Kingston SE, South Australia - Iconic Big Lobster, Beautiful Beaches & Murals

Wander * Explore * Discover
Mar 19, 2023
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Kingston SE, South Australia - Iconic Big Lobster, Beautiful Beaches & Murals

Kingston SE is a popular seaside town on Lacepede Bay, located around 294 kilometres south-east of Adelaide on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. With its long sandy beaches, historic landmarks and laid-back coastal vibe, Kingston SE is a favourite stop for road trippers exploring the region.

The town centre is compact and welcoming, with cafés, bakeries, hotels, classic fish and chip shops and a much-loved lolly shop. Colourful murals and mosaics add character to the streets, giving the town a cheerful and creative feel.

Larry the Lobster

One of Kingston SE’s most iconic attractions is Larry the Lobster, one of Australia’s most impressive “big things”. Standing an incredible 17 metres tall, Larry has become a much-photographed landmark and a must-see stop for visitors. Originally built to promote the local lobster fishing industry, Larry now symbolises Kingston SE’s strong connection to the sea and makes for a fun and memorable photo opportunity.

Beaches and Jetty Walks

Kingston SE is blessed with long stretches of sandy beach that seem to go on forever. The calm waters of Lacepede Bay are ideal for swimming, beach walks and relaxing by the sea. A stroll along the Kingston SE Jetty is a great way to take in views across the bay, watch fishing boats come and go, or simply enjoy the coastal breeze. Early mornings and sunsets are particularly beautiful, with wide-open skies and soft coastal light.

Kingston SE Heritage Trail

History lovers will enjoy following the Kingston SE Heritage Trail, which highlights the town’s maritime past and early settlement history. Key sites along the trail include the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, the former Lightkeeper’s Cottages, and a range of historic buildings that tell stories of shipping, fishing and life along this stretch of coastline. Informative signs make it easy to explore the trail at your own pace.

Apex Park and Public Art

Apex Park is a pleasant green space in town and home to several interesting features. Here you’ll find the Sundial of Human Involvement, which reflects different stages of human interaction with the landscape, along with a collection of sculptures that add an artistic touch to the park. It’s a nice spot to pause, enjoy a picnic or take a break while exploring the town.

Why Kingston SE Is Worth Visiting

Kingston SE offers a relaxed blend of coastal scenery, local history and classic country-town charm. Whether you’re snapping a photo with Larry the Lobster, walking the beach, exploring heritage sites or enjoying fish and chips by the sea, it’s a town that invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures.

As part of the Limestone Coast, Kingston SE makes a great stop on a coastal road trip and pairs perfectly with nearby destinations such as Robe, Cape Jaffa and Mount Gambier.