The Kingston Foreshore is a popular place to bask in the sun and enjoy the many trendy cafes and restaurants on offer. The foreshore is as modern as they come - with million dollar apartments, edgy cafes, wood panelled restaurants and even the public benches and tables along the walkway have been rusted to fit in with the industrial look.
A busy weekday lunch crowd at Kingston Foreshore.
In the 1920's, Kingston Foreshore used to be the industrial heart of Canberra, with the Kingston Powerhouse built in 1915. This Powerhouse is now used by the Glassworks nearby, showing off some of the history of this industrial area.
Kingston Foreshore has been popular for many years with locals and tourists enjoying the Old Bus Depot Markets nearby every Sunday.
Today, the Kingston Foreshore is at its last stage of development which means that although there are top class restaurants and cafes along the strip, there will still be the presence of cranes on the other side of the foreshore for a short time longer. The expected completion date is 2016, with the last three buildings of "The Pier" complex currently being built.
Views of construction opposite.
At one end of the foreshore is The Dock (a large nautical sports bar co owned by Brumbies and Wallabies forwards Scott Fardy and Ben Alexander), then you walk past cafes and restaurants including Max Brenner (Chocolate café), Coco Nine (Thai), The Rum Bar (Rum!), Morks (Thai), Chang and Co (Asian), 38 Expresso (cafe), C Dine Bar (Steak and Seafood) and down the end is Walt and Burley.
The yellow umbrella's of The Dock at one end of the foreshore.
Unlike the other restaurants and cafes, Walt and Barley sits on the corner of the foreshore and looks out onto the scenic Lake Burley GriffIn.
With outside seating, it is a relaxing place to sit for lunch, enjoy the view and share a meal with friends.
Walt and Burleys outside seating..
The inside area is spacious and warm, with a cosy fireplace and plenty of seating.
In the evenings the decibels rise and the atmosphere is full of life, music and sharing food.
With 2 large TV screens inside, the footy scores will never be missed while out for dinner (open 11am until late).
...and inside seating.
Cosy corners to enjoy the sun and winter fireplace.
Walt and Burley encourage sharing plates, so there is tapas on offer as well as other delicious menu items.
Outside the restaurant is James Ross park, a modern and sculptural garden to sit in and enjoy the view over to the National Carillon.
James Ross Park.
Kingston Foreshore is an exciting area under development and it is getting busier each time we visit. It is popular with workers in the area, couples, friends, families and tourists as they discover and appreciate this ever-changing capital city.
I for one cannot wait for its completion next year.
Where else can you kayak up for a coffee? Kayak Deck, with mesh deck under water to get out and buoys to tie them up.
Kingston Foreshore - where even the Lifesaving Bouys are industrially cool.
