Things to do in St Helens: Where To Eat, Stay and Play
At the gateway to the Bay of Fires, this coastal town is the perfect base to explore Tasmania’s east coast. Here are the best things to do in St Helens.
Tasmania’s east coast is gorgeous, with azure-blue waters, white sand beaches and orange lichen-covered boulders. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Tassie for outdoor adventures, and a fantastic spot to base yourself in is St Helens.
The town of St Helens - one of the largest fishing ports in Tasmania - is the gateway to the Bay of Fires, sitting at the southern end of this famously photogenic region. It’s just over an hour north of Freycinet National Park, so a day trip to snap pics of Wineglass Bay is completely doable.
There’s loads to see and plenty of delicious food in town, so we’ve rounded up the best things to do in St Helens, Tasmania.
Things to Do in St Helens: Eat
The Lifebuoy Cafe
For brunch in St Helens, head to The Lifebuoy Cafe, a charming little spot in the centre of town. The friendly staff serves coffee and delicious food – try the Canadian waffles or the house-made spicy beans stacked on a lentil and chickpea patty, topped off with avo and halloumi.
An extra incentive to go to Lifebuoy is that it’s attached to a little homewares shop called Sco & Co., so you can pick up some trinkets once you’ve got your caffeine hit.
29 Quail Street, St Helens
The Wharf
Serving meals with a side of seaside views, The Wharf sits pretty on the edge of George’s Bay in St Helens. Locally sourced seafood is the star attraction on the menu, and with a location like this, how can it not be?
The Wharf also has Cape Grim scotch fillet, crispy pork belly salad and a sweet selection of desserts to keep hungry tummies full.
1 Marina Parade, St Helens
The Surfside
It’s not technically in St Helens, but The Surfside is only about a 10-minute drive down the highway in Beaumaris, and the burgers are worth the quick trek.
Also serving weekly specials like curries, tacos and meatballs, the beachfront location is relaxed and laid-back, making for the perfect atmosphere to sink a few local lagers with your dinner.
269 Tasman Highway, Beaumaris
Lease 65
If you’re looking for elevated fine dining, Lease 65 isn’t it. But, if you’re looking for the best oysters in Tasmania, Lease 65 is it. Located on Moutling Bay, folks flock from all over to pick up oysters here – St Helens may be best known for its game fishing, but the oysters are huge and tasty.
It’s a drive-in and pick-up situation (make sure you bring cash!), so it’s perfect to take back for a chill night at your Airbnb.
444 Binalong Bay Road, St Helens
Things to Do in St Helens: Drink
The Social
This lively yet laid-back venue has a bar stacked with Tasmanian craft beers and wines, served in a restored vintage caravan in The Social’s chill beer garden. Inside, the decor is perfectly retro chic with a jumble of ‘60s and '70s tables and chairs.
Good food is easy to find, from burgers to Mexican and whatever food truck has pulled up to dish it out that week. The Social is the perfect casual place to head after a long day exploring the St Helens area.
32 Quail Street, St Helens
Priory Ridge Wines
Priory Ridge is the only vineyard and cellar door in this region, and, like most Tasmanian wineries, Priory Ridge is known for its Pinot Noir. If you’re more of a white wine person, the boutique vineyard has a divine Sauvignon Blanc.
Taste both at the cellar door- but since it’s a small operation, you’ll need to phone ahead for tastings. Sitting out on the verandah enjoying the peaceful farmland view is well worth the effort.
280 Ansons Bay Road, St Helens
Easy, Tiger
You could spend an entire day at Easy, Tiger given it’s a bar, eatery, beer garden and a boutique cinema. The movies have been here for a while, but the beer garden extension is a relatively new addition, and locals head there in droves to sip local beers.
7 Pendrigh Place, St Helens
Things to Do in St Helens: Play
Explore the Bay of Fires
St Helens is the best base for your Bay of Fires adventure, given it’s a town with plenty of amenities and is just a short drive to the must-visit spots.
Start at Binalong Bay with its crystalline waters and orange boulders and make your way up to Eddystone Point and admire its old stone lighthouse. In between you’ll find plenty of spots to pull over and take in the views, look for dolphins, climb over rocks and take a refreshing dip in one of the protected bays.
If you’d prefer a guided experience, embark on the Palawa-owned and operated Wwukalina Walk, a four-day tour of the area. Aboriginal guides take walkers on a fascinating journey through Wukalina (Mt William National Park) and Larapuna (Bay of Fires), explaining the Palawa connection to the Country the whole way through.
Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Ride the Famous Bike Trails
The St Helens mountain bike trails are renowned for having some of the most scenic views worldwide, attracting keen riders from all over. While expert-level riders hit the trails, there’s no reason you can’t give it a go if you’re feeling like a daredevil – there are a few beginner/easy trails among the options.
Head to the St Helens MTB Trails site to find the perfect track for you to tackle. Local bike hire companies will have you all kitted out, and many Airbnbs come with bike lockup areas.
If you'd prefer to hike rather than bike, the St Helens Point Conservation Area in the north east is filled with hiking trails and opportunities for fishing and boating.
Flagstaff Road, St Helens
Learn the History of the Area
St Helens History Room is a local museum with over 1000 artefacts and 20,000+ photographs chronicling the region's fascinating history. Learn about its Indigenous heritage and Captain Tobias Furneaux, the first white explorer who sailed into the bay in 1773, and beyond.
From its past as a whaling station to its tin mining boom, there’s lots to learn about this quaint little port town.
Mainly Maritime is another local museum that dives into, funnily enough, maritime history. Incorporating the Warship and Marine Corps Museum, there are carefully preserved records, uniforms, archives and artwork charting the history of St Helens and worldwide maritime exploration and warfare.
61 Cecilia Street, St Helens
13 Pendrigh Place, St Helens
Take a Kayak Tour
Local operator Secret River Tours runs kayak adventures around the St Helens area – you can explore St Georges Bay in town, cruise around the Scamander River (with its “secret” island in the middle) or even go gem fossicking for sapphire and topaz up north, about an hour out of St Helens.
The kayaks are pedal-operated, so you can have your hands completely free – helpful if you’ve picked the fishing option! The tour guides provide all the gear you need, so it’s a relatively easy way to get a unique view of St Helens and its beautiful surroundings.
St Helens, Tasmania
Things to Do in St Helens: Stay
Georgie Buoy
Once you check in to Georgie Buoy, you’ll feel like you’re also checking into the 1970s. This incredibly restored retro beach house has gorgeous views of George’s Bay, which you might not even notice given you’re too busy admiring the incredible vintage decor inside.
With two bedrooms, a wood fire and a spacious deck to enjoy the vista, it’s a great place for a couples’ trip or girls' getaway.
9 Lawry Heights, St Helens
Happy Nomad
Happy Nomad is surrounded by greenery, giving a peaceful and remote vibe, but, it's just a few minutes out of St Helens. The property is sprawling and spacious, with a large yard with a raised wooden patio to enjoy a BBQ and local produce as the sun sets.
The kitchen is fully stocked with whatever you might need, and the clawfoot tub is a must for soaking after a hike or bike ride.
112 Ansons Bay Road, St Helens
Swansong
For something a little more remote, Swansong is an off-grid, one-bedroom cabin offering a secluded St Helens accommodation option.
Built into the beautiful eucalypt forest, it has views overlooking George’s Bay that you can enjoy from your bed. With two adjoining pavilions, one with the kitchen and living and dining, one with the bedroom and ensuite, this unique property provides ultimate serenity.
443 Binalong Bay Road, St Helens
Calypso
If the 1970s aren’t your thing, maybe Calypso and its 1960s vibe might suit you better. Another wonderfully renovated and kitted out beach house, this two-bedroom property has two bathrooms and is another ideal base for two couples or a mates trip.
Fire up the BBQ on the deck, spot wallabies in the yard and enjoy a few sundowners after your big day of seeing the local sights.
16 Atlas Drive, St Helens
Ready to explore more of Tasmania after reading our guide to the best things to do in St Helens? Why not check out our guide for an epic weekend getaway or enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping divine wine at one of Tasmania's best wineries?
