St Marys is located on the east coast of Tasmania, south of St Helens on the shores of the South Esk River, and at the foot of the Mt Nicholas range of mountains. The first European settlers were recorded in the area in the 1820s. A convict station in the town housed up to 300 inmates who were involved in the construction of St Marys Pass. The town was the eastern rail terminus of the government constructed Fingal Valley Line, and a tramway was built in order for coal to be transported from Mount Nicholas to the town.

In 1900, it was reported that the district had a population of 3,800 with a 290 strong population in St Marys itself. A coach service travelled to St Helens and Weldborough, and town facilities included a savings bank, two hotels and three churches of various denominations, and a school with 95 pupils which it was recorded closed in 1912. In 1927 the St Marys Children's and Maternity Hospital was founded.

Today St Marys is an important road junction serving the east coast.


Visit nearby old coal workings, or climb to South Sister lookout and St Patrick's Head for brilliant views of the town and its surrounds. Trout fishing may be enjoyed in many of the meandering streams around St Marys.

The St Marys Pass Forest Reserve may be explored by visitors to the area. Spectacular scenery can be found along the narrow winding road that loops through Elephant Pass on the way to Bicheno. Splendid coastal views are frequent and make ideal photographic subjects. To the south of St Marys is the Douglas Apsley National Park, a feature of which is the famous Apsley Gorge.

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