🔍

Kingston Se

SA 5275 • Rest of SA

1,342
Population (2021)
$32,968
Median Income
102.55 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRuralRetiree-HavenTourist HubFishing

About Kingston Se

Kingston SE (Kingston South East) is a coastal town situated on the shores of Lacepede Bay in South Australia's Limestone Coast region, approximately 240 kilometres south-east of Adelaide and 138 kilometres north-west of Mount Gambier within the Kingston District Council local government area. With a population of 1,342 and a median age of 56, Kingston SE has an older demographic profile reflecting its character as a coastal retirement and fishing community. The town sits at near sea-level elevation on a flat coastal plain and serves as the administrative centre for the surrounding rural district.

Kingston SE is well known for its giant lobster sculpture — affectionately known as 'Larry the Lobster' — which greets visitors at the town entrance and celebrates its identity as a crayfishing and seafood hub. The town provides essential services including a primary and high school, medical facilities, and a retail and hospitality strip catering to residents and Princes Highway travellers. Lacepede Bay offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and recreational boating, and the town draws tourists and grey nomads travelling the coastal route between Adelaide and Mount Gambier.

Kingston Se falls under postcode 5275 and is governed by Kingston Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the MacKillop electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5275
Urban Area
Limestone Coast
LGA / Council
Kingston
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
MacKillop
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-36.84°, 139.91°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
102.55 km²
Elevation
2m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Firefly/regional coach services — Adelaide and Mount Gambier 2.5-3 hr to Adelaide

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
240 km
By Train
No rail service; coach services available
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hr via Princes Highway

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main road connecting Kingston SE to Adelaide and Mount Gambier; town is largely self-contained for daily needs

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is compact and walkable for basic local errands, but a car is needed for most services and for travel beyond the town

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
56 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.9%

12 state housing + 11 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,393
Census 2021
1,342
▼ 3.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,652
Income 2021
$32,968
▲ 15.1% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,158
Born Overseas 94

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 40
  • 2. New Zealand 22
  • 3. Germany 4
  • 4. Japan 4
  • 5. Malaysia 4
  • 6. Netherlands 3
  • 7. Scotland 3
  • 8. South Africa 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 638
English 614
Scottish 125
German 115
Irish 79
Australian Aboriginal 39
Dutch 18
New Zealander 13
Italian 11
Maori 10

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,037
Both parents born in Australia
116
Both parents born overseas
101
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.1%
Christianity
43.1%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
59 (4.4%)
5-14 years
116 (8.6%)
15-19 years
51 (3.8%)
20-24 years
54 (4.0%)
25-34 years
116 (8.6%)
35-44 years
110 (8.2%)
45-54 years
140 (10.4%)
55-64 years
196 (14.6%)
65-74 years
268 (20.0%)
75-84 years
158 (11.8%)
85+ years
76 (5.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kingston SE known for? +

Kingston SE is best known for 'Larry the Lobster', a giant fibreglass crustacean that has become an iconic roadside attraction, and for its identity as a crayfishing and seafood town on SA's Limestone Coast. The town is also known for Lacepede Bay and its role as a popular stop for travellers on the Princes Highway.

How far is Kingston SE from Adelaide? +

Kingston SE is approximately 240 kilometres south-east of the Adelaide CBD, making it roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via the Princes Highway.

Does Kingston SE have public transport? +

Kingston SE is served by regional coach services running between Adelaide and Mount Gambier, but there is no rail service. Within the town, most destinations are walkable, though a car is needed for travel outside town.

What is the population of Kingston SE? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kingston SE has a population of approximately 1,342 in the locality area. The town has an older demographic with a median age of 56, and a significant proportion of retiree households.

Is Kingston SE a good place to live? +

Kingston SE suits retirees and sea-change seekers who value a relaxed coastal lifestyle, a close-knit community, and affordable property in a scenic Limestone Coast setting. It is well-suited to fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy outdoor coastal activities.

What is the postcode for Kingston SE? +

The postcode for Kingston SE is 5275.