Kempton

What’s special about Kempton?

• The 19th century-style streetscape.
• Dysart House.

Drive or walk down Kempton’s main street and take in the 19th century atmosphere as you pass the inn, church, shops and Dysart House. Located at the southern end of town, Dysart House is an exceedingly handsome mansion, which is now privately owned. The Heritage Highway bypasses Kempton, however, it is worth stopping by to explore.

Centrally located in the town you will find St Mary’s Church of England, known for its square tower and tree-lined entrance. The sandstone church was completed in 1844 and has an adjoining cemetery of interest. Also nearby is the Congregational Church, a stone church built in 1840.

More things to do:

Wilmot Arms Hotel

The story of Kempton:

The first land grant went to Anthony Fenn Kemp in 1817, after whom the town was eventually named. This name change occurred in 1838. You can see the entrance to his property - Mount Vernon - just north of Kempton. You can find out more about the rather notorious Anthony Fenn Kemp in the wonderful novel In Tasmania by the British novelist Nicholas Shakespeare, who spends part of each year here.

Travel directions:

Kempton is about 40-minutes’ drive (49 kilometres/24 miles) north of Hobart.