Historic Kingston starts here.... a walking guide to Kingston's heritage.
First established as a private town in 1858 by statesman and benefactor George Strickland Kingston, it began as a lively settlement with first settlers Archibald and James Cooke, initiators of sea trade and instigators of a railway, further developing it.
Declared a safe harbour by the government in 1865, Kingston became a busy and bustling seaport. Adjacent Rosetown continued as a private enterprise on the northern side of Maria Creek, but eventually the townships merged into one thriving town complete with banks, hotels, commercial centre and its own court house and post office.
This heritage trail self-guided tour has been designed to provide you with some background into the significant old buildings that give Kingston its unique yet relaxed character. Don’t forget to take a moment to rest your legs and enjoy the hospitality of our eateries, shops and establishments, many of which have brought new opportunities to our historic buildings.
Download a copy of the heritage trail brochure and map here: -
Kingston Heritage Trail Brochure
(428 kb)
25 sites of the Kingston Heritage Trail:
1. Cape Jaffa Lighthouse |
2. The Lightkeeper’s Cottages |
3. The Customs and Harbourmaster’s House |
4. Site of Cooke Brothers’ Stores and the Old Wool Store |
5. The Royal Mail Hotel |
6. The Old Courthouse |
7. The Telegraph Station and Kingston Post Office |
8. The Old Gaol and Police Station |
9. Site of the Lacepede Bay Schoolroom – the Kingston School |
10. The Old Bank House |
11. JJ Jarmin’s Sawmill Complex |
12. Vine Cottage |
13. Otter House |
14. The Anglican Church |
15. The Uniting Church |
16. The Kingston School |
17. Site of the Lacepede Bay Institute Hall |
18. Site of Paterson’s Store |
19. The Crown Inn Hotel |
20. Site of the Kingston Arms Hotel |
21. Dudley Bridge |
22. Site of the Pinkerton Butchery |
23. Site of the Kingston-Naracoorte Railway and the Stationmaster’s House |
24. The Old Council Chambers |
25. Site of the McCheyne Free Presbyterian Church |
A collaborative project between the Kingston District Council and the Kingston Branch of the National Trust of South Australia.
Sources of information regarding the heritage sites were many, including, primarily,
* DUNN, Marie: “A Man’s Reach” (1969)
* BELL, P & MARSDEN, S: “Kingston Heritage Survey” (2007)
* The KINGSTON SE NATIONAL TRUST MUSEUM