Kingstown is located 1km south of the Thomson Bay Main Jetty and was a focal point in Rottnest Islands WWII operations as it housed the Australian Army during wartime operations. Kingstown Barracks accommodation was opened for educational use in 1984/1985 and has become a much loved camp destination for many WA schools.

When on the island, a must do activity is to explore the many salt lakes that occupy approximately 10 per cent of the area. Notable ones include Lake Baghdad, Lake Vincent, Herschel Lake, Garden Lake, Government House Lake and Serpentine Lake. These lakes are permanent and are always accessible all year around, other notable lakes that may dry up throughout the summer period include Pink Lake, Lake Sirius, Lake Negri and the twin Pearse Lakes. These salt lake are known to turn pink as a result of the interaction between the algae and salt that grows in the water. When the right mixture of salt and sunlight interact with the algae a red pigment known as beta carotene is accumulated resulting in the pink tinge to the water.

Henrietta Rocks is an iconic landmark of Rottnest Island and is commonly used as a lookout for a picturesque view of the island. From here visitors can see Dyer Island, the wreck of the Shark and Parker Point. The most notable of these sights is the wreck of the Shark located only a few metres of the shore.