St Helens

St Helens is a laid-back fishing town on Tasmania's northeast coast, where the bay is dotted with oyster farms and the air smells of salt and eucalyptus. It's the gateway to the Bay of Fires, a stretch of coastline famous for its vivid orange lichen-covered granite boulders and turquoise waters. The town itself has a working harbour, a handful of great seafood spots, and a genuine sense of place that makes it a perfect base for exploring the wild beaches and forests nearby.

Highlights & What to See

• Bay of Fires – The star attraction: a 50 km stretch of pristine white-sand beaches, clear aqua water, and boulders splashed with fiery orange lichen. The northern end around The Gardens is particularly stunning.
• Binalong Bay – The southern gateway to the Bay of Fires, with a beautiful beach, rock pools, and a small café. Great for swimming and photography.
• St Helens Point Conservation Area – Walk to the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula for panoramic views of the coast and chances to spot seabirds and wallabies.
• Georges Bay – The calm, oyster-filled bay right in town. You can kayak, paddleboard, or simply watch fishing boats come and go from the jetty.
• Bicheno – A short drive south, this charming town offers the famous Bicheno Blowhole, penguin tours at dusk, and excellent diving at the Bicheno Conservation Area.
• Freycinet National Park – About an hour's drive south, this park is home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, a perfect curve of white sand often rated among the world's best beaches.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal. Spend the first day exploring the Bay of Fires from Binalong Bay up to The Gardens, with stops for beach walks and a picnic. On day two, head to St Helens Point for a coastal walk and lighthouse views, then spend the afternoon kayaking on Georges Bay or visiting a local oyster farm. If you have a third day, take a day trip south to Freycinet National Park for the Wineglass Bay hike – it's a full day but well worth the drive.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bicheno – 35 min south; blowhole, penguins, and great diving.
• Freycinet National Park – 1 hr south; Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay, and coastal walks.
• Launceston – 2.5 hr west; Tamar Valley wine region, Cataract Gorge, and historic architecture.
• Bay of Fires (northern end) – 45 min north; more remote beaches like Eddystone Point and Ansons Bay.
• Derby – 1 hr north; world-class mountain biking trails and the famous Blue Derby network.

Please check official sources for current details.