Discover great fishing and Stunning Beauty in St. Helens Tas

You can be forgiven if you haven't heard of St. Helens, Tasmania. Although it is the biggest town on the northeast coast of Tasmania, St Helens boasts a population of just 2000. Established in 1830, when tin was discovered in the close by Blue Tier Mountains, the town quickly became a fishing port, thanks to its sheltered position on Georges Bay and its large quantity of fish. Nowadays, the town continues to attract fishermen from all over Australia and, increasingly, the world, but that is only one of the reasons why it is so easy to find St Helens accommodation in this stunningly scenic town.

While its unspoiled natural beauty and moderate climate attract visitors all year 'round, St Helens actually comes to life in March each year, when the St. Helens Gaming Fishing Classic is held. As the records fall and fishermen from all over the world learn about the wealth of game fish within the waters off north-eastern Tasmania, the Fishing Classic is increasingly reaching world famous status. Over 20 Australian records have been broken here over time and an additional half dozen world records for southern bluefish tuna.

Unlike other sports fishing locations, where fishermen have to go far out to sea to locate deep water game fish like marlin and tuna, these magnificent fish can be found practically at your doorstep in St. Helens. Half an hour after leaving the boat ramp in a chartered fishing vessel, it is possible to be in the running for a 120 kilogram (almost 265 pounds) blue fin tuna or possibly be among the fishermen who catches one of the 200 marlin that are often caught in the waters off St. Helens each year.

As the biggest town in north-eastern Tasmania, St Helens also serves as the place where northern Tasmanians go for entertainment. The biggest event of the year is the annual Suncoast Jazz Festival, held here every year in June. The biggest names in Australian jazz turn up every year, both to entertain the crowds and to play with each other. One of the highlights of the festival is the "mix and match" registration system, which groups individual musicians with each other for 30 minute sessions. For 16 hours each day in late June, music fills the air in St. Helens. Shut your eyes and you could be in New Orleans! The grand finale of the Suncoast Jazz Festival is a huge public concert and street parade.

It goes without saying that if you like seafood, you will also love St. Helens. In actual fact, if you are a food lover of any kind, you'll love St Helens. The rich soil in the area supplies St. Helens' restaurants with much of their produce and while you're out exploring the area, you may run across wild apples, raspberries and blueberries to snack on while you're hiking. While you're enjoying freshly caught seafood with your evening meal, you'll be able to wash it down with one of several award winning wines that are produced within the region.

St. Helens, Tasmania might have a small population, but it is big in attractions. While the fisherman in the family is out breaking world records, everyone else can enjoy the magnificent scenery while bushwalking and feasting on wild blueberries. Back in town, you are able to spend hours looking in the quaint shops, enjoying fresh and delicious food (St Helens is known for its "Elephant Pancakes" - both sweet and savoury) or simply relaxing in this glorious and unspoiled spot of the world.

Take a few days off, find accomodation st helens tas, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.