Local Information | St Helens | Underwater Australasia

St Helens

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.

In the Directory

Accommodation [2]

Photos

: Flower of the Blue Gum - Photo courtesy of Tour of Tasmania

: Common Wombat - Photo courtesy of Tour of Tasmania

Underwater Recommendations

St Helens offers excellent boat dives and a good selection of shore dives. Great night dives can be done just off the local jetties. Caves and swim-throughs at Booker Rocks 1 km of shore from St Helens Point.