St Marys, Tasmania: A Scenic Mountain Escape on the East Coast

St Marys emerges as one of the most evocative small towns in Tasmania —a place where rugged mountain silhouettes rise above rolling farmland, where cool highland air drifts down forested slopes, and where every winding pass hints at stories carved deep into the island’s past.

A Gateway to Tasmania’s Wild and Beautiful North‑East

Nestled beneath the dramatic volcanic peak of St Patrick’s Head, which towers 694 metres (2,277 feet) above the landscape, St Marys is a charming rural township set high on a plateau in Tasmania’s north‑east. Although only 10 kilometres (six miles) from the coast, the town sits at around 600 metres (1,969 feet) above sea level—offering a refreshing change in climate, scenery, and pace from the beaches below.

Travellers can reach St Marys via two of Tasmania’s most spectacular mountain drives:

• St Marys Pass – a lush, winding descent through rainforest and fern‑filled gullies
• Elephant Pass – a dramatic route with sweeping views across the north‑east highlands and the Tasman Sea

From Hobart, the journey is a scenic 240‑kilometre (149‑mile) coastal drive via Swansea and Bicheno, while Launceston lies just 130 kilometres (80 miles) to the west—making St Marys an ideal stop on any east‑coast road trip.

A Small Town with a Warm Heart

With a population of around 600, St Marys blends small‑town warmth with the essentials travellers appreciate. The historic St Marys Hotel, built in 1916, anchors the town centre and remains a proud local landmark. Visitors will also find:

• welcoming B&Bs and boutique accommodation
• a craft gallery showcasing local artists and makers
• a beloved bakery known for hearty country fare
• shops, cafés, and supermarkets that make the town a convenient regional base

The slower pace is part of St Marys’ charm. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll between heritage buildings, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by mountains, forest, and open sky.

Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders

St Marys is perfectly positioned for travellers who love nature, hiking, photography, and scenic lookouts. Some of the region’s most rewarding outdoor experiences include:

St Patrick’s Head

A challenging but exhilarating climb that rewards hikers with panoramic views across forest, farmland, and the distant coastline.

South Sister Peak

A more accessible walk offering equally impressive vistas—ideal for families or travellers seeking a gentler ascent.

Elephant Pass Lookouts

A series of viewpoints revealing the dramatic folds of the north‑east highlands and the glittering Tasman Sea.

Douglas‑Apsley National Park

Just a short drive away, this wild and beautiful park features deep gorges, waterfalls, swimming holes, and pristine bushwalking trails.

Lake Leake

A peaceful inland lake perfect for fishing, picnicking, and quiet moments in nature.

Hidden Waterfalls

Scattered throughout the surrounding forests, these cool, shaded cascades offer refreshing retreats on warm summer days.

And of course, no visit to the region is complete without stopping at Mt Elephant Pancakes, a quirky, European‑style creperie perched high on Elephant Pass. Its generous sweet and savoury crepes, rustic timber interior, and mountain‑side setting have made it a beloved Tasmanian icon.

Stories Etched into the Landscape

St Marys is steeped in history, much of it shaped by early European settlement and the convict era. St Patrick’s Head was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux, who sighted the peak from his ship Adventure on St Patrick’s Day in 1773. Settlement followed in the 1840s with the establishment of a convict probation station.

The region’s steep mountain passes—St Marys Pass and Elephant Pass—were carved by teams of around 300 convicts, an extraordinary engineering feat that connected the inland plateau to the coast.

The town’s railway heritage also lingers. Although the line that once linked St Marys to the broader Tasmanian network has long closed, the original 1866 railway station still stands as a reminder of the town’s role in the island’s transport story.

Nearby, the tiny settlement of Cornwall is home to the Coalminers’ Heritage Wall and Heritage Walk, a moving tribute to the miners who hand‑tunnelled a coal mine beneath the Mt Nicholas Range. It offers a powerful glimpse into the hardships and resilience of early workers in the region.

St Marys celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007, marking a century and a half of community, industry, and life in this remarkable landscape.

A Climate Made for Exploring

Tasmania’s east coast is known for its mild, settled weather, and St Marys enjoys a comfortable climate year‑round:

• Summer: warm, sunny days with average highs around 22.5°C (72.5°F)
• Winter: cool, crisp conditions typically between 10–15°C (50–59°F)

This makes St Marys an appealing destination for hiking, sightseeing, photography, and slow travel in any season.

Why St Marys Belongs on Your Tasmanian Itinerary

St Marys offers a rare blend of mountain adventure, coastal proximity, rich history, and small‑town charm. Whether you’re chasing scenic lookouts, exploring national parks, discovering local heritage, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of Tasmania’s north‑east, this atmospheric township rewards travellers who take the time to stop, wander, and breathe in the mountain air.