St Helens accommodation from AU$124

A relaxed but thriving seaside town, St Helens fronts onto the beautiful Georges Bay, where magnificent white beaches offer protected waters away from the wrath of the Tasman Sea and its tenacious westerly winds. As the game-fishing capital of the state, don’t be surprised to overhear conversations about the direction of the wind and other weather-related jargon. The fishing industry and tourism are the bread and butter – or should we say, hook, line and sinker – of the area.

As a result of its popularity among both novice and pro anglers alike – boat and fishing charters are great local activities that make the most of what St Helens has to offer. Four-wheel drive tours are also a fun way to explore the area, and there are many bushwalking tracks nearby to tackle it all on foot. Don’t miss the lovely walk to St Helens Point, past the magnificent Peron Dunes and beautiful sandy beaches with great views guaranteed at the top.

If you’d rather be in the water than looking at it, there are lots of local beaches and bays to bask in the sun and splash about. There are also many beautiful sights within a short drive of St Helens. The well-known Bay of Fires is full of white beaches lapped by turquoise waters, lit up by giant granite boulders splashed with orange lichen. Twenty-five kilometres away you’ll discover the 90-metre St Columba Waterfalls, and further afield, the rugged and dramatic Freycinet National Park jutting out into the ocean.

With the region stretching from the mountains to the sea, the area produces a variety of tastes and flavours. Honey, pepperberries, wine and the celebrated Pyengana cheese are all produced locally, along with a plethora of fresh seafood. From fine dining to bistros, cafes and takeaway shops, St Helens and its surrounds has something to suit every occasion and budget.

Getting around the immediate centre of St Helens is easy on foot or by bike, but exploring further afield requires a car. The drive here from Launceston takes about two-and-a-half hours, while the drive from Hobart is more like three-and-a-half. For those who plan to arrive by bus, hire cars are available locally to give you the freedom of having wheels. The fish – and the locals – are ready to welcome you to St Helens. So wot are you waiting for? Check out our range of St Helens hotels now and book your seaside getaway.

Image credit timoshea95 under Creative Commons