The Trial Bay Boat Ramp is located on Channel Highway in Kettering, about a 32-minute drive south of Hobart. It’s a single-lane concrete ramp with an adjacent floating pontoon, designed for easy loading and unloading. The pontoon adjusts with the tide, which makes boat access more convenient.

While the bay is sheltered from most wind directions, it is exposed to southeasterlies and can become challenging in such conditions. The ramp is accessible at all tides, but Trial Bay itself is quite shallow. At very low tide, the water recedes significantly, which can make launching and retrieving difficult, so it’s best to plan around tide times. This location is particularly well-suited for launching kayaks and smaller boats.

Trial Bay opens into a wide, 600-metre stretch of calm water, bordered by Kettering and Deadman’s Points. It’s a quiet, scenic area that offers a peaceful environment for boating and paddling.

The car park next to the ramp has a hard-packed dirt surface, which may become muddy in wet weather. While there are usually plenty of parking spaces available, it can get tight during busy periods.

Facilities nearby include public toilets, a picnic area, and barbecue spots making it a pleasant place to spend a few hours. The surrounding area has a relaxed, slightly bohemian feel, with coastal views, local wildlife, and a generally quiet atmosphere. The nearby Kettering Point Walk is an easy, flat track that’s well-suited for a casual stroll.

Overall, Trial Bay is a calm and attractive spot, ideal for families and those looking for a peaceful outing. The bay’s shallow, sheltered waters and rocky beach make it particularly good for children and low-key boating activities.

Feature	Description
Number of ramp lanes	1 (with pontoon)
Fish cleaning facilities	None
Carpark spaces	Ample parking spaces for cars and trailers
Amenities	Rubbish bins (with dog poo bags), BBQ facilities, public toilets, and picnic areas
Ramp rating	- Very Good