Kings Park

Timings: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
If you’re visiting Kings Park for the first time and want to learn more about the history and region of Western Australia, opt for one of the many guided walks. You can avail these at the Visitor Information Centre.

1. Treasures of the Botanic Garden
Time Required: 1.5 hours
Explore the rich and unique flora and fauna of Western Australia as you understand the biodiversity of the region.

2. Stories of People and Plants
Availability: November - August
Time Required: 1.5 hours
This walk is meant for those of you looking to understand the history of Western Australia and Perth, memorialised through the many sculptures, memorials and plants that will take you back through the region’s turbulent times.

3. Bushlands and Wildflowers
Availability: August - October
Time Required: 1.5 hours
Enjoy the beautiful and famous wildflowers of Western Australia, one of the many natural wonders of the region as you walk through this bushland trail of Kings Park.

4. Water Views and Wilderness
Availability: July - October
Time Required: 2 hours
This walk is meant for visitors who want to capture the perfect panoramic view available throughout this massive park. From Swan River to Mount Eliza, you will find panoramas around every corner. Please note that this walk is slightly more challenging, so be prepared for that.

5. Heart of Kings Park
Availability: July - October
Time Required: 3 hours
The ultimate guided walk of Kings Park, this walk is sure to test your endurance, while showing you secret trails of the park as you witness how Australia’s flora survive despite the harsh conditions that affect the region.

Timings: All Day,
Cost: No Entry Fee
Opened in 1965, the Western Australian Botanic Garden at Kings Park is home to over 3,000 species of native plants from Western Australia, many of which are endemic to the area, thus making this park a must-visit for nature-lovers and anyone intrigued by botany. Situated high up on Mount Eliza, this 17 hectare garden features plant species from all climates and terrains of Western Australia such as Rottnest Island and Stirling Ranges, while also tracing the deep cultural heritage of the territory, with the evolution of plant life displayed here going back to the Aboriginal Nyoongar era. In 2015, the appeal of the gardens increased with the addition of the Botanic Terraces and Botanic Pavilion. It is also the site of the famous Kings Park Festival, one of Australia’s biggest nature-themed festivals occurring here every September. You will find many people enjoying picnics and live music at the Western Australian Botanic Garden.

Timings: September,
Cost: No Entry Fee
Starting in 1965, the Kings Park Festival is the largest wildflower show and exhibition of Australia, and one of the longest running festivals of Australia. It celebrates and displays the beautiful wildflowers present across Western Australia, while also shedding light on the plant life and the flowering culture of the territory. Apart from the massive display of the colourful and gorgeous rows of wildflowers, the festival also features many activities and events such as outdoor exhibitions, photography displays, guided walks, gardening advice and much more to showcase and develop the culture surrounding the plant life of Western Australia. Live music events and family games are also organised, making this a fun-for-all festival of Perth and Western Australia.

• Kings Park Festival: If you are visiting Kings Park in September, there is no way you will miss out on the magnificent display of wildflowers thanks to the Kings Park Festival
• Western Australian Botanic Gardens: Home to over 3,000 native species of Western Australian flora, the botanic gardens at Kings Park is sure to inspire the green thumb in us all
• Kings Park at Night: Evenings and nights at Kings Park unearth a whole new hoard of activities and sights at the park, most notably the city lights of Perth shone brightly, as well as the lighting up of the park, giving you a sense of peace and wonderment.
• Walking Trails: There are numerous walking trails, especially in the bushlands part of Kings Park, where you can enjoy the solitude of nature as well as experience the native flora flourishing. You can either choose to walk or jog through these trails, enjoying the fresh air as you take in the greenery around you.
• Cycling: If you prefer wheels to legs, you can always opt for cycling on the many designated paths of Kings Park.
• Guided Walks: If you want to really take in all that Kings Park has to offer, you can opt for a free guided walk. Offered twice a day from the Visitor Information Centre, the guides will give you a walking tour that will take you through the various memorials, monuments, sculptures, structures, trails and the botanic gardens at this 990-acre park. You will also get insight into the aboriginal history of the area.
• Aboriginal Art Gallery: Found on Fraser Avenue, the Aboriginal Art Gallery in Kings Park displays artworks made by Aboriginal artists from Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Aficionados will be able to note the differences between these artworks and ones displayed in other territories.
• Have a Picnic: One of the most popular activities at Kings Park is to have a picnic, given the park’s family-friendly vibe. There are scores of manicured lawns with peaceful surroundings throughout the area, play areas for children and electric barbecues for those who want to indulge in some grilling
• Birdwatching: The bushland area of Kings Park is also a fine site to witness much of the biodiversity of Western Australia. Home to over 80 native bird species, see if you can spot Australian birds like the Australian ringneck parrot, rainbow lorikeet, magpies and many more fascinating birds as they fly around the area.
• Tree Top Walkway: If you fancy an aerial view of the park, look no further than the Lotterywest Walkway, a 620-metre walkway across the treetops that goes above the botanic gardens, giving you an incredible view of the various plants as well as the contemporary design of the park. You can also find some of the best views of Perth city’s skyline from up here.
• Gija Jumulu Giant Boab: The Gija Jumulu Boab Tree is a landmark of the Kings Park. Why? Because it is a 36 tonnes tree which was transported 3,200 kilometres to its current location in Kings Park. That’s right, this 750 year old tree had to be moved from its location in Kimberley of Western Australia, and was thus replanted at Kings Park, marking this as the longest land journey of a tree this size in the history of the world. Visit this tree to experience history and nature blended into a giant Boab tree.
• Water Garden: If you don’t have time to explore the beautiful hills of Western Australia, then be sure to drop by the water garden at Kings Park. A beautiful recreation of the creeks found around Darling Ranges, it is sure to provide you with a renewed sense of amazement towards the landscapes of the region, as well as some gorgeous views of the natural environment.
• Fraser Avenue: Lined with beautiful red-flowering gum trees and aromatic lemon-scented gum trees, Fraser Avenue is an array of canopies that are refreshing to walk through, and will transport you from the lush greenery of Kings Park to some of the best restaurants in the area.
• Rio Tinto Naturescape: Designed to help children get acquainted with Western Australia’s unique environments, the Rio Tinto Naturescape features the 7 meters high “Python” walkway that snakes through the treetops, a waterhole that resembles the creeks, and the web like Pines of the Tangle.

Given its massive size and worldwide allure, it’s only natural for Kings Park to have a well-equipped, exciting and fascinating playground. In fact, it has 2, the major one being the May Drive Parkland and the other being the Ivey Watson Playground.

1. May Drive Parkland
Timings: All Day,
Cost: No Entry Fee
Formerly called the Synergy Parkland, the May Drive Parkland in Kings Park is a large recreational area found in towards the western side of the park. It comprises of a lake with an island fort, large, life-sized replicas of dinosaurs that once walked the grounds of Australia, 2 playgrounds with swings, slides, poles, and a water mist forest for kids to lose themselves in all day. While the kids are busy letting loose in this wonderland within the park, the adults can enjoy a refreshing beverage and munch on some delicious food at the Zamia Cafe. You can also free electric barbecues here for those looking to turn a fun afternoon into a much more fun picnic. Don’t forget to pay your respects to the Vietnam War Memorial situated in this section of the park.

2. Ivey Watson Playground
Timings: All Day,
Cost: No Entry Fee
While the May Drive Parkland is designed to keep kids of all ages occupied, the Ivey Watson Playground is aimed at entertaining the younger toddlers, suited for kids under the age of 6. WIth a ship replica and tons of tunnels and slides, your kids are sure to love their visit to Kings Park and Ivey Watson Playground. The Sticky Beaks Cafe within the area is sure to provide you with some refreshments and a chill place to sit as you watch your young one have the time of his/her life.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM,
Cost: No Entry Fee
If you though the grand panoramic views you got from Kings Park were pretty, you’ll be blown away by the spectacular views you get a top the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a 40-minute treetop walkway, spanning 620 metres at Kings Park. Inaugurated in 2003, this walkway, featuring a 52 metre long arched glass bridge, runs from the Forrest Roundabout section through the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Gardens all the way to the Beedawong Amphitheatre, granting you surreal views of Kings Park, its flora and fauna as well as the surrounding areas of the skyline of Perth and the Swan River. This is about as close to being perched upon a tree as you can get at the park, and it is sure to exceed your expectations.

The area where Kings Park is situated, Mount Eliza, was historically a place of significance to the Aboriginal tribes and Nyoongar people, specifically the Whadjuk tribe. After the European settlement and exploration of the area, a freshwater spring was found by the settlers, named the Kennedy spring, which resulted in the selection of the surrounding area for the establishment of the city of Perth. The park was opened in 1895, then called the Perth Park, before being renamed as the Kings Park in 1901 to honour the coronation of King Edward VII. The Western Australian Botanic Gardens were opened in 1965, along with the first edition of the Kings Park Festival.

Kings Park pays tribute to all the fallen soldiers of Western Australia throughout history who have courageously sacrificed themselves and bravely fought for the country in the many wars that the nation has been a part of. The State War Memorial of Western Australia lies in Kings Park, perched on Mount Eliza with a view of Perth Water. It is marked by a Cenotaph that was erected in 1929 during the Centenary of Western Australia. Under this lies the names of all the soldiers of Western Australia who took part in and lost their lives in the various wars fought by the country, from the Boer War to the latest involvement in Afghanistan. To the west is the court of contemplation, featuring the names of the conflicts that Western Australia has fought in, founded in 1955. The Flame of Remembrance and the Pools of Reflection were added to the area in 2000, with the eternal burning of the flame symbolising the promise to remember the fallen of Western Australia. Apart from the State War Memorial, Kings Park acknowledges the sacrifices made by Western Australians through other dedications as well. The Honor Avenues within the park holds an individual plaque and Eucalyptus tree honouring each and every soldier who died in the name of the country, with numbering over 1600 in the area.

While you are sure to find spectacular views all throughout Kings Park, there is perhaps none as unforgettable as the view atop the DNA Tower. Established in 1966, the DNA Tower, shaped like a DNA molecule, sits on the highest point of Kings Park. With a 101 steps and an added elevation of 15 metres to this point on Mount Eliza, the view from DNA Tower sure makes the climb up worth it.

At Kings Park, you are sure to start feeling the need to munch on something after walking through acres and acres of greenery or climbing up the many viewpoints. Worry not, because the area comes stocked with some of the best restaurants and cafes to ensure that you are refreshed and re-energised for more park exploration.

1. Fraser’s Restaurant
Timings:
Monday - Friday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM,
Saturday, Sunday: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Location: Fraser Avenue, Perth
Cost for 2: AUD 160
If you’re looking for some delicious authentic Australian cuisine, look no further than Fraser’s restaurant, a beautiful circular restaurant offering some amazing steaks and dessert. Take in the view from the restaurant as you enjoy a delicious meal after a day well spent at the park.

2. Zamia Cafe
Timings:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM,
Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: May Drive, Kings Park, Perth
Cost for 2: AUD 80
Ideal for families enjoying time at the May Drive Parkland, the Zamia Cafe is famous for brewing a nice pot of coffee while offering some delightful freshly baked cakes. They have set menus for Breakfast and Lunch, as well as kids specials given its proximity to the playground. Don’t forget to check out the specials on the specials board.

3. Botanical Cafe
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Fraser Avenue, Perth
Cost for 2: AUD 80
Offering some fresh produce of Western Australia amidst the beauty of Fraser Avenue in Kings Park, the Botanical Cafe is an open air cafe that is the perfect place to let loose with some fries and a coffee or a beer as you enjoy the evening at Kings Park.

4. Sticky Beaks Cafe
Timings: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Ivey Watson Playground, Kings Park, Perth
Cost for 2: AUD 60
The perfect cafe to enjoy some brekkie or burgers with your kids, the Sticky Beaks Cafe provides a chance to sit back and relax while your kids enjoy the Ivey Watson Playground at Kings Park.

Kings Park is located in West Perth, wedged between Elizabeth Quay and the University of Western Australia. As a landmark of Perth, there are numerous ways you can reach the park.

• By Bus: The Transperth Bus 935 will take you directly to the Fraser Avenue Precinct, located in the heart of Kings Park.
• By Tram: Trams 24, 25, 27, 103, 620 and Green CAT of the Subacio Tram Service will take you to the Kings Park Rd Havelock Street Station
• By Road: You can take the Kings Park Road or Malcolm Street in West Perth, and turn into Fraser Avenue, which will lead you into Kings Park.

• Kings Park provides free parking only for visitors to the park. You are not allowed to leave the park after parking your car
• A Kings Park Bus Tour is operated by the Perth Explorer Bus service.
• While Kings Park is open throughout the day, some of the attractions within the park are only open for specific timings. Make sure to plan your trip accordingly
• Events such as Christmas and Anzac Day will affect the accessibility of the park. Plan accordingly.
• Ensure that you carry sunglasses, water, hats, and appropriate footwear while visiting.

Spring, summer