Kettering

Kettering is a sleepy coastal village on Tasmania's D'Entrecasteaux Channel, serving as the main gateway to Bruny Island. Its calm waters, working boatyards, and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect stop for travellers seeking a taste of authentic Tasmanian maritime life. The town is tiny, but its jetty and surrounding bushland offer a serene introduction to the region's natural beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Bruny Island Ferry Terminal – The heart of Kettering, where the car ferry departs for Bruny Island. Even if you're not crossing, watching the boats come and go is a quintessential Tasmanian experience.
• Kettering Jetty – A photogenic pier perfect for a stroll, with views across the channel to Bruny Island and the distant peaks of the Tasmanian Wilderness.
• Oyster Cove – A historic site just north of town, where the last surviving Tasmanian Aboriginal people were relocated in the 1840s. It's a poignant and culturally significant place with interpretive signs.
• Kettering Marina & Boat Sheds – Wander around the working marina to see fishing boats and yachts, and perhaps spot a local hauling in the day's catch.
• Snug Falls – A short drive north leads to a beautiful waterfall walk through cool temperate rainforest – a refreshing side trip.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend just 30 minutes in Kettering to catch the ferry, but the town deserves at least a couple of hours if you're not in a rush. Combine a coffee at the waterfront kiosk with a walk along the jetty and a quick visit to Oyster Cove. For a fuller experience, plan a half-day including Snug Falls and a picnic by the channel. Kettering works well as a lunch stop on a drive between Hobart and the Huon Valley.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bruny Island – The obvious pairing; take the ferry for a day trip to explore its rugged coastline, gourmet produce, and wildlife.
• Hobart – Just 30 minutes north, Tasmania's capital offers Salamanca Market, MONA, and Mount Wellington.
• Huon Valley – Head south to discover apple orchards, the Huon River, and the charming town of Cygnet.
• Port Arthur – A scenic drive east leads to the historic penal settlement on the Tasman Peninsula.
• Freycinet National Park – Further afield but worth the journey for Wineglass Bay and coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.