Seaside town on the Princes Highway noted for the giant lobster which guards the
northern entry. James and Archibald Cooke arrived in what was to become Kingston S.E. in 1885 with the distinct intention of beginning a town and port as well as farming in the area. It was named by Governor MacDonnell after George Strickland Kingston. While Kingston is probably best known for the Giant Lobster which dominates the northern approach, for many it is the real thing which holds the most attraction. Famous for the fishing which is at the centre of its economy, the town lies on Lacepede Bay (named after Bernard Lacepede in 1802) and is open to the Southern Ocean. Bait and fishing tackle is available from a variety of places around the town and, even the total amateur, will catch something. Along the foreshore the Cape Jaffa lighthouse is well worth a look. The lighthouse operated on Margaret Brock Reef off Cape Jaffa for 100 years. It became obsolete as coastal shipping decreased and it was replaced by a new automatic lighthouse in 1974, and donated to the Kingston branch of the National Trust in 1976, who restored it on Marine Parade in the southern section of the town. It is open for inspection during school holidays and through the Kingston Caravan Park by appointment. For the sports minded there is a golf course just south of the town which welcomes visitors. The town has three motels, a beachfront caravan park, several hotels and a large shopping centre. Main attractions are: The Giant Lobster. The Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. Beaches. The Coorong. Historic buildings. The Wool Hut and Information Centre in Agnes St PLACES OF INTEREST: SPORTING FACILITIES
INFORMATION CENTRE: Wood Hut Craft Centre: Agnes St. Kingston. Ph: 08 8767 2151 Open Weekdays: 10am. to 4pm. Saturdays: 9.00am to Noon Sundays, School Holidays and Easter: 1pm. to 4pm. HOW TO GET THERE: By car along the Princes Hwy. (1) Domestic airport at Mt Gambier. 150km south east. International airport at Adelaide, 300km north |
© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins |