Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park
This 400-hectare city hilltop park, larger than New York's Central Park, overlooks the Perth skyline and the Swan River. Its September wildflower season and treetop walk are the highlights.
Kings Park sits on Mount Eliza, west of the city centre. It covers 400 hectares, two-thirds of which is native eucalyptus bushland. Established in 1872, it is one of the largest city-centre parks in the world.
Highlights: On the eastern side, Fraser Avenue runs along the cliff top, lined with lemon-scented gums that commemorate fallen soldiers. At its end, the State War Memorial and the lookout beside the eternal flame face the city towers, the Swan River and South Perth. This is Perth's most classic panorama, best at dusk and night. The Western Australian Botanic Garden covers 17 hectares and showcases more than 3,000 native plant species, including boab trees, kangaroo paws and banksias. It is at its most spectacular during the September wildflower season. The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a 52-metre-long steel-and-glass treetop bridge that rises 16 metres above the ground and passes through the eucalyptus canopy. A giant boab tree, around 750 years old, was transported whole from the Kimberley region. Other attractions include the Synergy Parkland playground, the Rio Tinto Naturescape nature play area and Aboriginal cultural tours. Inside the park, you'll find Fraser's restaurant, the Botanical Café and food carts. Locals often picnic on the lawns, and wedding photos are common. In summer, there are open-air cinema screenings and concerts. Entry is free, and volunteer guides offer free tours at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 daily.
Getting there: it's a 20-minute uphill walk from the city centre, or take the free Blue CAT bus to the Kings Park stop. There is a free car park inside the park, which fills up quickly on weekends.
Good to know: in summer, midday temperatures can exceed 35°C, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Snakes live in the bushland, so stick to paved paths. After dark, buses are infrequent, so plan to take a taxi back after sunset photography.
Opening hours
Open all day (botanical garden and visitor center 09:00–16:00)
Nearby sights
- Perth Zoo
- Elizabeth Quay
- The Bell Tower (Swan Bells)
- London Court
- Northbridge
- Art Gallery of Western Australia
- WA Museum Boola Bardip
- St Mary's Cathedral, Perth