A true, traditional village

This colonial town is the type of place you might spot a horse trotting down the main street. You’ll have to hop off the Heritage Highway to visit Kempton, now that the 1820s village is bypassed, but it is worth exploring. With elegant 19^th century buildings and rolling hills as its backdrop, Kempton appears like a little town trapped in time.

It’s about a 40 minute drive out of Hobart, and was once known as Green Ponds. Along the main street, there are antique and second hand stores to look through, coaching inns, a hearty country pub and elegant St. Mary’s Church of England. The nearby cemetery tells stories of Kempton’s earlier days and those who called it home.

Along the streetscape, keep an eye out for signs that tell of Kempton’s history. A fellow worth learning more about is Anthony Fenn Kemp, after whom the town was later named. He was given the first land grant, and left behind a dozen children, earning him the title “Father of Tasmania”. A good read to learn more about the notorious Kemp is In Tasmania, written by British novelist Nicholas Shakespeare.

At the southern end of town, you’ll see Dysart House. It’s privately owned now, and an impressive 19^th century mansion. If you’re looking for a lunch stop, the Wilmot Arms Hotel is a classic option. Built in 1843, it retains much of its colonial character from days when Kempton was a busy coaching stop for travelers.

• • Visit Redlands Distillery at Dysart House (open 10 – 4 except Sunday) for tastings, coffee and lunch, as well as their incredible cellar door.
  • Dysart House, previously a privately owned mansion (originally the Commercial Hotel) and now home of Redlands Distillery is worth a visit in its own right to view the building and the grounds.
  • Explore the town’s history at St Mary’s Church of England and adjacent cemetery
  • Go antique shopping
  • Absorb the traditional village atmosphere
  • Head to the Kempton Festival which includes sheep racing (February)

A true, traditional village

This colonial town is the type of place you might spot a horse trotting down the main street. You’ll have to hop off the Heritage Highway to visit Kempton, now that the 1820s village is bypassed, but it is worth exploring. With elegant 19^th century buildings and rolling hills as its backdrop, Kempton appears like a little town trapped in time.

It’s about a 40 minute drive out of Hobart, and was once known as Green Ponds. Along the main street, there are antique and second hand stores to look through, coaching inns, a hearty country pub and elegant St. Mary’s Church of England. The nearby cemetery tells stories of Kempton’s earlier days and those who called it home.

Along the streetscape, keep an eye out for signs that tell of Kempton’s history. A fellow worth learning more about is Anthony Fenn Kemp, after whom the town was later named. He was given the first land grant, and left behind a dozen children, earning him the title “Father of Tasmania”. A good read to learn more about the notorious Kemp is In Tasmania, written by British novelist Nicholas Shakespeare.

At the southern end of town, you’ll see Dysart House. It’s privately owned now, and an impressive 19^th century mansion. If you’re looking for a lunch stop, the Wilmot Arms Hotel is a classic option. Built in 1843, it retains much of its colonial character from days when Kempton was a busy coaching stop for travelers.

• • Visit Redlands Distillery at Dysart House (open 10 – 4 except Sunday) for tastings, coffee and lunch, as well as their incredible cellar door.
  • Dysart House, previously a privately owned mansion (originally the Commercial Hotel) and now home of Redlands Distillery is worth a visit in its own right to view the building and the grounds.
  • Explore the town’s history at St Mary’s Church of England and adjacent cemetery
  • Go antique shopping
  • Absorb the traditional village atmosphere
  • Head to the Kempton Festival which includes sheep racing (February)