The pit stop: Kingston
A laidback coastal town that’s an easy 15-minute drive south-west from Hobart, Kingston is the gateway to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Stroll along the beachfront, check the op shops for hidden treasures and embrace the casual charm.
EAT
The newly refurbished Salty Dog Hotel commands a prime beachfront position. A beer garden out the back features live music on Sundays and comedy events throughout the week. Beach vistas are best enjoyed from casual seating out front. Find comfort food including panko-crumbed chicken parmi, or the popular wild abalone with ginger and oyster glaze. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
SEE
Originally known as Brown’s River, the district was renamed Kingston in 1851. Kingston Beach is a safe swimming beach and is dog friendly at the northern end. The Alum Cliffs Track, a 6-kilometre-return trail, starts from the northern end of Kingston Beach and runs along the top of the bluffs above Hinsby Beach to Tyndall Beach. Find local craft, art and produce at the Kingston Beach Handmade Market held inside the Kingston Community Hall on the second Sunday of each month.
DRINK
Located in the shopping precinct, Maxie Coffee serves its popular house blend Collider (by Single O from Sydney) alongside a rotating range of single-origin coffees and a tempting selection of cakes, slices and sweets.
SHOP
For retail therapy, step into Boho at the Beach to find providore items, clothing, accessories and homewares – both retro and bohemian in style. Find a table in the back garden cafe or indoors by the cosy fire, and enjoy good food in a relaxed atmosphere.
STAY
Nestled into a hill overlooking paddocks and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel are Hobart Hideaway Pods. The two eco luxury pods are suitable for couples or solo travellers; the Pea Pod is wheelchair accessible. You can drive to Kingston Beach in just under 15 minutes.
Essential stops
Robbie Browns: https://robbiebrowns.com.au/
Lifeline Op Shop at Kingston Beach: https://www.lifelinetasmania.org.au/op-shops
Gigglemug's Antarctic Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/gigglemugscafe
Kingston Park adventure playground: https://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/recreation-facilities/kingston-park-playground-lp/
Kingston Beach (patrolled by Kingston Beach SLSC during summer): https://www.slst.asn.au/members-clubs-and-units/surf-life-saving-clubs/kingston-beach-slsc/
Panko Chan Japanese restaurant: https://pankochan.com.au/