Burns Bay is a sheltered sandy beach tucked at the end of St Helens Point Road, on the peninsula northeast of St Helens in Tasmania's Bay of Fires region. This small, protected bay offers calm, clear waters perfect for a relaxed swim or snorkel. The bay is framed by rocky headlands, with a three-lane concrete boat ramp at its eastern end and an iconic rock-built toilet block nearby. Part of the East Coast Whale Trail, the area is also a known vantage point for whale sightings during migration season. With a low hazard rating and good access, it's a peaceful spot for temperate-water snorkelling close to St Helens.
Burns Bay
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 6.6 sWind Speed 9.0 knPrecipitation 3.9 mmTidal Phase slack
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Rip currents
Strong rip currents can form off the beach. The area is known for potentially dangerous swimming conditions; match ability with conditions.
Low risk: North-easterly winds and swell
The bay is exposed in north-easterly weather, which can create choppy conditions and reduce water clarity.
Low risk: Boat traffic near ramp
The boat ramp is active with vessel launching and retrieval; snorkellers should stay clear of the ramp channel.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian waters are consistently cold (temperate/cool), resembling Scandinavian temperatures. Extended exposure risks hypothermia without proper wetsuit.
Low risk: Swell and surf
The beach faces east into the Tasman Sea and can receive small surf with occasional larger waves, creating unpredictable conditions.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From St Helens, head north on Binalong Bay Road, then turn onto St Helens Point Road and continue to the end at Burns Bay. The drive from St Helens is approximately 10 minutes.
Parking & facilities
Good parking available behind the beach near the toilet block and boat ramp.
parkingtoiletsboat_ramp
Free entry. No fees apply.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports