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St. Helens  (pop ~1200) is the largest town on the east coast of Tasmania, and like most other east coast towns, is centred around the fishing industry. A deep-sea scale fishing fleet operates out of St. Helens, and Georges Bay (on which St. Helens was founded) has built a reputation for the quality of its crayfish and oysters.
Good beaches are located near to St. Helens, and there are several surf beaches along the coast. It is possible to charter boats for marlin and tuna fishing. South of St. Helens, Skyline Road provides a good coastal lookout. East of the town on the southern short of Georges Bay is the St. Helens Point State Reserve, where short walks are rewarded by spectacular coastal scenery. The Bay of Fires Coastal Reserve to the north of the town has similar natural beauty. North of St. Helens is Mount William National Park, featuring a 'Forester Kangaroo drive'. Although the park has an abundance of native flora and fauna, roads leading to it are unsealed. Various sites in the area reveal St. Helens' Aboriginal culture, and tin mining history. The towns of Pyengana and Scamander are to the northwest and south of St. Helens respectively, and there are many bushwalks in the general area. St. Helens is approximately 2 hours drive from Launceston and 3 hours from Hobart. It has one 4½-star, two 4-star and seven 3½-star accommodation facilities (RACT rated) plus a youth hostel. © 1995-2010 |
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