fect choice for you. In this article, we will show you how to get to St Helena Island, what to see and do on the island, where to stay and eat on the island, and what to know about the island’s culture, history, and heritage. Read on to discover why St Helena Island is a hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean and a must-visit for any traveler.
How to Get to St Helena Island
St Helena Island is accessible by boat from Manly or New Farm, two suburbs of Brisbane. Regular ferry services depart from both locations and take about 45 minutes to reach the island. You can also take your own private boat and moor it off the island but be careful of the tides and the shallow water.
The southern corner of the island is open to the public without a tour guide, but if you want to explore the rest of the island, you will need to join a guided tour. There are various options available, such as day tours, night tours, and special events tours, that will take you to the historic prison ruins and other attractions on the island. You can book your tour online or at the departure points.
The best time to visit St Helena Island is between May and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the chances of rain are low. The island has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 21°C to 29°C in summer and from 10°C to 21°C in winter3. The island is also home to many migratory birds, such as terns, gulls, and waders, that use the island as a watering hole. If you are a bird lover, you might want to visit the island between September and March, when the birds are most abundant.
What to See and Do on St Helena Island
St Helena Island has a lot to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are into nature, history, or culture, you will find something to enjoy on the island. Here are some of the main attractions, activities, and events on the island that you should not miss:
Natural Wonders
St Helena Island is a natural paradise, with lush vegetation, rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and clear waters. The island has its own permanent water supply, a spring in the centre of the island, that supports a variety of plants and animals. You can admire the scenic views of the island and the surrounding bay from the lookout point near the jetty, or take a walk along the trails that crisscross the island. You can also explore the marine life of the island by snorkeling or diving in the waters around the island, where you can see coral reefs, fish, turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks. The island is part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park, which protects the biodiversity and beauty of the area1.
Historical Sites
St Helena Island has a turbulent history as the site of Queensland’s first penal settlement. For more than 60 years, from 1867 to 1932, the island was the place of imprisonment for hundreds of men who committed crimes ranging from murder and bushranging to sheep stealing and striking. The island was also used as a quarantine station and a lunatic asylum.
Today, you can visit the stone ruins of the prison buildings, such as the stockade, the cells, the warder’s quarters, the butcher’s shop, the bakery, the sugar mill, and the lime kiln. You can also see the cemetery, where more than 50 prisoners and staff were buried, and the museum, where you can learn more about the history and stories of the island. The guided tours will give you a vivid and authentic experience of the harsh and isolated life of the prisoners and the staff on the island2.
Cultural Experiences
St Helena Island is not only a place of history, but also a place of culture. The island has a rich and diverse heritage, influenced by the British, French, and African origins of the prisoners and the staff. You can experience the culture of the island by listening to the music, songs, and stories of the island, performed by the tour guides and the actors. You can also taste the cuisine of the island, such as the traditional damper bread, the local honey, and the fresh seafood. You can also join the special events on the island, such as the theatre nights, the ghost tours, and the festivals, that celebrate the history and culture of the island in a fun and entertaining way.
Where to Stay and Eat on St Helena Island
St Helena Island does not have any accommodation facilities on the island, so you will need to stay on the mainland or on a nearby island.
There are plenty of options available, ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to budget hostels and campgrounds. You can choose to stay in Manly or New Farm, where you can catch the ferry to the island, or in other suburbs of Brisbane, such as Wynnum, Lota, or Hamilton, where you can enjoy the city life and the views of the bay. You can also stay on Moreton Island or North Stradbroke Island, which are also part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park and offer more natural and adventurous activities.
St Helena Island does not have any dining facilities on the island, except for the picnic tables and the water taps near the jetty. You will need to bring your own food and drinks, or book a tour that includes a meal. Some of the tours offer a picnic lunch, a barbecue dinner, or a high tea, depending on the time and the theme of the tour. You can also enjoy the local produce of the island, such as the honey, the jam, and the wine, which are sold at the departure points or online. If you want to eat on the mainland or on a nearby island, you will find a variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops that cater to different tastes and budgets.
What to Know About St Helena Island
St Helena Island is a place of wonder and discovery, but also a place of respect and responsibility. Before you visit the island, there are some things that you should know and do to make the most of your trip and to protect the island for the future. Here are some tips and advice that will help you enjoy your visit to St Helena Island:
- Book your tour in advance, as the tours are popular and limited in number and capacity. You can book online or at the departure points, and choose the tour that suits your preferences and expectations. You can also book a private tour or a group tour, if you want a more personalized or a more social experience.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and the activities. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a jacket or a sweater, as it can get cold on the boat or on the island. Bring a swimsuit and a towel, if you want to swim or snorkel. Bring insect repellent, as there are mosquitoes and sandflies on the island.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the island and the tour guides. Stay within the designated areas and do not wander off the trails. Do not touch, damage, or remove any of the historical or natural features of the island. Do not feed, disturb, or harm any of the wildlife on the island. Do not litter or leave any rubbish on the island. Do not smoke or light any fires on the island.
- Respect the history and the culture of the island and the people who lived and worked there. Listen to the stories and the information that the tour guides and the actors share with you. Ask questions and learn more about the island and its past. Appreciate the beauty and the diversity of the island and its present.
St Helena Island is a hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean and a must-visit for any traveler. The island offers a unique and memorable experience that combines nature, history, and culture. You can get to the island by boat from Brisbane, and join a guided tour that will take you to the historic prison ruins and other attractions on the island. You can also see and do many things on the island, such as admire the natural wonders, visit the historical sites, and enjoy the cultural experiences. You can also stay and eat on the mainland or on a nearby island, and choose from a variety of options that suit your needs and preferences.
You can also know and do some things before you visit the island, such as book your tour, dress appropriately, follow the rules, and respect the history and the culture. If you are looking for a hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean, St Helena Island is the perfect choice for you.
