Cape Jaffa Lighthouse (Lachlan Swan Photography)

Kingston SE

This cool coastal village is the gateway to the Coorong National Park and is abound with stunning scenery, along with the stillness and serenity that visitors yearn for in their ultimate beachside vacay.

Whether you’re staying the night or taking another pit-stop, you’ll find plenty in this cool coastal town to keep the whole tribe entertained.

REGIONAL CONTEXT MAP Kingston 01
Larry the Lobster Kingston SE
Larry the Lobster, Kingston SE (SATC)

Larry the Lobster.

No trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is complete without stopping in at Australia’s favourite giant crustacean. The Big Lobster in Kingston is a genuine icon in every sense of the word, and on any given day you’ll find scores of motorists pulling in to grab a selfie with our massive old mate here.

Standing at over 17 metres tall and weighing in at a whopping 7 tonnes, this local legend has been putting a smile on the dial of weary travellers sine 1979. Having been photographed an estimated 10 million times, there’s no sign of the paparazzi slowing for this guy – so if you’re calling through, well… you know what to do!

Don’t forget to hit him up on the Socials (#TheBigLobster) this guy’s not afraid of the love!

Kingston Jetty
& Long Beach

Of course, hitting the beach is a way of life around here, and the very aptly named Long Beach is perfect for a paddle.

A stroll along the Coastal Trail south of the jetty is an opportunity to stretch the legs, with a nice smooth path extending along the foreshore that’s perfect for prams, scooters, bikes and skateboards, while the Kingston Lions Playground has plenty of grass, climbing pieces, swings, a seesaw and toilet facilities.

And at the end of the day, you’ll find no trouble finding a front row seat to the sunset colour show along almost 15 kilometres of unbroken white sand.

Long Beach Kingston SE (Lachlan Swan Photography)
Long Beach Kingston SE (Lachlan Swan Photography)

Coorong National Park.

Kingston is a 4WD enthusiasts playground, and with 190km of crisp white sand stretching along the Coorong National Park coastline, it’s the prime place to get space from the rat-race and put your 4WD through its paces.

Rich in Aboriginal history and home to an astonishing array of birds and wildlife, you’ll also find casting a fishing line, paddling a kayak or pitching a tent to be the perfect antidote to city living.

4wd in Coorong National Park
Coorong National Park (Offroad Images)
Cape Jaffa Wines

Cape Jaffa &
Mount Benson.

Cape Jaffa is a low-key village by the sea, and is not only home to a laid-back beach vibe but a range of cracking cellar doors all within easy striking distance of safe swimming and snorkelling beaches.

Nestled on the southern tip of Lacepede Bay, you’ll find these waters are home to a hefty haul of fish, so catching dinner off the jetty washing it down with a glass of homegrown Cape Jaffa wines should always be on your menu!

Cape Jaffa Lighthouse.

After standing guard on Margaret Brock Reef (approximately 8kms off shore from Cape Jaffa) for over 100 years the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1974 to its new home on the Kingston Foreshore.

Chock-a-block full of maritime history of yesteryear, this iconic structure is not just for the history buffs, but loved by all who enter.

Link to https://www.instagram.com/mariajhartley/
Cape Jaffa Lighthouse (@mariajhartley)
The Granites near Kingston SE
The Granites, Kingston SE (Lachlan Swan Photography)

The Granites.

A salute to the Southern Ocean, The Granites stand as lone soldiers along the longest unbroken stretch of beach in Australia.

With 190 kilometres of bright white sands fringed by pounding surf and towering dunes, these beauties are testament to the harsh and creative forces of nature, and have a box seat for those stunning South Australian sunsets!

The Granites are a genuine icon of this vast, windswept wonderland, and having withstood thousands of years of punishment by the raging Southern Ocean are now treasured by visitors near and far.

Smoothed by the sea over thousands of years, these glistening beauties are an easy climb for the kids at low tide, and the only known rock formation along this wild stretch of coastline, and just a short detour off the main highway from Kingston SE.

Speak to a Kingston SE Local.

We know visitors have the best time when they have all the information. Below is just a few frequently asked questions about time best spent in Kingston SE, but if you still have a question left unanswered, then the team at Kingston Visitor Outlet would love to hear from you!

Do you have any free or low cost camping in Kingston?

Yes – The Kingston SE RV Park offers a stay for up to 6 days ($20 per 2 days) and is situated right on the beach front, adjacent to the Lions Park and walking distance from local stores. The RV Park allows motor homes, caravans, camper vans, wicked vans and 4×4 campers. More information can be found here.

Can I climb the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse?

Yes – guided tours of the Cape Jaffa Ligthouse are available during school holidays or at anytime by appointment. Arrange a time by phoning 0427 854 175.

Can I catch fish off the Kingston jetty?

Yes, many species of fish can be caught from the jetty – Mulloway, Snapper, King George Whiting, Mullet, Squid and Salmon. Learn more tips about fishing around Kingston SE in the Limestone Coast fishing guide.

Can I drive on the beach?

Yes – most beaches are accessible and may be drive on by by 4WD and some by 2WD – during daylight savings there is an all access beach track located at Johnston Avenue. A great beach drive is from Kingston to the Granites. More details on beach driving at Kingston and Cape Jaffa can be found here.

Do you have any National Parks in the Kingston area?

Absolutely we do! Check out all of our National Parks >

Are there any cellar doors located in Kingston?

We have a number of wineries a short drive from Kingston the Mount Benson wine region off the Southern Ports Highway on Limestone Coast Road and Wrights Bay Road – Wangolina, Cape Jaffa Wines, Ralph Fowler, Norfolk Rise and Mount Benson Estate

Are there any walking or cycling tracks in Kingston?

Yes, there are a number of walking trail and bike tracks around the town – from the Maria Creek loop, to the foreshore trail and a number of trails at our National Parks. Our self-guided Heritage tour around Kingston township has been designed to provide you with some background into the significant old buildings that give Kingston its unique yet relaxed character.

Do you have any artwork in Kingston?

Yes – there is plenty of art to see, including South Australia’s first Augmented Reality public artwork, Wind Dance. Watch this amazing piece of art come to life through the lens of your smartphone. Also to see is the Sundial of Human Involvement, many granite sculptures scattered around town, a mosaic on the public toilets at the Lions Park. 

Is it safe to swim in Kingston?

Yes – Kingston has some of the safest beaches in South Australia. The safe and calm waters of Lacepede bay are great for families with young children.

Is there pet friendly accommodation in town?

There is pet friendly accommodation right across the Limestone Coast, so check out the best local spots to stay and explore in the Guide to a Pet Friendly Holiday in the Limestone Coast.

Kingston Visitor Information Outlet

Opening Times

Monday - Friday 8:30am-5pm

Visitor Information available at the Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park, 7 days.

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