St Helena Island National Park contains the ruins of the State's first penal settlement, which operated here from 1867 until 1932. Remains of the prison stockade include the bakery, workshops and underground tanks. Beyond the stockade are the stone ruins of warder accommodation, a sugar mill, lime kiln, jetty and Queensland's first tramway. The vegetation today is an interesting mix of the original vine forest, remnants of beautifully landscaped gardens, and former crops such as olive trees.

Visitors can undertake a guided tour of the site and visit the museum.  It is situated in the restored Deputy Superintedents Quarters. The displays depict the lives and personal experiences of prison staff and their families as well as the prisoners. Copies of original photos from the prison era along with a range of artefacts and written interpretive panels are also featured.

Middens and shell scatters show that for thousands of years, Aboriginal people visited the island seasonally, harvesting flying-foxes, dugongs and shellfish.

Wetlands around the island are a haven for migratory wading birds. The surrounding waters are protected in Moreton Bay Marine Park.