Kings Park in Perth is truly a place of unsurpassed beauty and serenity. Nestled on the edge of the Swan River and offering spectacular views, this world-famous green space is home to more than 400 hectares of natural bushland. Kings Park has something for everyone, from the magnificent views of Perth’s cityscape and the beautiful Swan River below to tall trees and native Australian flora. Whether you want to take in the natural beauty or grab something to eat from one of the many cafes, Kings Park is one of the most popular places in Perth and a must for visitors and locals alike.

Kings Park has a bunch of activities and events to suit all ages, from Aboriginal cultural activities and guided tours to international floral festivals, a rich botanic garden, dedicated picnic and bbq areas and a range of concerts and events.

The area has a rich history aboriginal history and has long been used as a sacred site, and the Whadjuk Noongar people are still the traditional owners of the land today. Once colonisation and European history began, Captain James Stirling set aside land for the first public space in Perth on the 1st of June 1829.

Today, it is one of the largest city parks in the world and a testament to Perth and all Western Australian people and is visited by millions each year.

A panoramic view of Kings Park. Photo: Pedro Szekely

Things to do

Botanical Gardens

The Western Australian botanic garden is one of the biggest attractions in Perth and is an experience that will reveal the full beauty of Western Australia’s natural heritage. The botanic garden is 17 hectares in size and is home to over 3000 species of native flora, both native and foreign to the state. One of the main draws of the botanic garden is a 760-year-old boab tree! The boab tree was transported from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, which is a testament to its beauty and longevity; many stories and myths surround this remarkable living relic.

First opened in 1965, the botanic garden continues to thrive and grow, with more species of plants being brought in each year in an ongoing effort to showcase the biological diversity of Western Australia. Lose yourself in the natural beauty of the endless garden beds of native wildflowers.

Placed within the gardens are plaques that provide interesting facts about the spectacular plants and a great way to learn about their uses and history.

Take a Guided Walk

A local guide in Kings Park. Photo: Tourism WA

While there’s plenty of information easily accessible around Kings Park, one of the best ways to learn more about it are through the guided walks that people can take. The tours are provided for free and are an excellent way to learn more about local history, culture, flora, and fauna.
The tours depart daily [excluding Christmas] from the Aspects of Kings Park gallery shop, near the Wadjuk Car Park and off Fraser Avenue, and last around one hour a half. The type of tour will differ depending on the wildflower season.

No bookings are required, but if you have a large group, you may want to inquire ahead of time. Check the calendar https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/events-calendar/category/326-guided-walks for times and cancellations.

Kings Park State War Memorial

Kings Park War Memorial. Photo: Tourism WA

In the heart of Kings Park, you will find the State War Memorial overlooking the Perth CBD and the beautiful Swan River. The memorial pays tribute to those who have served in conflicts since the Boer War (1899-1902) and consists of: The Flame of Remembrance, the cenotaph which symbolises eternal remembrance, the Court of Contemplation, and the pool of reflection which reads ‘let silent contemplation be your offering’.

Throughout the area, individuals from WA who served conflicts are remembered through monuments and several artwork sculptures. For more information on the memorials in Kings Park, there is a Memorial walk where you can obtain a brochure with information on each monument or sculpture. Maps for the walk are available at the Visitor Centre, and leaflets can be downloaded or printed beforehand here https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park/visit/help-you/kp-brochures.

The memorial also holds the most extensive ANZAC remembrance services in Perth each year, attracting up to 40,000 people a year. The most popular being the dawn service.

Eat a meal in one of the best cafes or restaurants in Perth.

Whether you’re tired from exploring or are after a great place for lunch or dinner, there’s several restaurants and cafes to suit your needs. You can have breakfast or lunch at the Botanical Café, which serves a tremendous contemporary Australian menu. Or for dinner, head to Fraser’s restaurant on Fraser Avenue, which offers incredible food and drinks options into the evening but does come with a price to match the view.
And for parents out there, head into StickyBeaks Café, which has an excellent playground for the kids and serves delicious coffee for yourself.

Events and Concerts

Revellers take in a concert in the park. Photo: Tourism WA

The large open spaces in Kings Park make it a favourite location in Perth for concerts and exciting events. In the summer, check out the free and paid concerts that suit all ages and tastes. Shows provide a diverse range of music from pop and rock to classical and jazz and include local talent and internationally known bands and musicians. There are also free community events such as the fine art exhibitions held on an annual basis.

Enjoy the Sunset

In Western Australia, we are blessed to enjoy the best sunsets in Australia, and the panoramic views from the park are the best in Perth. One of the most popular locations to view the sunset is Kings Park because of the sweeping views of the city skyline, Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River. The dappled light as it passes through the native bushland truly highlights how captivating this place is. Make sure to check it out if you haven’t already.

A sunset is seen from Kings Park. Photo: Daniel Paletz

Aboriginal history

Kings Park has been a significant aboriginal site and intrinsic to local aboriginal culture for over 40,000 years. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the traditional custodians of Kings Park and the surrounding area. The park represents a significant spiritual, cultural and ecological landscape for the Whadjuk Noongar people. To learn more about the park stories, check out one of the tours that are run by local Noongar people who have a strong family connection to the Country.

Background image courtesy of Tourism WA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Parking
    • Kings Park parking is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Are Dogs allowed in Kings Park?
    • dogs are allowed within certain parts of the park. Provisions of this rule include that dogs must be on a lead, have their own water and food supply, and be under the control of their owner.
  • Are there toilets available?
    • You can access some toilets at all major visitor areas of the park. Access is available to disabled persons as well.
  • Is there public Transport to Kings Park?
    • Bus routes service Kings Park, including the 935 that runs through the Perth CBD and is free during the week when travelling in the city.
  • When was Kings Park Founded?
    • Kings Park is the oldest park in Western Australia. It was established in Perth in 1829.
  • Can you smoke in Kings Park?
    • Kings Park is a smoke-free zone, and smoking is not permitted anywhere in the park.
  • Is the Western Australian Botanic Garden Free?
    • Yes. The Western Australian Botanic Garden is Free for all.
  • Who looks after Kings Park?
  • Are all the plants native flora?
    • No. Not all the plants are native to WA or even to Australia.