Nothing beats Kingston Beach for an interesting stroll. We walked along Osborne Esplanade on a sunny day when the river views sparkled, the water and the sky merged into a blue shimmer.

Across Browns River Bridge, at the dog beach, off-lead dogs were busy being dogs, the humans busy being humans. Some brave swimmers splashed through the cold autumn water. On the steps down to the beach is the Dog Library, boxes of toys for canine companions. Near the children’s playground, at the other end of the beach, Low Hanging Fruit provide a Toy Library for beach play. Both libraries are supplied by members of the Kingston Community, welcoming visitors to enjoy their special place.

Kingston has always been special. It used to be Hobart’s summer resort. Federation homes and established gardens are reminders that this was where the wealthy once had their summer houses. There’s a buzz of activity around the cafes and restaurants on the Esplanade, Kingston’s answer to North Hobart’s restaurant strip. For once, I walked past the coffee aroma to the southern end of the beach, to explore the track along the cliffs above the yacht club.

We strode up Mount Royal Road to  where the track to Boronia Beach starts. The track is well maintained. She oaks and blue gums beside the track were full of birdlife. As we walked and talked, we enjoyed the views of Kingston Beach, boats on the river and the views of the Eastern Shore with its blue hills.

We opened the gate to Boronia Beach Reserve, which is fenced to protect the fairy penguins that nest there. A little further along, we reached the weathered steps that took us down to Boronia Beach. The beach curves under sea-sculpted cliffs, the sheltered waters rippling over white sand. The view stretches from the Eastern Shore to the Iron Pot. We picnicked under the cliffs, sheltered  from the sea breeze.

We took the second path to Roslyn Avenue. Nesting boxes for fairy penguins can be seen, scattered through the undergrowth. As we walked up the hill, across the gully we could see remnants of stone terraces, the remains of rhododendron gardens that once stretched up the hill to the old Boronia Hotel. Built in 1900, the hotel was popular with holiday makers. The hotel’s cypress avenue still stretches toward Roslyn Avenue, the tall old trees shading the track. At the end of the avenue, we could see the Boronia Hotel building, which is now a private residence.

We retraced our steps to Kingston Beach, where we enjoyed an afternoon coffee, a great new walk discovered. It’s walk that has everything- beautiful water views, beaches with white sands, fairy penguins, and interesting history.