Kettering

Kettering is a sleepy coastal village on Tasmania's D'Entrecasteaux Channel, just a 30-minute drive south of Hobart. It's the gateway to Bruny Island, but this peaceful community of wooden boats, oyster farms and gentle hills deserves more than a quick ferry ride. Here, the water glitters with a clean, southern light, and the pace of life slows to a paddleboat's rhythm.

Highlights & What to See

• Bruny Island Ferry: The main reason most visitors come. The car ferry departs every hour or so, crossing to Bruny Island in 15 minutes. Aim for an early departure to beat the queues and secure a spot.
• Kettering Coastal Walk: A gentle, 2-km foreshore trail starting at the ferry terminal. It winds past old jetties, picnic tables and stands of blue gums, with views across the channel to Bruny Island and the snowy peaks of the Hartz Mountains on clear days.
• Oyster Farm Tours: The channel's cold, clean waters produce some of Australia's best oysters. Join a tour at Get Shucked or Barilla Bay (just north) to taste freshly shucked bivalves straight from the lease.
• Wooden Boat Centre: A small museum and workshop dedicated to Tasmania's boat-building heritage. Watch craftspeople restore historic vessels, or even book a short course in traditional boatbuilding.
• Snug Falls: A short, steep walk (30 min return) through cool rainforest to a 20-metre waterfall. The track starts from Snug, 5 km north of Kettering. Great for a quick nature fix.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pass through Kettering on a day trip to Bruny Island, but to truly appreciate the area, budget at least half a day. Arrive by 9 am, explore the foreshore walk and grab a coffee at the kiosk, then take the ferry to Bruny. If you're not island-bound, you can easily spend a couple of hours here, including a drive to Snug Falls and a quick tour of the boat centre. For a more relaxed pace, consider an overnight stay at one of the waterfront cottages.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bruny Island – A must-do extension. Explore the Neck Game Reserve, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and sample local cheese, chocolate and whisky on a self-drive circuit.
• Hobart – Tasmania's capital is just 30 minutes north. Combine Kettering with a day in Hobart's Salamanca Market, MONA museum and Mount Wellington.
• Huon Valley – Drive 20 minutes south to the Huon River valley, famous for its apple orchards, cider houses and the Tahune Airwalk.
• Hartz Mountains National Park – A 45-minute drive inland from Kettering offers alpine walks, glacial lakes and snow gums. Excellent for day hikes.
• Channel Highway scenic drive – The road between Kettering and Cygnet (30 min south) winds through rolling farmland and past historic villages like Woodbridge and Flowerpot. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon drive.

Please check official sources for current details.