Under new management

Attila Szekely came to Tassie in January 2020 looking for a sea change from his career in mining. He and his wife Deb chose St Helens because of the temperate climate, proximity to the magnificent coast line and surrounding environment which allows them to enjoy all of the great activities he recommends to his guests such as snorkelling, kayaking, surfing and bushwalking.

He spent many months looking for the perfect accommodation business where he could put into practice his management skills but more importantly a job where he could interact with guests daily, hear their stories and share this special part of Tassie with them.

The Anchor Wheel name held significance to Attlia from his background in mining the name being associated with the Anchor Tin Mine located around 25km from the hotel.

Taking over the Anchor Wheel Motel in Dec 2021, Attila hasn’t looked back and is thoroughly enjoying his new found passion in hospitality.

  • Why Anchor Wheel?

    The Anchor Tin Mine opened in 1880 and operated for the next 60 years. It was reopened for a few years in the late 1980's, with large underground workings. The mine operated a 100 head stamper for the crushing granite to release the cassiterite. The mine also used a 66ft water wheel as well as a 48 km water race, which is the namesake of the motel today. It was the biggest Anchor Wheel in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Past owners

    The team at the Anchor Wheel Motel acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia, and their connections to land, sea, and community in particular the Kunnarra Kuna tribe, the original first nations people of this land.

    We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    1971: Hotel built

    The motel has had a number of owners over the years and locals remember many incarnations of the restaurant including versions of a Thai restaurant, Chinese eatery and having Sunday roasts here.

    2021: Attila Szekeley purchased the motel and has a 5-7 year plan to add more 2 bedroom apartments, extra outdoor seating areas and continue to improve the offering and facilities throughout the motel.

  • Community of St Helens

    The Kunnarra Kuna tribe of Tasmanian First Nations People were the main users of the land between the Georges River and the Golden Fleece River that is now the township of St Helens.

    Settlers later used St Helens as a whaling base in the early 19th century. When tin was discovered in the surrounding area in the 1870s, St Helens became the shipping port for the mines.

    Since the 1950’s St Helens has been a popular holiday destination for local Tasmanian’s due to it’s great fishing, beaches and mountain biking. For more information click here

The motel's name sake - the original Anchor Wheel once operating in the tin mine of the Blue Tier

The motel's name sake - the original Anchor Wheel once operating in the tin mine of the Blue Tier

Original facade

Original facade

The Anchor Wheel at the Anchor Tin Min in the 1880's

The Anchor Wheel at the Anchor Tin Min in the 1880's