Discovering Kingston

For many of those familiar with the area, Kingston sits firmly atop the list of Canberra’s most desirable areas. With its enviable location and extensive array of amenities, this picturesque lakeside suburb provides an impressive combination of convenience and lifestyle. Add to this its unique history and community feel, and it’s easy to see why Kingston is so sought-after.

Located around 5km south-southeast of Canberra’s CBD, Kingston sits on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Established in the mid-1920s to house a growing population of construction workers, it’s one of the city’s oldest suburbs. It has also been home to key infrastructure, including the capital’s first community hall, bus depot, and powerhouse.

This history is still highly visible, with several heritage-listed buildings and streets within the suburb. Many of these structures have also been repurposed to create popular public amenities, like the iconic Old Bus Depot Markets, held every Sunday. Kingston is also home to Canberra’s oldest shopping precinct, the Kingston Shops, which remains a cornerstone of local life.

While there may be an obvious nod to the past, modern Kingston is openly embracing the future. The suburb has undergone significant development over the last couple of decades, mostly focused along the lake foreshore. This area is now home to high-end apartments, boutique retail spaces, and some of Canberra’s best bars and restaurants.

Between the Foreshore and Shops, Kingston is truly one of the hearts of Canberra’s restaurant and nightlife scene. From La Rustica’s simple Italian staples and Lakeside Gurkha’s authentic Nepalese fare to the effortless sophistication of Onzieme, every taste is catered for. Similarly, whether you’re after a quiet after-work drink (The Durham Castle Arms and Kingston Hotel are local institutions), or something a little louder (try Queenies, Kodiak, or Foreshore Social), Kingston is the place to be.

Acknowledging this, the area is particularly popular with young professionals, who value the social lifestyle the suburb provides. Complementing this is Kingston’s ample green space, with the suburb bordered by Telopea Park and the Foreshore Walk. Residents also enjoy easy access to some of Canberra’s best schools, including the renowned Telopea Park School.

As such, Kingston also holds strong appeal for young families, who appreciate the combination of convenience and community. The higher-end apartment complexes along the Foreshore also attract significant interest from older downsizers looking to swap space for comfort.

If you would like to live the Kingston lifestyle, you will most likely be looking at moving into an apartment. While other property types are present within the suburb, these tend to be tightly held and rarely offered for rent. However, the local apartment stock varies greatly in age, size, and style, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

If you are thinking about moving to Kingston, you will also need to set your budget expectations quite high. Canberra’s exclusive Inner South is home to some of the city’s most expensive areas and Kingston sits comfortably among them.

Your Home Hunter loves the variety and relaxed vibe of Kingston. So, if you’re after a picture-perfect setting, right in the heart of all the action, Kingston could be the suburb for you.