St Helena Island is a lesser-known island near Brisbane, accessible from Manly in just 30 minutes. Since 1867, it served as a strict colonial prison but is now abandoned and transformed into a national park.
A day trip to this island typically revolves around exploring the prison and various industries that emerged from it. If you’re interested in history, it’s worth experiencing. The day tour costs $84 per person and operates on both weekdays and Sundays, with different departure times. For specific information, you can check the official website sthelenaisland.com.au. There’s also a ghost tour called “Secrets of St Helena Roving Theatre” in the evenings, occasionally available.
Getting to St Helena Island
On Sundays, Manly has a market, so if you book a weekend tour, make sure to arrive early to find parking. The ferry departs 15 minutes before the scheduled time, which is 9:45 am, from William Gunn Jetty. Once you reach the location, walk to the end of the small path next to Manly Pool. You don’t need to go to the info center to exchange tickets, nor do you need to show a confirmation email. Just provide your name when boarding the ferry.
Seating on the ferry is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ferry can accommodate up to 130 people, so arriving early is recommended. There are two levels on the ferry; I suggest sitting on the first floor during the outbound journey to hear the captain’s explanations clearly and avoid direct sunlight. On the way back, around 3 pm, you can sit on the upper deck to enjoy the sea breeze without the sun exposure.
The ferry ride takes about thirty to forty minutes to reach the island. The captain will provide historical explanations, and his two companions will role-play during the tour. There will be similar theatrical performances at each attraction, portraying both heart-wrenching stories and amusing scenes, impressively brought to life by the dedicated actors.
St Helena Island National Park Day Tour
Around 1 pm, lunch will be served, included in the day tour package. The lunch is like a picnic-style meal, including bread with butter, a few slices of meat and vegetable salad, cheese chunks, and rolled-up wraps that I found quite flavourful. Tea, coffee, milk, and hot water will be available, and cookies will be enjoyed after lunch.
The entire tour takes approximately 5 hours, and you’ll walk about 3-4 kilometres, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential. I recommend wearing long sleeves and pants and don’t forget sunglasses and a hat. Apply sunscreen in advance as there’s limited shade on the island despite its greenery. It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle, and the tour email specifies that bringing coffee or beverages isn’t allowed, but on the ferry, they sell them, and there doesn’t seem to be strict enforcement. You can also pack some snacks or bring your own lunch if you’re not a fan of the provided meal.
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