Kings Park - the jewel in the city's crown.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner city parks in the world and is visited by nearly 6 million people each year. It showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australian flora and is a popular place for picnics, walks and cultural and ceremonial events.
Kings Park's stunning location overlooks the Perth City and the silken blue waters of the Swan River. From high above, you can see the brilliantly coloured sails of boats on the river, the twinkling lights of the city, the distant Perth Hills and the endless blue skies for which Perth is so renowned.
The total area of Kings Park is 400.6 hectares and features both cultivated gardens and untamed bushland. You can picnic on grassy lawns, take a jog through the bushland or attend one of the summer outdoor concerts under the stars. Children are also catered for with a number of excellent playgrounds suitable for children of all ages.
Things to do in Kings Park
- Admire the panoramic views of treetops, the city skyline and the Swan River.
- Learn about the diversity of WA's flora
- Discover our rich history along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.
- See the mighty boab tree, a 760 year old specimen from the Kimberley region of WA.
- Enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience with a local Nyoongar tour guide (bookings essential)
- Children will love the many play areas around Kings Park.
- Visit Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park - a place for children to connect with the natural environment
- Enjoy the range of summer events and festivities
- Enjoy a Free Guided Walk with the volunteer Kings Park Guides
- Enjoy the flora and fauna including wildflowers and over 70 bird species
- Indulge in a spot of retail therapy at Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop
- Climb all 101 steps of the spiralling DNA Tower for spectacular views
The Western Australian Botanic Garden
Nearly two thirds of the Kings Park is natural bushland containing 326 species of native plants and over 70 bird species. The balance of Kings Park is made up of superbly cultivated gardens and open recreational areas. For Western Australians and for visitors, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a place of inspiration, relaxation, recreation and wonder.
The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority manages Kings Park and Botanic Garden in accordance with the Kings Park and Botanic Garden Management Plan, to ensure the conservation of native biological diversity and cultural heritage icons, while providing for the diverse range of visitor interests.
Opened in 1965, the Western Australian Botanic Garden features a scientific collection mainly of Western Australian plants displayed en masse or as individual specimens in an inspiring landscape. The WA Botanic Garden is unique from those around the world by maintaining its focus solely on local flora, primarily because of the extraordinary diversity of Western Australian wildflowers found nowhere else on earth.
Indigenous history
The Aboriginal history is particularly fascinating. Kings Park has been revered as a sacred place for Aborigines whose mythical serpent, the Wagyl, is said to have entered the ground near here and emerged at the foot of Mt Eliza to create the beautiful Swan River.
Be sure to experience the Lotteryest Federation Walkway which includes a treetop walk, where you'll become truly captivated by the birds' eye view. This walk comes complete with informative plaques which open your eyes to the wonders of the region’s fauna as well as Aboriginal and European history.
Be immersed in the world’s oldest living culture with an authentic, personal experience of Indigenous culture in Kings Park. Tours and other cultural experiences are run by local Nyoongar people who have a strong family connection to this country and a deep understanding of their culture and knowledge of the land.
Memorials and honour events
Kings Park and Botanic Garden has more memorials, statues and honour avenues than any other park in Australia. Memorials include the statue of John Forrest, the first Premier of Western Australia, Pioneer Women's Memorial, 10th Light Horse Memorial, Queen Victoria Statue and the Floral Clock.
The State War Memorial Cenotaph is easily identified along Perth's skyline and is one of Kings Park's most iconic features. The Court of Contemplation, Flame of Remembrance, Pool of Reflection and ANZAC Bluff feature are within this precinct. The State War Memorial attracts over 40,000 visitors for the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service.
Visitors will also enjoy viewing the Honour Avenues - the planting of trees as a dedication to individual service personnel who gave their lives while serving their countries in time of war seems to be an Australian innovation. At the base of each tree along May and Lovekin Drives and Marri Walk, is a plaque inscribed with the name of the deceased, age, date and manner of death and who dedicated the plaque. There are almost 1800 plaques along the honour avenues in Kings Park.
Parkland and leisure
Be sure to take time out to relax at one of the many scenic picnic and BBQ areas or purchase food and drinks from casual Kings Park and Bovell Kiosks, Botanical Cafe, Zamia Cafe, Stickybeaks Cafe and the award-winning Fraser's Restaurant.
In spring time you can enjoy the annual Kings Park Festival. This festival within the WA Botanic Gardens celebrates the breathtaking beauty of WA native wildflowers with a dazzling profusion of species spread over seventeen hectares.
A visit to Aspects of Kings Park located off Fraser Avenue is also an enjoyable activity. This award-winning gift store is an experience in itself and is a treasure trove of unique local arts and crafts, jewellery, books, gifts and stationery. Summer is a wonderful time to attend one of the many outdoor concerts in the park. Enjoy live children's theatre or catch the latest films at the superb outdoor Moonlight Cinema which is a perfect way to spend a summer evening.
Guided walks and trails
Free guided walks in Kings Park are led by Kings Park Volunteer Guides. They depart daily from outside Aspects of Kings Park at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Self-guided walks are also available for visitors to experience the park's walking trails at their own leisure - brochures are available from the Visitor Information Centre located next to Aspects of Kings Park in the Fraser Avenue Precinct.
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