St Helens is the largest town on Tasmania's east coast and the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Bay of Fires, world-class mountain biking trails, secluded beaches and fresh seafood.

St Helens Accommodation

St Helens Itineraries

  • 1 day in St Helens

    From sunrise walks along Georges Bay to afternoons spent discovering the orange granite boulders of the Bay of Fires, St Helens offers a relaxed coastal holiday for all.

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  • 3 days in St Helens

    Take a breath: You have three days to enjoy beautiful St Helens and all it has to offer. There’s no hurry here on the east coast!

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  • Top things to do in St Helens

    Everyone is YOUNIQUE! We encourage you to customise your St Helens itinerary. Here are some suggestions of how to live like a local in St Helens!

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St Helens Top 10

  • 1. Bay of Fires

    Just a short drive from St Helens, and one of Tasmania's most iconic destinations, the Bay of Fires is famous for its white beaches, crystal-clear water and distinctive orange granite boulders. Whether you spend an hour or a full day exploring, it's an unforgettable experience.


  • 2. Serpentarium Wildlife Park

    Fun and educational, Serpentarium Wildlife Park is a heated indoor reptile exhibit and museum displaying exotic breed reptiles, unique indigenous artefacts with gem and crystal displays. Featuring the Green Anaconda, Reticulated Python Indian Star Tortoises.

  • 3. Mountain Bike Trails

    Purpose-built trails weave through native forest, offering everything from gentle family rides to exhilarating descents. Riders travel from around Australia to experience these world-class trails.

  • 4. George's Bay

    The calm waters of Georges Bay are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing or enjoying a peaceful waterfront walk.


  • 5. St Helens Point Conservation Area

    Explore coastal walking tracks, secluded beaches and rugged granite headlands just a short drive from town.

  • 6. The Shop in the Bush

    A short drive out of town, this literal ‘shop in the bush’ is a treasure chest of antiques, fine jewellery, books, collectibles and more.

  • 7. Priory Ridge Vineyard

    Sample award-winning cool-climate wines in a relaxed rural setting only minutes from St Helens.

  • 8. Cerise Brook Orchard

    Enjoy fresh seasonal cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, blueberries and local produce, plus a relaxed farm café serving real-fruit ice cream, local bakery goods and gluten-free treats. Wander around outside the orchard, play outdoor games like giant Jenga and enjoy the 9-hole chip-and-putt golf course!

  • 9. East Coast Village Providore

    The ultimate place to pack your picnic basket! The East Coast Village Providore offers a curated range of locally sourced produce, artisan goods, and gourmet specialties, all highlighting Tasmania and the East Coast’s finest.

  • 10. Easy Tiger

    It’s a brewery, a cinema, a food hall and a live music venue! Don’t miss a visit while you are in town to enjoy a drink, meal, film or if you’re lucky, some live music.

1 day in St Helens

7:30 AM: Sunrise at the Bay of Fires

An early start is well worth it. Drive around 15 minutes to Binalong Bay and watch the sun rise over the ocean. Morning light brings the famous orange lichen-covered granite boulders to life, making this one of Tasmania's most photographed coastlines. Take your time wandering the beach: you may just have it all to yourself.

8:45 AM: Breakfast at Lifebuoy Cafe

Head back into town for breakfast. Sco & Co. and The Lifebuoy Cafe is a favourite with locals and visitors alike, serving excellent coffee, generous breakfasts and fresh local produce. Grab a window or courtyard seat and watch the world go by while planning the rest of your day.

10:00 AM: George’s Bay Foreshore Trail Walk

Stretch your legs with a relaxed walk along the St Helens waterfront. The shared walking path follows Georges Bay, offering beautiful water views, public art and plenty of opportunities to stop and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Keep an eye out for pelicans, black swans and local fishing boats returning with the morning's catch.

11:30 AM: Explore St Helens History

Before leaving town, spend some time browsing the local shops and galleries or call into the St Helens History Room to learn about the town's timber, fishing and tin mining heritage. If you're travelling with children, the waterfront playground is a great place to burn off some energy.

12:30 PM: Lunch by the water

Seafood is the obvious choice. Order local fish, oysters or prawns and enjoy lunch overlooking Georges Bay. St Helens has several excellent waterfront cafés and takeaway options where you can enjoy the freshest local catch while watching boats cruise across the bay.

2:00 PM: Bay of Fires Afternoon Adventure

Spend the afternoon exploring one of Tasmania's most spectacular coastal drives. From Binalong Bay, continue north through the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, stopping at beaches including Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner and The Gardens.

Every beach feels different. Some are sheltered and calm, while others offer sweeping ocean views and dramatic granite headlands. Bring your swimmers or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline. Allow plenty of time to stop for photos.

4:00 PM: Time for a drink?

Before you return to your accommodation, detour to Priory Ridge Vineyard (check seasonal opening hours). Sample cool-climate wines produced on Tasmania's east coast while enjoying views across the surrounding countryside. Their tasting room offers a relaxed way to finish the afternoon before heading back into town for dinner.

If wine isn't your thing, enjoy an afternoon drink at one of St Helens' local hotels or Easy Tiger Brewery.

6:30 PM: Dinner

Finish your day with fresh Tasmanian seafood or a relaxed pub meal.

Whether you're chasing oysters, fish and chips, steak or modern Australian cuisine, St Helens offers plenty of casual dining options within easy walking distance of the waterfront.

8:00 PM: Sunset at St Helens Point

If daylight permits, finish the day with a short drive to St Helens Point. As the sun sets across Georges Bay, the changing colours across the water provide a peaceful end to your day on Tasmania's east coast.

3 days in St Helens

  • 8:30 AM: Breakfast by Georges Bay

    Ease into your holiday with breakfast and coffee overlooking the marina before exploring the town on foot.

    Browse local boutiques, galleries and specialty stores before taking a leisurely stroll along the Georges Bay foreshore.

    10:30 AM: Visit St Helens Waterfront

    Spend some time watching the commercial fishing fleet, recreational boats and local birdlife.

    The waterfront is the heart of town and a great place to get your bearings before heading further afield.

    12:00 PM: Lunch

    Pick up lunch from one of the local bakeries or cafés and enjoy a picnic beside Georges Bay.

    Alternatively, treat yourself to freshly caught seafood overlooking the water.

    1:30 PM: Beerbarrel Beach

    Drive to nearby Beerbarrel Beach.

    This long stretch of sand is popular with surfers, beachcombers and walkers looking for a quieter coastal experience. Even if swimming isn't on the agenda, it's worth spending an hour exploring the dunes and taking in the ocean views.

    3:30 PM: Relax!

    Head back to your accommodation for a well-earned break.

    Enjoy a local wine on the deck, read a book or simply take in the peaceful surroundings before dinner.

    Alternatively, head to Easy Tiger Brewery where you might catch some live music.

    6:00 PM: Dinner

    Choose one of St Helens' restaurants for a relaxed evening meal featuring local seafood and Tasmanian produce.

  • 7:30 AM: Coffee and a Bakery Treat

    Start the day with coffee and something fresh from one of St Helens' local bakeries before setting off for one of Tasmania's most spectacular coastal drives.

    Today is all about the Bay of Fires.

    9:00 AM: Binalong Bay

    Just 15 minutes from St Helens, Binalong Bay marks the southern gateway to the Bay of Fires.

    Spend some time wandering the beach, exploring the giant orange granite boulders and soaking up the incredible coastal scenery. On calm days, the water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or simply dipping your toes in.

    Take your time. There is no need to rush today.

    11:00 AM: Bay of Fires Conservation Area

    Continue north, stopping wherever the scenery catches your eye.

    Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner and The Gardens are all worth visiting, each offering its own unique stretch of coastline. White sand, turquoise water and weathered granite combine to create one of Australia's most beautiful landscapes.

    Bring your camera, but remember to put it away occasionally and simply enjoy being there.

    1:00 PM: Picnic Lunch

    Pack a picnic before leaving town or collect supplies from the local bakery or supermarket.

    There are countless places to enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean, with picnic tables dotted throughout the conservation area.

    This is one of those rare places where the view is just as memorable as the meal.

    2:30 PM: Beach Time

    Spend the afternoon however you like.

    Go for a swim, read a book under the shade of the coastal banksias, explore the rock pools or wander barefoot along the sand. Families will appreciate the sheltered beaches, while photographers will enjoy the changing colours as the afternoon light softens.

    If you're feeling adventurous, bring a snorkel and discover the clear coastal waters.

    5:00 PM: Return to St Helens

    After a full day exploring the coastline, head back to town for a well-earned rest.

    Freshen up before heading out for dinner.

    6:30 PM: Dinner and Sunset

    Enjoy dinner overlooking Georges Bay before taking an evening stroll along the waterfront.

    If you're lucky, the sky will put on one final show as the sun sets.

  • 8:00 AM: Mountain Biking or a Morning Walk

    If you're an experienced rider, spend the morning (or, the whole day!) exploring the renowned St Helens Mountain Bike Trails.

    The network caters for everyone from beginners through to advanced riders and has helped establish St Helens as one of Australia's premier mountain biking destinations.

    Prefer something slower? Enjoy another peaceful walk along Georges Bay or head back to one of the nearby beaches for a morning swim.

    11:30 AM: Explore Local Shops

    Spend some time browsing St Helens' collection of boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.

    You'll find locally made art, Tasmanian produce, handmade gifts and plenty of opportunities to support local businesses.

    12:30 PM: Lunch

    Today's the perfect excuse for fish and chips by the water.

    Order takeaway and find a shady spot overlooking Georges Bay while watching pelicans and fishing boats drift past.

    Sometimes the simplest lunches become the most memorable.

    2:00 PM: Choose Your Afternoon Adventure

    Tailor the rest of the day to suit your interests.

    Love wildlife? Visit the Serpentarium to meet a wonderful collection of reptiles: an educational and fun experience.

    Feeling active? Hire a kayak and paddle across the calm waters of Georges Bay, book a fishing charter or spend another afternoon exploring the beaches around St Helens Point.

    If relaxation is more your style, settle into local vineyard, Priory Ridge for an afternoon wine tasting.

    5:30 PM: A Relaxed Afternoon

    Return to your accommodation and enjoy a quiet afternoon.

    Pour a glass of Tasmanian wine, sit outside and appreciate why so many visitors end up extending their stay on the east coast.

    7:00 PM: One Last Dinner

    Finish your St Helens getaway with another seafood dinner or a relaxed meal at one of the town's welcoming pubs or restaurants.

    There's no better way to end your visit than with fresh local produce and one final view across Georges Bay.