St Helens (pop ~1200) is approximately 2 hours drive from Launceston (166 km via Scottsdale) and approximately 3 hours from Hobart

It 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 and scallops. Game fishing is popular with Tuna, Marlin and Mako Sharks the most sought after catches.

The town prides itself in its warmth and sunniness - the result of a microclimate produced by surrounding hills and warm ocean currents. Consequently St Helens is warmer than Melbourne in winter and enjoys an average of 22°C in February.

Fishing from the beaches, sheltered bays and coral fringed reefs attract fisherman from far and wide who boast that St Helens is unsurpassed for its diverse range of fish stocks. Diving is another popular past-time, with crashfish and abalone the prized catches.

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.

Swimming and surfing - The beaches around Georges Bay are ideal from swimming and surfing. The beaches on the southern side stretch from St Helens to St Helens Point. In entire bay has 50 km of shoreline. Such is the popularity of the area that it is estimated the population increases tenfold in summer.

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, Mount William National Park has an abundance of native flora and fauna. 

Various sites in the area reveal St. Helens' Aboriginal culture, and tin mining history.