A Guide to Kingston, Canberra That’ll Take You Through Must-See Landmarks and Modern Spectacles
Whenever a friend from another state visits, I do my best to bring them to the lesser-known parts of Canberra. Suburbs are a favorite of mine because I feel like they accurately represent what day-to-day here is like.
Kingston is currently one of my top choices. Over time, I’ve found some great gems here that I enjoy visiting over and over again with friends.
I particularly love that it has historical ties to the rest of the city. At the end of the day, it’s an enjoyable yet educational trip for all of its visitors.
Don’t worry, it’s understandable if you’re not that familiar with Kingston. That’s why I’ve decided to write this helpful guide. Below is just a peek of all the fun stuff you can do at Kingston, Canberra.
Where is Kingston?
Kingston is about a 5-minute drive from Canberra Centre, which is by the northern end of the ACT. It is bordered by the suburbs of Barton, Fyshwick, Griffith, and Manuka.
How to Get to Kingston
Via Bus: There are a handful of bus lines that have stops all over Kingston. To get there, you can hop on one of the buses that have the following route numbers: 2, 6, 56, 182, 2024, and 2038.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Hail a taxi or connect with one using your preferred ride-sharing app (like Uber). Let your driver know where exactly you want to go in Kingston and they’ll take you there right away.
Via Private Car: Set your GPS to a specific location in Kingston to discover the best way to get there. Upon arrival, you can find free parking at 39 Eyre Street and Telopea Park.
Attractions like Canberra Glassworks and the Canberra Railway Museum also provide free parking for their visitors.
What to Do in Kingston
Take a stroll around Kingston Foreshore
– Media credit: salbis1978
Address: 19-43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Hours: Open 24 hours
Kingston Foreshore is the jewel of its namesake suburb. This vibrant lakeside hub is home to a lovely community and diverse boutiques.
We especially love how sustainable the entire place is. It was originally built to help rejuvenate water quality in the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Lake Burley Griffin.
Today, there’s plenty of stuff to do here. You can eat international cuisine from one of the restaurants, participate in water activities, or cycle around the area.
We also recommend taking advantage of how scenic it is and walking along its promenade at night. The lights from the various shops and diners tend to look like fireflies when they reflect upon the water.
For the best view, you can stroll to the eastern side. At the very end, you’ll see the Honeysett viewing decks which will give you a unique vantage point of the place.
See masters at work at Canberra Glassworks
– Media credit: canberraglassworks
Website: http://www.canberraglassworks.com/
Address: 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston
Hours:
- Sunday 10 AM–4 PM
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday 10 AM–4 PM
- Thursday 10 AM–4 PM
- Friday 10 AM–4 PM
- Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Phone: +61 2 6260 7005
If you’re feeling artsy, Canberra Glassworks has unique experiences in store for you. This art center offers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making different glass creations.
You can go around and marvel at exhibitions from some of the finest glass artists in the world. These shows run for a couple of months and they often give insights into different glass techniques.
You’ll also have access to a public viewing platform where you can watch artists doing their craft in real-time. And if you get inspired enough to try, they have state-of-the-art machinery and world-renowned teachers who can help.
They offer a variety of classes, such as glass blowing and hot casting in their Hot Shop, and carving and sandblasting in their Cold Shop. You’ll get to learn how to make things like beads, bowls, vases, neon signs, and more.
Although these classes do cost extra, admission inside the establishment is free. They are open from 10 AM until 4 PM, from Wednesday to Sunday.
Learn all about locomotives at the Canberra Railway Museum
– Media credit: sydneymatt1
Website: https://canberrarail.org.au/
Address: 2 Geijera Pl, Kingston
Hours:
- Sunday 10 AM–3 PM
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday Closed
- Thursday Closed
- Friday Closed
- Saturday Closed
Phone: +61 449 674 790
Canberra Railway Museum allows its guests to travel back in history through its heritage locomotives. You’ll get to step into carriages that brought historical figures across the country.
You’ll be able to walk through cars where politicians sat or where wounded soldiers found refuge while being taken to safety. Some of these vehicles are even a hundred years old, such as the first steam locomotive in Canberra which got here in 1914.
The whole experience is made better by the personal tour guide that brings you and your group around. These guides are volunteers, so they all have a deep appreciation, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the trains.
With all the interesting tales you get to hear about these wagons, you’re guaranteed to come out with a love of trains after your visit.
You can go there anytime from 10 AM to 3 PM, every Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $7.50 for discounted tickets, and $5 for children ages 5 to 15 years old.
Sail around Lake Burley Griffin with a GoBoat
– Media credit: goboatcanberra
Website: https://www.goboat.com.au/
Address: 8 Trevillian Quay, Kingston
Phone: +61 1300 993 208
When you’re in Canberra, it’s a must to experience Lake Burley Griffin. Kingston is a great place to do this, specifically because they have GoBoats.
With these shuttles, you can explore the peaceful scenery of the lake and enjoy a picnic while you do so. You can also get tons of Instagram-worthy pictures of some of the best lakeside attractions in Canberra.
There’s no need to worry about being a nuisance on the lake too. GoBoats are very eco-friendly, from the materials used for its construction to its zero-emissions electric motor.
The boats are quite spacious, comfortably fitting 8 people in one. You can pay extra for more features, such as a grazing box for extra snacks and a Bluetooth speaker for onboard entertainment.
And if you end up enjoying your experience a lot (which you will), you have the option of giving it as a gift card to someone you love. This way, you get to share the experience of a lifetime.
Shop local wares at Old Bus Depot Markets
– Media credit: oldbusdepotmarkets
Website: https://obdm.com.au/
Address: 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston
Hours:
- Sunday 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday Closed
- Thursday Closed
- Friday Closed
- Saturday Closed
Phone: +61 2 6295 3331
Old Bus Depot Markets is famous for attracting connoisseurs of all kinds, from coffee to clothing. For those who have never been, just know that you’ll need to block out at least half of your Sunday for this one.
Seriously, you’ll end up walking for hours around the historical industrial building this market is held in. They have a variety of stalls owned by local creatives, so you’ll be able to see and immerse yourself in the local culture.
There are over 200 stands offering local handcrafted wares to choose from. You’ll be able to see a curated selection of artisanal food, vintage clothing, unique jewelry, and other knick-knacks.
This lovely experience is open for everyone every Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Just be ready to come home with your hands full of Canberran delights.
Where to Eat near Kingston
Brodburger
– Media credit: brodburger
Address: Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: +61 435 440 556
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Brodburger is practically an institution in Canberra at this point. This place sells some of the best burgers in the country, and that’s not an exaggeration.
For real, you can usually expect a 20-30 minute wait here. If you want to save some time though, just order ahead online and avoid torturing your appetite any further.
They have a nice assortment of affordable burgers, so there’s something for everyone. You can never go wrong with their classic Brodburger, but other options like their Chicken burger, Battered Fin burger, and Vegan burger won’t disappoint.
Just be prepared to befriend all the people working here, because they’re super friendly. Plus, you’re bound to come back to them over and over again after you get a delicious bite of their burgers.
Wild Duck Fine Asian Cuisine
– Media credit: wildduckkingston
Address: 77-78/71 Giles Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: +61 2 6232 7997
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Wild Duck Kingston is famous in Canberra for being one of the finest Asian cuisine establishments. In fact, some of the nation’s most influential leaders come here for exquisite meals.
And it’s no wonder why, the staff treats everyone who dines here like royalty. Plus, they have an extensive menu with generous savings, perfect for big groups.
All the dishes here are both visually and gastronomically satisfying. Just make sure you order the Balmain Bug Dumplings because you haven’t eaten here until you’ve tried those.
You can also get their course menu to get the most out of their delightful array of Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Where to Stay near Kingston
Burbury Hotel Canberra
– Media credit: burbury hotel
Address: 1 Burbury Cl, Barton ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6173 2700
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Burbury Hotel Canberra is the perfect place for a tranquil stay in Canberra. Although it’s quite near the city center, it’s still located in a quiet area away from all the ruckus.
Moreso, you can enjoy this serenity right in your room through your lovely balcony. Inside, you’ll find the most luxurious and comfortable bed to sink in.
They also have stellar amenities, even though staying with them is possible at a reasonable price. You’ll find state-of-the-art equipment in their gyms and amazing wellness services.
Dining at their famous Leyla Bar will also give you access to a fantastic view of Canberra. This private rooftop bar provides a nice perspective of Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle.
Abode Kingston
– Media credit: abodehotels
Address: 14 Kennedy Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: +61 2 6108 4760
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
With most accommodations in Canberra costing an arm and a leg, Abode Kingston provides a complete stay at an affordable price. So whether your trip is for leisure or for work, their apartment-style rooms can be your home here in the city.
Each of these accommodations comes with a washer and a dryer for both short and long-term stays. You don’t even have to step out to eat, because they have complete kitchenette facilities with a nice espresso coffee maker.
We also appreciate that their hotel offers inclusive rooms. This includes pet-friendly rooms for those who travel with their furry companions and spacious studios specifically designed for those with mobility issues.