Kingston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kingston showing signage and street scenes
The buildings of this foreshore, once a Canberra industrial hub, have been transformed into a welcoming urban lakeside community.

Stroll or cycle around rejuvenated Kingston to find lovely things to eat, drink, see and buy. Situated on Lake Burley Griffin next to a large nature reserve, this Canberra suburb has great destinations for drinking coffee, shopping and dining. World-wide cuisine is available, with interesting new restaurants opening up regularly.

Kingston is around 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from Canberra’s city centre. The lake is fed by Jerrabomberra Creek which flows from the south. Visit Green Square to taste local delights. Look for a city garden square, framed by bars, pubs and restaurants and more than a few cafés. 

Walk or ride your bike along the Kingston Foreshore. Dine at one of its popular upmarket restaurants along with other area families. The area is rapidly transforming into an arty urban precinct and a destination for people from all over Canberra and other parts of the world. Select from a collection of modern hotels here and look over Lake Burley Griffin every morning when you awake.  

Search for precious gifts and treasures at the Old Bus Depot Markets, held every Sunday in an old industrial warehouse. Find clothing, jewellery, homewares, collectibles, books, art, flowers and food. Many Canberra residents make these markets a weekend ritual. Just next door, visit the unique Canberra Glassworks, where you can see glass artists at work making beautiful objects. Buy an exquisite one-of-a-kind gift or even learn how to make these treasures yourself. 

Take a journey back into a different era at the Canberra Railway Museum. It exhibits lovingly restored steam engines along with carriages, photography, memorabilia and the remains of the old rail yard. See how people got around in the old days you might be lucky enough to take a short trip on one of the antique locomotives.  

Typical of leafy Canberra, throughout Kingston are numerous trees and green spaces in which to relax. Bus stops are dotted around and metered parking is available in the vicinity of the foreshore.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Kingston Hotel Deals

Pavilion on Northbourne
Pavilion on Northbourne
4.5 out of 5
242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, ACT
The price is AU$118 per night from 3 May to 4 May
AU$118
per night
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,211 reviews)
"The hotel is positioned close enough to the city and the tram-line to be convenient but not noisy. Plenty of free parking is onsite and secure. The hotel itself is not new but is lovely and a bit of Canberra history. The lush Atrium is wonderful and it is so peaceful spending any time there. Check-in ..."

Reviewed on 30 Apr. 2024

Pavilion on Northbourne
Abode Kingston
Abode Kingston
4 out of 5
14 Kennedy Street, Kingston, ACT
The price is AU$165 per night from 10 May to 11 May
AU$165
per night
10 May - 11 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (526 reviews)
"I think we got what we expected for price in terms of facilities. Comfortable enough but really convenient for the cost. If you are expecting more for the price, you're dreaming."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2024

Abode Kingston
Knightsbridge Canberra
Knightsbridge Canberra
4 out of 5
3 Leichhardt Street, Kingston, ACT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$185 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$185
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (890 reviews)
"It was a nice clean and tidy place, with underground parking included, very convenient for dining out with a short easy and flat walk to Kingston Foreshore,"

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Knightsbridge Canberra
Specious apartment in Kingston, centrally located place.
Specious apartment in Kingston, centrally located place.
Kingston
The price is AU$302 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$302
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this apartment in Canberra. Enjoy WiFi, 2 bathrooms, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Parliament House and Australian War Memorial are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"Property is in a great location"

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2024

Specious apartment in Kingston, centrally located place.
Deco Hotel
Deco Hotel
4 out of 5
214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, Braddon, ACT
The price is AU$156 per night from 2 May to 3 May
AU$156
per night
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Large studio apartment was very comfortable. Really nice staff too!"

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Deco Hotel
Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Binara Street, Canberra, ACT
The price is AU$169 per night from 26 May to 27 May
AU$169
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Located in the heart of the city, everything was in walking distance with a large shopping centre nearby making it super easy for us to get around. Room size was generous for a family of 4 and whilst the facilities are a little run down, it was still clean and offered all of the amenities and needs ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Kingston

Manuka Shopping Centre which includes autumn colours

Manuka

While visiting Manuka, you might make a stop by sights like Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval.

Manuka
Manuka Shopping Centre which includes autumn colours

Griffith

Griffith is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval while you're in town.

Griffith
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Barton

Barton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Lake Burley Griffin and Merchant Navy Memorial while you're in town.

Barton
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Forrest

Check out the restaurants, shopping and forests while spending some time in Forrest. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Manuka Shopping Centre or Manuka Oval.

Forrest
Parliament House showing an administrative building

Capital Hill

4.5/5(1,004 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and interesting museums are top of the list for many visitors to Capital Hill. A stop by Parliament House or National Archives of Australia might round out your trip.

Capital Hill
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Narrabundah

Visitors to Narrabundah appreciate its restaurants. A visit to The Cusack Centre and Manuka Oval might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Narrabundah


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