Kelso, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kelso Tasmania
Kelso Location in Tasmania
Population	146 (2016 census)
Postcode(s)	7270
Elevation	8.7 m (29 ft)
Location	2.5 km (2 mi) W of George Town 55 km (34 mi) N of Launceston 61 km (38 mi) E of Devonport 14 km (9 mi) N of Beaconsfield
LGA(s)	West Tamar
Region	Launceston
State electorate(s)	Bass
Federal Division(s)	Bass
Localities around Kelso: Greens Beach Bass Strait Tamar River Greens Beach Kelso Tamar River Greens Beach Clarence Point, Badger Head Clarence Point

Kelso is a small rural area in Tasmania, Australia. It is part of the West Tamar region. Kelso is located about 14 kilometers (about 9 miles) north of the town of Beaconsfield.

According to the 2016 census, only 146 people lived in Kelso. It sits west of George Town and was first settled in the early 1800s. Kelso is found on Kelso Bay, a small bay along the Tamar River. It is a popular spot for fishing, especially for fish like flathead, whiting, and mullet. Kelso is also close to the beautiful Narawntapu National Park.

Discovering Kelso's Past

Kelso has an interesting history. The area was first called Kelsalls Bay or Kelsalls Point. This name came from William Kelsall, who was the first European to live there in 1804. People believe the name "Kelso" comes from his last name.

It's also possible the name comes from a town in Scotland called Kelso. Friend Point, which is on the north-east side of Kelso, is thought to be named after Lieutenant Matthew Curling Friend. He was a former Royal Navy officer who worked in northern Tasmania starting in 1832. Kelso officially became a recognized locality in 1967.

Mail Services in Kelso

A small office for receiving mail opened in Kelso in 1900. This office later became a full post office around 1922. However, it eventually closed its doors in 1973.

Kelso's Natural Surroundings

Kelso is surrounded by water on three sides. The northern, north-eastern, and eastern edges of Kelso meet the waters of Bass Strait and the Tamar River estuary. Kelso Bay is a small, shallow bay located on the eastern coast of the area.

Getting Around Kelso

The main road that goes through Kelso is called Route A7, also known as Greens Beach Road. This road travels from the south-east part of Kelso towards the west.