The small town of St. Marys is nestled beneath St. Patricks Head, a short distance from the crashing waves and white sand beaches of the East Coast and the rainforest walks of Fingal Valley and Douglas-Apsley National Park. Enjoy St. Marys’ small town charm, from the local galleries and museum to the historic railway station and heritage buildings.
Orient yourself with a hike to the top of St. Patricks Head, which overlooks St. Marys. The round-trip up a forested trail takes about 2 to 3 hours. Take a camera along to photograph the panoramic views of the Fingal Valley, the coastline and the Ben Lomond Plateau.
Visit the Cranks and Tinkerers Museum, started by a local collector, which showcases vintage cars and bikes, model airplanes, antique musical instruments and a menagerie of interesting collectables. Ask the proprietor if he will play the banjo for you. Afterward, head to the historic hotel on Main Street, built in 1916, for a drink. Stay in one of the hotel’s cosy rooms and listen for the resident ghosts.
From St. Marys, drive about 15 minutes to the beach at Falmouth. Wander along the beach and up the cliff for views over the Tasman Sea or go fishing at Four Mile Creek.
Farther south of Falmouth, pass the Chain of Lagoons before reaching the pristine Douglas-Apsley National Park. Take the rainforest trails through gorges, cool off with a swim in a waterhole and enjoy scenic lookouts and waterfalls. The park has a small entrance fee.
While St. Marys’ population is small, the town has several dining options, including the St. Marys Hotel on Main Street, a historic bakery and a few deli cafés as well as a fudge shop and ice-cream shop with sweet treats.
Drive to St. Marys from Launceston in about 1.5 hours, going through the St. Marys Pass, built by convict labour in the 1840s. Following the east coast from Hobart takes about 3 hours.
