|
TOURING MAP
Exploring the East Coast (North).
This section of the east coast lies between St Helens and Bicheno and includes St Marys and Scamander along the Tasman
Hwy and Fingal and Avoca to the west along the Esk Main Road.
You can reach the east coast from Hobart or Launceston via the Tasman Highway and from Campbell Town via the Esk Main
Road.
For the purpose of this guide we will begin at Bicheno in the south which connects to the East Coast South description.
After leaving Bicheno heading north you will see the East Coast Natureworld wildlife park. The park houses a wide variety of
animals including Tasmanian Devils and Forrester Kangaroos.
At Iron Horse Point you can take a short detour to the resort and brewery. There are great leisure and sporting facilities and
quality accommodation.
At Chain of Ponds you can take the coast road into Scamander or I recommend you take the Elephant Pass Road into St
Marys, a pretty town high on the ranges and the start of the Esk Main Road to Campbell Town. Along the narrow and windy
Elephant Pass Rd there is a pancake place serving delicious fare in the heart of the rainforest. St Marys was once at
the eastern end of the railway line and the old station has been converted into a gallery and coffee house providing
local information and a display of historical documents and photographs. St Marys is at the heart of a large forestry
area and surrounded by magnificent trees.
Accommodation in St Marys can be seen using the link below. There is a B&B and a backpackers with some
accommodation at the hotel.
The Main Esk Road heads west from St Marys and mainly follows the South Esk River. The two small towns along
the way have some old buildings to see and at Fingal there is an old log gaol once used for transporting convicts.
Heading east from St Marys you drive down to the coast along the scenic and windy St Marys Pass to rejoin the coast
road south of Scamander.
Scamander is a popular tourist area with sandy beaches and plenty of accommodation. There is a small shopping centre
and a couple of takeaway food shops. Continue north through the small seaside town of Beaumaris and enter St Helens
along the coast.
St Helens is a major resort area and headquarters of the Break 'O Day Council. There are several galleries, a large
shopping centre, a fishing fleet in the bay, several motels, holiday units, caravan parks and B&Bs.
To the east of St Helens is Binalong Bay located on the Bay of Fires, recently voted amongst the world's most attractive
bays. Its sweeping arch of golden sand and blue water is fringed by the Humbug Point State Recreation Area and Bay of
Fires Coastal Park. There are some holiday units available and a restaurant, but few other services. A bronze statue of
a mermaid greets you upon arrival and the town is built on a hillside offering spectacular views from most homes.
From St Helens you can take a trip along the Tasman Hwy through the forests of the Blue Tier and Weldborough
calling in to the 'Pub in the Paddock' and Pyengana Dairy at Pyengana or travel north to Ansons Bay and the Mt William
National Park and Eddystone Lighthouse.
If you are travelling to Launceston you can collect our map of the North East at the tourist bureau or along the way at
Derby or Scottsdale. if you are travelling south see the East Coast South section.
A list of accommodation will be seen HERE.
| 
