It is surrounded by bushland reserves adjacent to the southern end of the Royal National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area and the Woronora reservoir water catchment is to its west.

To the north of Helensburgh and east of the railway line are the two segments of the Garawarra State Conservation Area and Royal National Park.

The old Helensburgh railway station and the line were covered in the earth until recent years but has been partially uncovered for historical purposes.

[4] East of Helensburgh is the older locality of Lilyvale a one-time railway construction camp, fettler, timber and orcharding settlement that had its own railway station and once supported its own Metropolitan hotel, shops and post office but is now mostly part of the Royal National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area and returned to bush.

Owing to the drop in altitude from Waterfall to Helensburgh, a series of almost hairpin turns are created along the railway line.

One of the most popular local events is the annual Helensburgh Lions Club Fair which is held in October.

[citation needed] This voting pattern has persisted despite new housing estates bringing many new residents to Helensburgh.

Weather conditions in Helensburgh are generally fairly mild throughout the year, much like the majority of the New South Wales coast.

Commuters can often be heard complaining about seeing clear blue skies in every other suburb on a rainy day in Helensburgh.

[citation needed] On the flip side, extreme weather conditions affecting Sydney or Wollongong generally aren't felt in Helensburgh.

For the most part, Helensburgh reflects Australia's reputation for mostly fine weather, with moderate average temperatures, and wetter summer months with comparatively dry winters.