St Helena Island National Park
St Helena Island National Park
St Helena Island National Park
4.5
Historic SitesHistoric Walking AreasScenic Walking Areas
About
Considered Queensland's first historic national park, this island features the ruins of a colonial prison, once known as the "hell hole of the South Pacific."
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience St Helena Island National Park and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
216 within 5 kms
Attractions
85 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- fayandarthurBrisbane, Australia1 contributionSt Helena day tripFabulous day. The crew were amazing, very entertaining. And so much history which all of them were very knowledgeable. Beautiful island, amazing views. Lunch was good. I and our group thoroughly enjoyed the day. Would recommend highly. 10out of 10 and so close to home. Thanks for our great day..Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 August 2024
- Sylvia ABrisbane, Australia9 contributionsExtremely Brilliant.We went as a group ( Monday Rollers Bowling) and can thoroughly say it is a day for everyone! We were all seniors however we were accompanied by St Agnes School, Mt Gravatt, Grades 4 & 5 I think and I don't know which group enjoyed it most. Our Tour Guides Extraordinaire from the very beginning to the final farewell were outstanding. Everyone was catered for, not to mention the picnic lunch. Extremely well organised and value for money.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 August 2024
- duncanmcconnellBrisbane, Australia45 contributionsLet’s take a trip back in time to a part of Queensland’s history you probably knew nothing about.So close to Brisbane’s doorstep and so much history most locals probably do t know about. If you haven’t been, jump on the Cat o’ Nine Tails and enrich yourself in some amazing early QLD settlement history. The crew will have you immersed as you leave William Gunn Jetty and then take you on a walking tour of the Island with heaps of rich and enlightening stories along the way. Lunch is provided as part of the tour and the way it is presented is so lovely and good eating too. From lunch it’s a final walk past some remaining structures all the way back to the boat for your trip home. Keep a keen eye out on the trip over and back and while you walk around the island, as there is so much marine and other wild life to see during your trip. We saw sharks, manta rays, heaps of bird life, peacocks from past residents that gave survived and some wallabies as well. It’s a great day trip, so if you haven’t book, get yourself a booking ASAP.Visited January 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 January 2025
- Crystal B1 contribution10 out of 10 experienceMyself and my NDIS client attended..... the guy first said (jokingly) lower your expectations for the day but he was soooo wrong as it was BRILLIANT!!! My NDIS client is in a walker or wheelchair so I was a little nervous but the guys went above and beyond ensuring we had a fabulous day..... there is stairs so couldn't take the electric wheelchair and there is a 600 metre walk but we were able to go in the car for the rest of the tour.... lunch was delicious! But the tour guides really elevated this tour would highly recommend!Visited February 2025Travelled with friendsWritten 31 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
398 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
113
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Shane P
Apollo Bay, Australia7 contributions
June 2023
Outstanding value. Very informative and entertaining guides/actors who kept everyone engaged. Our trip included young families, adults, "seniors", and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the day. Many and the trip across to the island was an added bonus .
Written 18 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulineSJ
Brisbane, Australia136 contributions
Jan 2022
We loved our day trip to St Helena Island with Cat O'Nine Tails Cruises.
Although we've lived in Brisbane for many years this was our first trip to this national park and historic prison site. The crew gave us an excellent presentation, in character and in costume, covering everything we could have wanted to know. We also had free time to look through the small museum on site.
Lunch was a delicious picnic.
The day entails quite a bit of walking and provision is made for anyone with mobility issues to be driven to the various presentation sites. Starting and ending the trip with a cruise across the beautiful bay adds to the enjoyment.
Highly recommended!
Although we've lived in Brisbane for many years this was our first trip to this national park and historic prison site. The crew gave us an excellent presentation, in character and in costume, covering everything we could have wanted to know. We also had free time to look through the small museum on site.
Lunch was a delicious picnic.
The day entails quite a bit of walking and provision is made for anyone with mobility issues to be driven to the various presentation sites. Starting and ending the trip with a cruise across the beautiful bay adds to the enjoyment.
Highly recommended!
Written 17 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell D
Brisbane, Australia36 contributions
Feb 2019
To access this Island the Catamaran Cat'o'nine Tails operates out of Manly Harbour.
For the price a mediocre lunch with a selected drink is included.
The operators to add authenticity dress up in costume which contributes greatly to the atmosphere as they describe the unpleasant conditions inflected on the inmates.
For the price a mediocre lunch with a selected drink is included.
The operators to add authenticity dress up in costume which contributes greatly to the atmosphere as they describe the unpleasant conditions inflected on the inmates.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Estelle D
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Family
Don’t be 30 seconds late they will leave without you. Parking is terrible and with a 2 year old and 10month old our walk to the boat was a km away and took three times as long. We literally stood on the jetty and waved the boat goodbye even tho my mum was on board telling them we were right there. Needless to say my mother had to go alone and me and the kids went home sad. We live half hour away so was a real waste of time and money, we were really looking forward to it.
Written 17 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken2234
Sydney, Australia274 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The trip to St Helena was a really good way for me to gain a quick impression of Moreton Bay in relation to Brisbane as a first time visitor from interstate. The boat ride on the ‘Cat of Nine Tails’was very comfortable, upstairs for a good view, great commentary while crossing and a fresh, cooling breeze.
Educational commentary as we walked to the top of the island and a good lunch in the shade at the top. Even cold drinks available at the lunch break and on the boat.
Recommend this trip as a 70+ year old.
Educational commentary as we walked to the top of the island and a good lunch in the shade at the top. Even cold drinks available at the lunch break and on the boat.
Recommend this trip as a 70+ year old.
Written 16 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn283
Brisbane, Australia43 contributions
Nov 2020
Great little tour for the history buffs. All done very well, the staff were very friendly & helpful. The knowledge of the theatrical group was in depth, delivered in a very functional way. Very hot day, brolly a good idea for those that feel the heat. No shade on the tour once you leave amenities from the jetty to the top of the hill. A little bit of walking involved to the different sites but not exhausting. Light lunch. Take water & snacks.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katharine L
Brisbane, Australia22 contributions
Oct 2020
This is the Alcatraz of Brisbane! How come it's not more well known?!!
It's such an interesting walking tour of an incredibly historic place.
The guides are excellent, & their "comedy show" was obviously designed to not traumatise kids, but we all got the message about the horrific experience that prisoners went through.
The ferry over to the island was comfortable & they provided a simple, though totally adquate lunch.
I'd highly recommend this as a "must do" in Brisbane
It's such an interesting walking tour of an incredibly historic place.
The guides are excellent, & their "comedy show" was obviously designed to not traumatise kids, but we all got the message about the horrific experience that prisoners went through.
The ferry over to the island was comfortable & they provided a simple, though totally adquate lunch.
I'd highly recommend this as a "must do" in Brisbane
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan K
Brisbane, Australia150 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were given a voucher for the trip at Christmas and really knew nothing about the island. The history is really interesting and told by the “prisoner” and “guard” in a really enjoyable and passionate fashion. They certainly brought it all to life with a wonderful humour and knowledge. The lunch was fresh and quite sufficient. The boat ride was relaxing and fortunately we missed the huge thunderstorm that was evident in the distance. You do need comfy shoes as there is a lot of walking but hubby used their people carrier which followed the tour group as his mobility was not good enough to walk the 3 kms or so that is part of the tour. All in all a very interesting and enjoyable day.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cecilia
Daisy Hill, Australia5 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
Took a tour to St Helena island with Cat o 9 Tails. We thoroughly enjoyed the day trip. The tour guides were awesome withfull of stories of the island as well as its history. Recommend it to anyone. Just remember take a hat and water and comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ella J
Brisbane, Australia290 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
A lovely boat rode over to the island. Lots of information by the guides. Super cool. I suggest you take 6 litres of water for two people, inspect repellent and apply on boat, sun screen and apply regularly a wide brim hat or umbrella as you are in the sun most of time. You’ll take lots of photos and get a light meal at the halfway point. You can purchase drinks on the boat. No water on the island and toilets are on the boat, at the start and at lunch. Very interesting day and the guides are awesome. Do recommend.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
are there tours available on a saturday
Written 6 March 2021
Where do you embark how many $$concession
Written 19 July 2019
Embarkation is at the pier at Manly onto the ferry, the trip across takes about 20 minutes and you disembark on a jetty on the island.
Written 19 July 2019
The ferry 'Cat'o'NineTails' leaves the William Gunn Jetty, Wyvernleigh Close, ( near the swimming pool)at Manly on Brisbane's bayside on Wednesdays and Sundays. Get there early to park and find the place. The boat leaves from next to a coffee shop. Do an Internet search for St Helena Island or phone 1300438787.
Written 1 February 2017
Van public sail over and walk around or do we have to go on a tour,?
Written 7 October 2016
Hello there - Yes our guide told us people do come over in their own boats but there's strict guidelines re rubbish disposal etc. so contact St Helena National Park Service to view the requirements. Don't forget without doing a tour - apart from the small museum over there (check if open) you'll be wandering around the convict built remains not knowing their history and why a certain building was built; how it was done & what was it's purpose. Honestly - whether an adult or child you'll enjoy - without the stress - a lovely, inspiring experience! Regards, Jan
Written 9 October 2016
What is the car parking like near William Gunn Jetty for trips over to St Helena Island? We are going over this Sunday, 4th Sept 2016, which I understand is also a Market Day so am wondering how easy it will be to park.
Written 30 August 2016
Sorry late to answer, plenty of parking even on markets day
Written 8 September 2016
What toilet facilities are available please?
Written 21 August 2016
There are toilets as you get to the jetty, in between the jetty and also where you stop for lunch. Well maintained/
Written 22 August 2016
The Cost per Adult is $79.00 during the day and $95.00 at night. Children cost $45.00 and a family of 2 Adults and 2 Children costs $199.00. I am sure you will have a wonderful time, it really is a wonderful place to visit on a beautiful Brisbane sunny day.
Written 22 June 2016
I see that most visitors are locals. Would this be a recommendation for us visiting Australia for our first and probably only trip?
Written 11 October 2015
Sorry for the delay in replying. If you are interested in history and learning about where we Australians come from then yes is is worth doing. Not only the history but our beautiful Moreton Bay is worth seeing first hand.
Written 10 June 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing