What is there to do in Kingston, Canberra?

Kingston is Canberra's lakeside lifestyle precinct. Eat and drink along the Kingston Foreshore, see contemporary glass art at the Canberra Glassworks in the old Kingston Powerhouse, browse the heritage shops around Green Square, and walk to the neighbouring Manuka dining and sport precinct.

What is there at the Kingston Foreshore?

The Kingston Foreshore is a waterfront precinct on the east basin of Lake Burley Griffin, with restaurants, cafes and bars along a lakeside boardwalk and regular weekend markets. It is an easy flat walk or cycle from the rest of Kingston.

How do you get to Kingston?

Kingston is a short bus trip or drive from Civic, and it is home to Canberra's railway station, the terminus for NSW TrainLink services to Sydney. The lake foreshore paths make cycling easy, and parking is mostly free on weekends.

Kingston, Canberra

Things to do in Kingston

3 min read

Kingston remains one of Canberra’s most beloved lifestyle precincts, blending heritage charm with a sophisticated waterfront atmosphere. As one of the city’s oldest suburbs, it offers a distinct character where leaf-lined streets meet the modern buzz of the Foreshore. Visitors can enjoy a morning coffee by the lake, browse the famous local markets or explore a diverse range of galleries and boutique shops tucked away in the historic streetscapes.

The area is particularly well known for its vibrant dining scene. From casual brunch spots to award winning restaurants and bars, there is plenty to explore at any time of day. Whether you are looking for family friendly activities or a night out by the water, this precinct provides a welcoming backdrop for every occasion. Check out the current listings below to find the best activities and events happening in Kingston today.

What Kingston is known for

Kingston is one of Canberra’s oldest suburbs and its most popular lakeside lifestyle precinct. It pairs heritage streets around Green Square with the modern waterfront dining of the Kingston Foreshore on the east basin of Lake Burley Griffin, and it sits right next to the Manuka shopping and sport precinct.

Anchor places to visit

Kingston Foreshore – waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars along the lake, with a boardwalk and weekend markets.
Canberra Glassworks – contemporary glass art studio and gallery in the former Kingston Powerhouse, with free general entry.
Green Square – the original Kingston village shops, pubs and cafes.
Manuka – dining, boutique shopping and Manuka Oval, a short walk south.

Eating and drinking

The feed below picks up food events in Kingston as they’re confirmed. For broader food planning, see our food guide.

Getting around

Kingston is a short bus or drive from Civic, and Canberra’s railway station is here with NSW TrainLink services to Sydney. Cycling is easy on the lake foreshore paths; parking is mostly free on weekends.

What’s nearby

Kingston borders Griffith and Forrest (the Manuka precinct), Barton (national institutions) and Fyshwick (fresh-food and weekend markets).

What’s on this week

Scroll to the live feed below for every confirmed event in Kingston over the next two weeks. For wider planning, see things to do this weekend.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Kingston, Canberra?: Kingston is Canberra's lakeside lifestyle precinct. Eat and drink along the Kingston Foreshore, see contemporary glass art at the Canberra Glassworks in the old Kingston Powerhouse, browse the heritage shops around Green Square, and walk to the neighbouring Manuka dining and sport precinct.
What is there at the Kingston Foreshore?: The Kingston Foreshore is a waterfront precinct on the east basin of Lake Burley Griffin, with restaurants, cafes and bars along a lakeside boardwalk and regular weekend markets. It is an easy flat walk or cycle from the rest of Kingston.
How do you get to Kingston?: Kingston is a short bus trip or drive from Civic, and it is home to Canberra's railway station, the terminus for NSW TrainLink services to Sydney. The lake foreshore paths make cycling easy, and parking is mostly free on weekends.