Out and About

10 kilometres north east of St Helens and stretching 35 kilometres north from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Lighthouse are the famous white sand beaches of the Bay of Fires. Enjoy lunch at the popular Angasi Restaurant with a magnificent view of Binalong Bay. Drive north taking time to head in to any of the magnificent white sandy beaches and lichen covered rocks before reaching the lighthouse.

Head south, but then inland through St Mary's Pass, built by convicts in the mid-1800s. St Marys is a picturesque mountain town with charming timber cottages, cafes and a gallery. Have lunch in the historic St Mary’s hotel in a beautifully restored dining room.

The western end of the Fingal Valley is dominated by Stack's Bluff at the southern end of Ben Lomond. The eastern end is dominated by St Patrick's Head. There is a very steep walk up St Patrick's head - the track commences just a couple of kilometres from the centre of St Mary's. It is well signposted and there are spectacular panoramic views from the top. The drive is approx an hour or less each way.

Drive up through the Fingal Valley to the Evercreech Forest Reserve (signage to the Reserve can be found in the township of Fingal). Evercreech is home to the ‘White Knights’ - the tallest white gums in existence. A 20 minute loop walk takes you past these magnificent trees and the interpretive signage will help you understand how they have grown so tall. The 45 minute return walk to the picturesque Evercreech Falls is another popular walk and an ideal stop for your picnic lunch.

Sixteen kilometres from the Evercreech Forest Reserve is the Mathinna Falls Forest Reserve that offers good camping and picnic areas, and is an ideal spot for a family day out. The Mathinna Falls, consisting of four spectacular 17 metre drops, is an incredible sight. An easy 30 minute return walk along a well-graded track leads to the base of the falls and you will hear the water falling long before you see the falls. To get there, head to Fingal and follow the signs.

The cascading waters of St Columba Falls plunge nearly 90 metres from the Mt Victoria foothills to the valley of the South George River. The catchment area, of over 4,000 hectares, guarantees a continuous flow of water down the granite cliff face. The falls can be viewed from the car park and a short walking track provides easy access - through a forest of tree ferns, sassafras and myrtle - to a viewing platform.

A few kilometres to the east of Weldborough is one of the most spectacular fern displays that you will see anywhere in Australia. Huge ferns are on either side of the road for many kilometres. They are interspersed with stands of blackwood, sassafras and myrtle. This is Weldborough Pass which rises 595 metres and offers excellent views on either side of the road and the range.

Scamander lies at the mouth of the Scamander River, just 20km south of St Helens, the largest town on Tasmania’s east coast. It is a popular holiday town and its beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing and fishing. The Scamander River is noted for its bream, while beach fishing and game fishing in the deep waters offshore are also popular. Offshore, dolphins and whales in migration season can be spotted.

Scamander Forest Reserve is a scenic picnic area where you can launch a boat into the Scamander River and fish for trout and bream in the quieter stretches of the river. Winifred Curtis Reserve features an amazing variety of wildflowers in bloom for most of the year. Scamander River Cruises will also take you to the upper reaches of the Scamander River to experience the awesome beauty of a wild Tasmanian river.