Day Trips From St Helens

The Perfect Base for East Coast Adventures: Day Trips from BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks St Helens

St Helens might be a small coastal town, but it’s big on natural beauty, local charm, and adventure. And the best part? It’s perfectly positioned as a base to explore Tasmania’s east and northeast coasts.

Many of our guests check in for a few nights and end up staying for a few weeks—and we totally get it! With so many incredible day trips within 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive, you can soak up the best of Tasmania without packing and unpacking every few days. Settle in, relax, and hit the road each morning for a new adventure, knowing your cozy cabin, glamping tent, or caravan site is waiting for you back at BIG4 St Helens.

Here are some of our favourite day trips to get you inspired:

1/ Bay of Fires – 10 to 30 mins

Start with the obvious! You don’t have to go far to find world-class beauty. From Binalong Bay to The Gardens, this 50km stretch of white sand and vivid orange rocks is postcard-perfect. Swim, picnic, walk, or just sit and stare.

2/ Pyengana & St Columba Falls – 30 mins

Drive inland to Pyengana for a visit to the famous Pyengana Dairy (don’t miss their cheddar or a Ploughman’s Lunch). Then take the short walk to one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls—St Columba Falls.

Stop in at the Pub in the Paddock for a beer with their pig! Yes you read that correctly.

3/ Priory Ridge Estate – 20 mins

Visit this boutique family owned winery specialising in cool climate wines. Open over summer months for Cellar Door tastings and food platters.

4/ St Helens Mountain Bike Trails - 10 minutes - Right on your doorstep

St Helens is a mountain biking paradise, with trails that cater to every level—from downhill adrenaline runs to scenic cross-country loops and cruisy family rides. One of the most iconic rides? The epic trail that takes you from the mountains all the way to the Bay of Fires, finishing at the ocean’s edge.

5/ Derby & Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails – 1 hr 10 mins

A global mountain biking hotspot, Derby is a must for riders. If you’re not biking, enjoy the relaxed village vibes, floating sauna on the lake, or a stroll through sculpture-filled bushland.

6/ Bridestowe Lavender Estate – 1 hr 20 mins

Open year-round (with peak purple blooms in summer), this iconic lavender farm offers beautiful views, lavender-themed gifts, and the famous Bobbie the Bear.

7/ Serpentarium Wildlife Park – 10 mins

Great for kids or anyone into reptiles and exotic creatures. It’s close by in St Helens and a fun way to spend an hour or two.

8/ Fishing Charters - 10 minutes - Right on your doorstep

Join on offshore fishing charter from St Helens to chase marlin and tuna on the continental shelf.

9/ Scottsdale & Beyond – 1 hr 30 mins - 2 hours

Follow the Tasman Highway inland through forested hills to reach Scottsdale. There are farm gates, historic towns, and walking trails along the way. Further on you'll find Bridport, a lovely seaside village for lunch. This trip can be combined with Bridestowe Lavender Estate if you have the time.

10/ Bicheno – 1 hr 15 mins

Drive south along the coast to Bicheno, known for its blowhole, evening penguin tours, and delicious seafood. The drive itself is stunning, so give yourself time to stop along the way. Scamander Beach is great for swimming and surfing, or try fishing in the river.

11/ East Coast Natureworld – 1 hr 20 mins

Just south of Bicheno, this sanctuary is home to Tasmanian devils, wombats, and a wide range of native wildlife. A great stop for families or animal lovers.

12/ Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay – 2 hrs

While it’s on the edge of a longer day trip, many of our guests take a full-day adventure to Freycinet. Climb to the lookout over Wineglass Bay or book a cruise for a different view of this Tasmanian icon.

Why Stay Longer in St Helens?

As the largest town on the East Coast, St Helens offers a relaxed pace with everything you need—supermarkets, Easy Tiger cinema and brewery, seafood, restaurants, and plenty of space to stretch out. At BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks St Helens, you can:

• Relax by the campfire after a big day
• Make use of our spacious camp kitchen or grab a bite locally
• Let the kids enjoy our family-friendly facilities
• Glamp in style or settle into your site or cabin

So, if you’re thinking of touring Tasmania’s east and northeast, skip the constant check-in/check-out cycle. Stay a while in St Helens—it’s the smart (and scenic) way to explore.

Book your base today and rediscover real connection.