20 Best Things to Do in St Helens Tasmania + Bay of Fires: A Local Guide

Photo: David Clode

If you're planning a trip to the East Coast of Tasmania, you'll quickly discover there are plenty of things to do in St Helens. From exploring the famous Bay of Fires, enjoying fresh seafood, outdoor adventures and relaxed local experiences, St Helens has become one of the most exciting places to visit on Tasmania’s northeast coast. As the largest town along this stretch of coastline, it also serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region.

Located on the shores of Georges Bay, St Helens is surrounded by some of Tasmania’s most pristine beaches and coastal landscapes. The town is also a great starting point for exploring things to do near Bay of Fires, from quiet coastal walks to outdoor adventures along Tasmania’s east coast. Known for its fishing, fresh local seafood and laid-back seaside lifestyle, it’s a place where life revolves around the ocean and outdoor living. Here are 20 of the best things to do in St Helens Tasmania.

Best Beaches Near St Helens

St Helens is surrounded by the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast of Tasmania. From the famous white sands of Binalong Bay to the hidden gems around the Bay of Fires region and Stieglitz, there are plenty of places to swim, walk or simply enjoy the scenery. Here are a few of the best beaches near St Helens worth exploring.

1. Visit Binalong Bay (Australia’s Best Beach 2025)

Just a 15-minute drive from St Helens, Binalong Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on Tasmania’s east coast and the southern gateway to the famous Bay of Fires. Known for its white sand, turquoise water and striking orange-lichen granite rocks, it was named Australia’s Best Beach in 2025 by Tourism Australia. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours walking along the shoreline or simply sitting by the water. Early mornings are usually the calmest time to visit, especially in summer.

2. Explore Bay of Fires beaches

Just north of St Helens, the Larapuna / Bay of Fires area stretches for more than 50 kilometres along Tasmania’s northeast coast and is one of the most spectacular coastal areas in Australia. Starting from Binalong Bay, visitors can drive north and stop at beautiful spots like Cosy Corner, Jeanneret Beach and The Gardens, each offering different views of this famous coastline. Some beaches are perfect for swimming, while others are ideal for long walks or simply sitting by the water. If you have time, continue all the way to The Gardens -  one of the most scenic and peaceful places along the Bay of Fires.

3. Relax at Beerbarrel Beach

Beer Barrel Beach is located in Stieglitz, around 15 minutes from St Helens, and is a great place to experience the wilder side of Tasmania’s east coast. Known for its open ocean views, rolling waves and scattered granite rocks, the beach feels more rugged and untouched than many others nearby. It’s a lovely spot for a walk along the shoreline or to simply sit and watch the surf. If conditions are right, surfers sometimes paddle out here, and there’s also a short coastal walk nearby with beautiful views of the coastline.

Outdoor Adventures in St Helens

St Helens is one of the best places on the east coast of Tasmania for outdoor adventures. Surrounded by ocean, forests and coastal landscapes, the area offers plenty of ways to get active and explore nature. From world-class mountain bike trails, surfing, fishing, hiking and snorkelling, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy in and around St Helens.

4. Ride the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails

Just outside the town centre, the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails are one of the biggest drawcards for outdoor lovers visiting Tasmania’s east coast. The network of trails winds through coastal forests before opening up to incredible ocean views, creating a unique mountains-to-sea riding experience. Riders of all levels can find something here, from beginner-friendly tracks to more technical descents. Even if you’re not riding, it’s worth visiting the trailhead area to see the landscape. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times to ride, especially in summer.

5. Sand Dune Fun at Peron Dunes

Located along St Helens Point Road, about 15 minutes from St Helens, the Peron Dunes are one of the most unusual landscapes along Tasmania’s northeast coast. These large coastal sand dunes sit right beside the ocean and are a fun place to explore on foot. Many visitors climb to the top for panoramic views over the ocean and the surrounding coastline. It’s a great spot for pictures and sunset walks. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of climbing - the views from the top are worth it.

6. Surfing at Shelly Point

About 15 minutes south of St Helens, Shelly Point is a well-known surf spot on Tasmania’s east coast when conditions line up. The open beach can produce fun waves, and it’s a relaxed place to spend some time by the water. If surfing isn’t your thing, Shelly Point is also famous for shell fossicking. Many families and kids spend hours walking along the sand searching for shells, and there are often so many to choose from that it can feel almost overwhelming trying to pick a favourite. It’s also a great place for whale watching during the migration season.

7. Diving or Snorkelling at Skeleton Bay

Skeleton Bay, located near Binalong Bay at the southern entrance to the Bay of Fires, is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving near St Helens. The rocky reef areas make it a great place to explore marine life close to shore. On calm days, snorkellers often spot fish and seaweed gardens around the rocks. At low tide, some areas are shallow enough to explore without going too deep, and experienced divers sometimes collect abalone or the invasive long-spined sea urchins, something locals encourage, as removing these sea urchins helps keep the reef healthier.

8. Fishing in Georges Bay

Fishing in Georges Bay is a big part of life in St Helens and one of the easiest outdoor activities to try while visiting the area. The calm waters of the bay mean you can often fish close to shore without having to deal with ocean swell. Locals regularly catch species like King George whiting, squid and a variety of other fish throughout the year. You’ll often see people fishing from jetties, the shoreline or small boats around the bay. Early morning or late afternoon can be especially rewarding, and it’s a relaxing way to experience the local fishing culture in St Helens.

Wellness & Local Experiences

St Helens also offers a few great ways to move, recharge and connect with the relaxed coastal lifestyle. From yoga classes to pilates and a wood fired sauna near the St Helens mountain bike trails, these local experiences are a great way to balance activity and recovery during your visit.

Photo: Arel Photography

9. Yoga at Sunrock Studio

Yoga at Sunrock Studio is a lovely way to slow down and connect with the local community while visiting St Helens. The studio offers a variety of yoga styles throughout the week, welcoming both locals and travellers passing through the area. It’s a beautiful space filled with light and warm energy, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. If you’re only in town for a short time but still want to move your body and feel at home, this is the kind of place where you’ll be greeted with smiles the moment you walk in.

10. Pilates at Ripple HQ

Pilates at Ripple HQ is a great stop if you’re looking for something a bit more active during your time in St Helens, especially if you don’t want to leave your usual movement routine behind while travelling. This amazing studio feels just as polished as many you’d find in bigger cities. Classes welcome different experience levels, whether you’re new to Pilates or already familiar with the practice. After class, you can also relax in their new infrared sauna, a great way to recharge before heading back out to explore the area.

11. Sauna at East Coast Relax & Recover

Sauna at East Coast Relax & Recover is one of those hidden gems just outside St Helens where you can truly slow down after a day outdoors. Set in a quiet bush setting, the wood-fired sauna looks out over the trees, making the whole experience feel calm and connected to nature. After heating up, you can jump into the chilly plunge pool or cool off under the outdoor shower. It’s a favourite stop for mountain bikers after a ride on the St Helens trails, but anyone visiting the area will appreciate the simple, relaxing atmosphere.

Best Food & Drink in St Helens

Seafood is a big part of life in St Helens, and visitors will quickly notice how much the local food scene revolves around the ocean. From fresh oysters and relaxed cafés to local produce, providores and supermarkets stocking Tasmanian specialties, there are plenty of ways to experience the region’s flavours. Add nearby winery visits and local seafood straight from the coast, and you’ll find plenty of great places to eat and drink while exploring East Coast Tasmania.

12. Breakfast at the Lifebuoy Cafe

Breakfast at the Lifebuoy Cafe is a must when visiting St Helens. The Lifebuoy Cafe has become one of the town’s favourite brekkie spots, known for its great coffee, generous breakfasts, fresh scones and homemade cakes. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike start their day before heading out to explore the coast. If you see a line outside, don’t let it put you off, their amazing team moves quickly. While waiting for your coffee, you can take a look around the small shop inside, filled with beautifully curated pieces and local treasures that are well worth browsing.

13. Fresh Oysters at Lease 65

Fresh oysters at Lease 65 are one of those simple stops that often become a highlight of a trip around St Helens. Located just outside town, this small roadside oyster farm serves oysters straight from the water, known for being large, creamy and incredibly fresh. Many visitors grab a tray to take away and enjoy them somewhere nearby by the coast. Quite a few oyster lovers say they’re not just the best in Tasmania, but among the best in Australia. A dozen unshucked oysters usually goes for around $25, and it’s cash only, so make sure you have some with you.

14. Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards

Wine tasting is a lovely experience just a short drive from St Helens, with boutique vineyards nestled in the gentle hills of Tasmania’s east coast. Nearby cellar doors such as Sterling Heights Vineyard and Priory Ridge offer relaxed tastings of locally produced wines in a beautiful countryside setting. During the warmer months, Priory Ridge often pairs tastings with local cheese boards, while Sterling Heights serves homemade wood-fired pizzas alongside their wines, making it a perfect stop while exploring the East Coast of Tasmania.

15. Grab Street Food at Bangkok Tide or Breeze Burgers

If you're looking for something casual and full of flavour, Bangkok Tide and Breeze Burgers are two great street food options located inside Easy Tiger in St Helens. Both spots are family-friendly and perfect for an easy meal after a day exploring the area. Breeze Burgers is known for its juicy burgers made with fresh ingredients and soft buns that hold everything together perfectly. Bangkok Tide brings vibrant Thai street food to town, with bold flavours that have quickly made it a favourite among locals. It’s a great place to stop for a quick bite or sit down and enjoy a meal with friends.

16. Dinner with a view at The Wharf

The Wharf is one of those places that often surprises people when visiting St Helens. Sitting right on the waterfront with one of the best views over Georges Bay, it’s a great spot to slow down and enjoy a relaxed evening. The atmosphere feels lively but easygoing, and the staff are genuinely friendly, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. The menu leans heavily into seafood, which makes perfect sense in a coastal town like St Helens. If there’s one dish worth trying, it’s the paella. The seafood is cooked beautifully and the rice develops that delicious crispy crust that makes the dish so memorable.

Culture & Local Shops

While nature is the main attraction around St Helens, the town also has a few interesting cultural spots and unique local shops worth exploring. From the Maritime Museum, which highlights the region’s strong connection to fishing and the sea, to small stores filled with antiques and local finds, these places offer a different side of the town beyond its beaches and outdoor adventures.

Photo: Serpentarium Wildlife Park

17. Explore the St Helens Maritime Museum

The St Helens Maritime Museum is one of those places where you can easily spend longer than you planned. The museum is run by Brian, a passionate collector whose enthusiasm is truly infectious, and he’s always happy to chat and share stories about the pieces in the collection. Inside you’ll find an incredible range of maritime and military artifacts from around the world, including model ships, historic objects and displays with some items dating back centuries. It’s a fascinating little museum, and Brian’s passion makes the whole visit even more special.

18. Visit the Serpentarium Wildlife Park

The Serpentarium Wildlife Park is a unique stop in St Helens, especially if you enjoy wildlife encounters. This small park is run by a local family who clearly care deeply about the animals they look after. Many of the reptiles here are rescued animals, and the park focuses on giving them a safe and well-maintained environment. You’ll find a surprising variety of snakes and reptiles from around the world that you can see up close. The people running the park are always happy to share the backstory of the reptiles and their quirky personalities. There are also friendly kangaroos you can feed, plus a small café if you feel like taking a break during your visit.

19. Browse Antiques at The Shop in the Bush

The Shop in the Bush is one of those places you might almost drive past if you’re not paying attention. Sitting quietly along the A3 just outside St Helens, this quirky little store is packed with antiques, books, china, jewellery and all kinds of collectables. It feels a bit like stepping into a treasure hunt, with something interesting in every corner. Many people stop in for a quick look and end up moving from piece to piece discovering new treasures. If you’re driving by, keep an eye out for the signs, it’s a fun and unexpected stop while exploring the area.

Nightlife in St Helens

While St Helens is a relaxed coastal town, there are still a few ways to enjoy the evening after a day exploring the beaches and outdoor trails nearby. If you're looking for something to do at night, you’ll find movies, live events and a place to grab a drink right in the heart of town.

20. Easy Tiger – St Helens’ Local Cinema, Brewery & Live Music Venue

Easy Tiger is a local entertainment hub located in central St Helens, where visitors and locals gather to enjoy a night out after a day exploring the coast. The venue brings together a cinema, its own brewery and a live events space, creating one of the few places in town where something is usually happening in the evening. Throughout the week you might find open mic nights, trivia, live music or film screenings, along with food from the venue’s restaurants. Easy Tiger is open year-round, and it’s always worth checking the What’s On page to see what’s happening during your visit.

St Helens is one of those places where nature, food and local experiences come together. Whether you're exploring the beaches of the Bay of Fires area, riding the mountain bike trails or discovering great local food, it’s easy to find plenty of things to do in St Helens and around the area. With so many outdoor adventures, great food spots and hidden gems, it’s easy to see why this coastal town has become one of the most rewarding destinations in East Coast Tasmania.