vast sand dune system that offers excellent views of the surrounding area. It’s an ideal spot for sandboarding, hiking, and cycling.
  • St Helens Point Conservation Area: A nature reserve with impressive sand dunes, coastal heathlands, and significant birdlife. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, walking, and bird watching.

Best Things to Do in St Helens: Activities and Tours

St Helens offers a wide range of enjoyable activities and tours for all visitors. Some of the must-do activities include:

  • Swimming, Snorkeling, and kayaking: St Helens is home to some of the best beaches and bays in Tasmania, such as Binalong Bay and Scamander Beach. Visitors can enjoy the sparkling waters by swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
  • Fishing: St Helens is known for being the top spot for recreational fishing in Tasmania, with various locations ideal for fishing all year round.
  • Scenic Flights: Visitors can take a scenic flight over St Helens from Bay of Fires to Maria Island, seeing the dramatic coastal landscape and the Tasman Sea.
  • Wildlife Spotting: You can see wildlife species like wombats, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, kangaroos, and various birdlife in their natural habitat in St Helens.
  • Food and Wine Tasting: Enjoy some local Tasmanian produce, like fresh oysters from the prominent oyster farm and wineries throughout the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for St Helens

Day 1: Visit St Helens History and Visitor Information Center and take a walking tour of the historic town. Day 2: Spend the day at Binalong Bay and exploring Bay of Fires Conservation Area. Day 3: Take a scenic flight over St Helens, Bay of Fires to Maria Island, or walk around St Helens Point Conservation Area. Day 4: Visit Pyengana Dairy Company or go fishing at various locations ideal for fishing all year round. Day 5: Explore the wildlife and exotic places with guided tours surrounding St Helens, such as getting to know the Tasmanian Devil or visiting the seal colony. Day 6: Take a road trip to nearby destinations like Glamorgan Spring Bay and Swansea. Day 7: Enjoy food and wine tasting and relax at one of the region’s finest accommodations.

Food and Drink Scene of St Helens

St Helens serves up some delectable dishes and has a thriving food and drink scene that celebrates locally sourced ingredients and Tasmanian producers. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh Seafood: The St Helens region is known for producing some of Tasmania’s best seafood dishes, including grilled octopus, pan-seared scallops, and fresh oysters.
  • Cheese and Butter: You can have a taste of the award-winning cheese produced by Pyengana Dairy Company, an institution in the region.
  • Venison and Other Wild Game: The region is famous for its deer farms and hunting industry, serving up some unique tasting venison and infused meats.
  • Apple Pie and Cider: Visit the nearby orchards to try out the famous apple pies and ciders in the area.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: St Helens is home to some of the best wineries in Tasmania. You can sip on some fine wines produced locally in the wine regions surrounding St Helens.
  • Beer and Cider: The region also produces excellent craft beers and ciders for visitors to sample and enjoy.
  • Other Beverages: St Helens has several coffee shops, tea houses, and specialty stores for visitors to pause for a refreshing drink after their day out.

Where to Stay in St Helens: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St Helens offers various accommodation types to suit every budget and preference. Here are some popular options:

  • Hotels: These are the perfect choice for visitors who want some luxury and convenience in their accommodation. The options here range from 5-star properties to boutique hotels.
  • Hostels and Guesthouses: These are ideal for backpackers and budget travelers who don’t mind sharing a room with a fellow traveler. These accommodations are affordable and offer facilities like a shared kitchen and lounges.
  • Camping and Caravan Parks: St Helens also provides several camping and caravan parks for visitors who want to immerse themselves in nature. The parks offer facilities like washrooms, BBQ areas, and other amenities.

What to Buy in St Helens: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

St Helens has several souvenir shops and local stores where visitors can buy unique gifts and products. Some popular items include:

  • Tasmanian Devil Products and Memorabilia: Visitors can buy souvenirs and gifts such as Tasmanian devil merchandise, including t-shirts with devil designs.
  • Local Produce: St Helens has several businesses where you can purchase locally sourced ingredients, including oysters, cheese, wine and spirits, and venison.
  • Handcrafted Items: Visitors can explore local artisanal shops that sell handcrafted items such as jewelry, pottery, and woodwork.
  • Clothing and Accessories: Several boutiques sell clothing and accessories like hats, caps, and scarfs, perfect for keeping warm or protection from UV-rays.

Local Culture and Customs of St Helens

St Helens is home to a rich cultural heritage, with much of its history deeply rooted in its indigenous inhabitants. Visitors must respect local customs by ensuring environmental sustainability, minimizing noise pollution at night hours, and following the designated national park and protected area regulations.

Best Time to Visit St Helens

The best time to visit St Helens is September to April, when the weather is warm and pleasant for exploring the outdoors. The peak season is in January and sometimes extend to February, so visitors need to book accommodation in advance. The winter months are usually calm and serene, with a comfortable temperature to explore without the hustle and bustle of the crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of St Helens

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Take care of the environment by limiting your waste and garbage and refraining to leave your footprints.
  • Ensure to wear proper clothing and carry sunscreen or sunglasses while outdoors in St Helens.
  • Plan significant hikes and activities according to daylight hours.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables visible in your vehicle, particularly in remote areas.
  • Ignoring rules, national park signs, or laws.
  • Disrupt local wildlife. Never try to feed the animals or interfer with the marine species.
  • Leave the designated trails or allowed trekking area without a sufficient guide.

Safety and Health

Safety in St Helens

St Helens is generally a safe place, and visitors are unlikely to face severe problems. However, visitors must safeguard their belongings in crowded areas and keep an eye on their surroundings. Swimming in the beaches in St Helens also requires attention to the local conditions, and sometimes dangerous spots are found near cliffs and hidden currents.

Health in St Helens

St Helens has a hospital to provide medical treatment in case of emergencies, but visitors must have travel insurance before embarking on their journey. The Tassie Devil facial tumor disease is present in the area, so visitors must avoid touching or feeding wildlife and report any signs of sick animals to the authorities.

Getting to St Helens: Transportation Options and Logistics

St Helens is accessible by car, bus, flight, or ferry. Here are some ways to get to St Helens:

  • By Car: St Helens is approximately 3.5 hours drive from Hobart, 2.5 hours drive from Launceston, or a 1.5-hour drive from Bicheno. Visitors can rent a car from Hobart or Launceston airport or another nearby city.
  • By Bus: Visitors can take a bus service from Hobart, Launceston, or Devonport to St Helens. Tassielink Transit offers several services on different schedules.
  • By Flight: The nearest airport is St George Aerodrome, which serves flights from Hobart or Launceston with Par Avion or regional airlines. There is a possibility of having your charter flight to gain access to specific areas or full power over scheduling and destination.
  • By Ferry: Accessing Tasmania by ferry is practical if visitors come from mainland cities like Melbourne. The nearest ferry port to St Helens is Devonport, around 2 hours of car drive out of the route to St Helens.

How to Get Around in St Helens

St Helens is a small town, easy to explore on foot or by car. Bicycle is a great way to explore the region and travel short distances if you want to get some exercise while enjoying the scenic views. Visitors can also rent cars or motorbikes to get around the scenic areas outside of St Helens.

Where to Go Next from St Helens: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can take after exploring St Helens:

  • Glamorgan Spring Bay: A beautiful coastal area with several beaches, vineyards, and a rich history.
  • Swansea: A historic town located on the coast and surrounded by several National parks and natural attractions.
  • Maria Island: A stunning island with various outdoor activities to explore the natural wonders in the region.
  • Launceston: A vibrant city with fantastic food, galleries, museums, parks, and historic houses.

Conclusion

St Helens is a fantastic destination for visitors who love to explore the outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of Tasmania. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife sightings in this picturesque coastal region. The town also offers a taste for the region’s locally sourced produce and rich cultural heritage and attractions. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful, relaxing holiday in St Helens while experiencing Tasmania’s unique beauty and culture.

Beach in St Helens, Tasmania Beach in St Helens, Tasmania