Kings Park and Botanic Garden covers about 400 hectares on Mount Eliza, a short walk from the western edge of Perth's central business district. Entry is free. The park overlooks the Swan River and the city skyline. Its Botanic Garden holds more than 2,000 plant species native to Western Australia, and the wider park is home to over 3,000 species. Visitors come for the lawns, bush trails, memorials and lookouts, and for the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a path through the treetops.
Land, history and custodians
Kings Park sits on Mount Eliza, above the Swan River on the western side of the city centre. The park is also known by the name Kaarta Koomba.
The Whadjuk Noongar people are the Traditional Custodians of this land, and the park's history is closely tied to them. The park was officially opened in 1895, and it now ranks among the largest inner-city parks in the world. It also holds the State War Memorial and other sites that matter to the people of Perth and Western Australia.
The Botanic Garden and its plants
The Botanic Garden covers about 17 hectares at the heart of the park. It holds more than 2,000 plant species native to Western Australia, and the wider park is home to over 3,000 species of local flora.
The garden is known for scientific research, horticulture, conservation and public education. Many of its plants are grown for study as well as for display, so the labels and beds are a good way to learn the state's plants before you walk the bush trails.
Lotterywest Federation Walkway
The walkway is 620 metres long. Its 222-metre bridge is made of glass and steel, and it passes through the canopy of a stand of eucalypts, so you walk among the treetops.
It is open all year and is a favourite place to watch the sunset over the river and the city. Children tend to enjoy it because the path is raised above the trees.
Spring wildflowers and the Kings Park Festival
Spring is when the state's wildflowers are at their best. Every September, the Kings Park Festival celebrates the bloom across the park.
The most impressive display is inside the Western Australian Botanic Garden. Look for everlastings, blue leschenaultias, scarlet banksias, kangaroo paws and wattles, among many other native species.
Lookouts, memorials and playgrounds
Fraser Avenue has a lookout with a view of the city skyline, and the embankment along it is a good place to watch the city. The State War Memorial is a place for quiet reflection, and from nearby you can look down on the river as it bends below.
The DNA Tower is a spiral structure with 101 steps, and the climb rewards you with views over the city. For younger children, the Ivey Watson Playground is designed for those under 6. The Rio Tinto Naturescape offers natural play spaces, and May Drive Parkland has dinosaur footprints to climb around.
Getting there and visiting respectfully
The free CAT bus stops near the park. Some buses also leave St Georges Terrace and drop visitors at the entrance or near the kiosk and restaurant.
An Aboriginal guided walk is the best way to hear about the land from the Traditional Custodians. Kaarta Gar-Up Kings Park Cultural Tour is one option, and it draws on storytelling, native plants and views. In winter, Lightscape turns parts of the park into an illuminated trail after dark. Tickets for Lightscape are booked online, so check the dates before you plan an evening visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry to Kings Park and Botanic Garden is free. The Lightscape winter event is ticketed, and its tickets are booked online.
How long do you need?
Plan half a day or more. The park covers about 400 hectares, and there is plenty to keep you busy all day.
Is the park open at night?
The park is open around the clock. In winter, Lightscape offers illuminated trails and installations after dark.
How do you get to Kings Park from the city?
The free CAT bus stops near the park. Some buses leave St Georges Terrace and drop visitors at the entrance or near the kiosk and restaurant.
Are there guided tours?
Free guided tours have been listed for 11 am and 1 pm, so confirm the times before you go. Aboriginal cultural walks led by Traditional Custodians are also available.
