Friday, September 19, 2025

Dark Sky Festival Program Unveiled. A Celebration of Astronomy, Aboriginal Culture, and Western Australian Food and Wine

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Dark Sky Festival Program Unveiled. A Celebration of Astronomy, Aboriginal Culture, and Western Australian Food and Wine

Get ready for a celestial event like no other! The McGowan Government has just announced an incredible lineup of events for the Dark Sky Festival in the Shires of Ashburton, Carnarvon, and Exmouth.

This festival is part of the government’s $22 million investment in the Total Solar Eclipse preparations and legacy, and it promises to make your trip to the Coral Coast for the Solar Eclipse on April 20, 2023, an unforgettable experience!

The Dark Sky Festival will run for four days, offering a mix of free and ticketed events that will cater to all tastes. From live music performances and family-friendly activities to exceptional dining experiences, stargazing tours, and photography lessons for budding astronomers, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the highlights of the festival is the inaugural Jamba Nyinayi Festival, a Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation event hosted by Traditional Owner Hazel Walgar at Cardabia Station near Coral Bay on April 19th, the night before the eclipse. Jamba Nyinayi will feature a drone show by Fremantle Biennale with storytelling from Traditional Owners, as well as local and original indigenous music, dance, food, and fire.

Music lovers will be thrilled to know that the Dark Sky Festival offers a new three-day family-friendly festival of live performances at SolFest in Talanjee Oval in Exmouth from April 19th to 21st, featuring local and Perth musicians. The best part? SolFest is free to attend for those with existing accommodation in the town of Exmouth.

Foodies, get ready to indulge! Exmouth will play host to a seaside seafood barbecue as part of the festival, as well as a Totality Brunch at The Yacht Club, offering fine dining as the Solar Eclipse takes place. Fremantle Biennale’s Aboriginal-inspired drone show will also take place on Town Beach in Exmouth on April 20th, the night of the Solar Eclipse.

Astronomy enthusiasts, you are in for a treat! There will be a series of Stargazing Sessions with Astrotourism WA astronomy guides, an astrophotography exhibition and workshops, SciTech STEM-based activities for children, and public talks including popular Western Australian astronomer Greg Quike.

Onslow will also offer a free waterfront street festival on April 20th, followed by a free concert with bands and DJs at Thalanyji Oval on April 22nd. And, for those who love a good gastronomic adventure, the Fervor Dark Sky Dining events at Dreamers Hill from April 21st to 22nd will merge astronomy with gastronomy!

The funding includes improvements to the region’s roads, marine infrastructure, telecommunication networks, and local facilities, and will contribute to a lasting legacy for the region.

If you haven’t booked your trip yet, it’s not too late! Thousands of international and domestic visitors are expected to travel to WA to witness the Total Solar Eclipse on April 20th, 2023. Exmouth is the best place in Australia located in the path of a 100 per cent eclipse, but there will be near-total eclipses across the region. Onslow and Coral Bay will experience 99 per cent darkness, while Carnarvon will enjoy about a 95 per cent eclipse.

Representatives from 14 State Government agencies have been working in partnership with the local shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon, and Ashburton, and the Department of Defence to ensure local communities, including businesses, are supported, and the region is prepared for an influx of visitors.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event and immerse yourself in the unique and captivating culture of Western Australia.

Say Goodbye to the Bayswater Bridge – Community Event to Farewell a True Perth Icon

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Say Goodbye to the Bayswater Bridge – Community Event to Farewell a True Perth Icon

It’s the end of an era for Bayswater as the world-famous Bayswater Bridge is set to be demolished in April.

The historic bridge, which is known for its 3.8m low clearance and frequently claiming vehicles that didn’t quite fit, is being removed. The demolition is part of a 26-day shutdown of the Midland and Airport lines, beginning on March 31 and running until April 26.

The shutdown is necessary to carry out round-the-clock works to build the new Bayswater Station, realign the Midland Line, facilitate the connection of the new Morley-Ellenbrook Line and complete construction of the Leake Street underpass.

The demolition of the bridge will also allow for the installation of approximately 1.8km of new track and other rail systems, allowing the Midland and Airport Lines to begin running on the new and higher Bayswater rail bridge from April 26.

Transperth will be providing detailed information in the coming weeks to ensure customers are aware of the alternative options available during the 26-day shutdown.

The new station is expected to be completed in September and while it is closed, a shuttle service will operate between Bayswater and the nearby Meltham Station, so Bayswater passengers can continue to access the Midland and Airport lines.

To show its appreciation for the inconvenience caused, the Public Transport Authority will be providing three months of free travel for existing, regular passengers who use a SmartRider to travel on train services to/from Bayswater Station.

As a testament to the bridge’s infamy, the demolition will be marked with a free celebratory community event on Sunday 30 April, which will feature entertainment, food stalls and bridge memorabilia.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “This 26-day closure of the Midland and Airport lines marks the end of the old Bayswater Bridge and creates space for work to start on the second half of the new Bayswater Station.

“Replacement services will lessen impacts to commuters while these essential works take place, and we’ve targeted the school holiday period to try and minimise disruption.

“We recognise the inconvenience this will cause and will be putting in place a shuttle service to get Bayswater passengers to the nearby Meltham Station, as well as offering regular Bayswater Station passengers free travel.”

The upcoming demolition of the Bayswater Bridge and the construction of the new Bayswater Station is the culmination of years of planning and hard work by the Transport Authority in order to provide a better service for commuters.

The new station and bridge will be a great asset to the Bayswater community, and the free community event on April 30 will be a fitting farewell to the old bridge and a chance for the community to celebrate the beginning of this new era.

Experience World-Class Entertainment at Fremantle’s International Street Arts Festival this Easter!

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Experience World-Class Entertainment at Fremantle’s International Street Arts Festival this Easter!

International artists and creatives are flocking back to Perth and Western Australia after a slow 2022 and an iron curtain-like blockade of our borders during covid.

The much-loved International Street Arts Festival is set to hit the cobblestones of Fremantle after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

From April 7 to 10, the port city will be transformed with a vibrant program of activities as around 150,000 people flock to the city. The festival is the largest of its kind in Australasia and is the centrepiece of the City of Fremantle’s arts and cultural program.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the City had been working hard post-COVID to enhance Fremantle’s status as a destination city and the return of the Streets Arts Festival would provide another welcome boost for businesses.

“Once again this Easter, the streets of our historic city will be transformed into an open-air theatre packed with amazing, weird and wacky performers, as our much-loved festival comes back with a bang,” she said.

The Cappuccino Strip will be closed to vehicles, allowing venues to extend their alfresco dining out onto the street. Night shows will complement the daily program of festival activities which will be held on stages around the city including at Walyalup Koort, Esplanade Park and Fishing Boat Harbour.

The festival will feature international acts from Japan, Scotland, Zimbabwe, Northern Ireland, Ethiopia, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, the Philippines and the USA, along with performers from around Australia.

“Whether you’re coming from around the corner or around the world, you can be sure of a very warm welcome in Freo this Easter,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

Fremantle’s International Street Arts Festival is sure to be a highlight of the Easter long weekend, with its unique blend of performances, sights and sounds sure to draw crowds from near and far. It’s a great chance to show the world just how vibrant and exciting the port city can be.

So save the date for the most Freo of Freo festivals of the year.

For full program details and all other events in Fremantle, visit www.streetartsfestival.com.au and www.visitfremantle.com.au.

Photo by Gnangarra

Witness the Spectacular 2023 Total Solar Eclipse in Western Australia – Get your tickets now!

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Witness the Spectacular 2023 Total Solar Eclipse in Western Australia – Get your tickets now!

Get Ready for the Phenomenal 2023 Total Solar Eclipse in Western Australia

The world is gearing up for one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical events of the year, the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse. Western Australia is set to be the prime location to witness this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, with thousands of visitors expected to converge in the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.

The WA state government has begun selling tickets to the Eclipse Viewing Site. Located between Exmouth and Learmonth, the Eclipse Viewing Site will provide visitors with one of the best opportunities to experience the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse in all its glory. With three thousand general admission tickets now available, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

“The countdown is on. In less than 80 days, the shadow of the moon will graze the tip of Western Australia across a 40-kilometre-wide track, travelling over one of the most beautiful parts of the world – the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo region near Exmouth,” said State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook.

Exmouth is the only town in Australia that will be in the path of totality, with an estimated 62 seconds of maximum darkness. The solar eclipse will occur over a three-hour period, with totality in Exmouth at approximately 11:29 AM (WST), when the sun, moon and Earth align. Visitors to the Eclipse Viewing Site will get to experience the maximum amount of darkness.

While Exmouth will experience a 100 per cent solar eclipse, other towns in the region will experience near-total darkness. Onslow and Coral Bay will have 99 per cent darkness, while Carnarvon will be about 95 per cent. The Eclipse Viewing Site will be open from 7 AM to 4 PM, with free drinking water and marquees for shade available for visitors.

The WA government has invested nearly $22 million to ensure the readiness of the region for the expected surge in visitors. Grants totalling more than $837,000 have been provided to 40 local Gascoyne and Pilbara businesses, and upgrades across the region are underway, including improvements to the roads, marine infrastructure, telecommunication networks and local facilities.

Funding from the WA government has also been used to set up a temporary camping site at Welch Street in Exmouth to provide additional accommodation for the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse. Serviced campsites are now open for booking, and self-contained sites are still available to book at https://bookingsau.newbook.cloud/exmouth/index.php.

“We know this extraordinary astronomical event is going to attract a surge in international and domestic visitors to the region, and that is why we are helping to make sure local communities and businesses are as prepared as possible,” said Minister Cook.

Representatives from 14 state government agencies have been working in partnership with the local shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon and Ashburton, and the Department of Defence to ensure local communities, including businesses, are supported and the region is prepared for an influx of visitors.

Visitors to the Eclipse Viewing Site have two options for general admission tickets. The first option, priced at $50 plus booking fee, includes a packed lunch and options for parking. The second option, priced at $90 plus booking fee, includes a packed lunch and shuttle bus transport to and from four designated locations. Tickets can be purchased from https://megatix.com.au/events/ningaloo-eclipse-ga

“The Eclipse Viewing Site is an opportunity to experience the maximum amount of darkness alongside scientific experts and eclipse chasers from around the world,” said Minister Cook. “We want to see the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse leave a lasting legacy for the growing tourist centres in the Ningaloo region.”

For more information visit https://ningalooeclipse.com/

Photo Courtesy of Tourism WA

4 Healthy Activities in Perth to Shake the Winter Blues

Yuri Cartland
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4 Healthy Activities in Perth to Shake the Winter Blues

Let’s get you out of the house (no lockdown provided) and into healthy activities in Perth. Yes, Perth is one of the warmest places in Australia. So what if our winters still provide sunny 20-degree days with beautiful clear blue skies. What everyone forgets is that it’s all relative. When you’re used to 35 degrees+ each day, a drop to 18 is still bloody cold. So while people in Melbourne look at us and baulk ‘it’s not that cold, here in Vic it’s blah blah blah’, we Westerners can shout out ‘you don’t know me!’. Because let’s be fair, it’s freezing out there and some of us aren’t getting our regular beach days or walks along the river.

We’re here to give you the warmest, healthy things you can do in Perth to get the blood flowing freely again.

Sauna

Those Scandinavians know true cold and have perfected the art of sitting in a small room full of hot steamy action. Saunas are immensely satisfying and have a range of health benefits including increased blood flow, heart function and anti-ageing (to name a few).

There are a few sauna places around Perth and you can search for one that suits you. But to get started, Sweatbox Saunas are a great place. They are all private rooms so you can get comfortable by yourself or with a friend or partner and enjoy some infrared rays while you are at it.

Sensory Deprivation Tanks

Floating in a salt-filled tank where all sense of space, time and meaning fade into the background. While it might sound a bit new-age and airy-fairy, sensory deprivation tanks or isopods pack a huge range of health benefits all at a perfect body temperature. From easing chronic pain, reducing stress and anxiety to increased focus and mediation, these things work.

If you are a little claustrophobic and don’t like the idea of being in a small pod, check out Beyond Rest for the largest tanks in town.

Hot Yoga

Now nothing quite gets the blood flowing like hot yoga. You will be drenched to the bone in sweat by the time your finished and you’ll probably swear you’ll never come back, but we know you will. There’s a reason why Bikram became a world wide movement, because people absolutely love it and its great for you in so many ways.

If you’re a bit nervous or have never done yoga, let a lone hot yoga before, check out Hot For Yoga. They are trying to break the stereotype that hot yoga is only for young, super fit, experienced yogi’s and have a created a warm (forgive the pun) welcoming space for people of all skill levels.

Drink mulled wine

Some of you might be thinking that ‘yes’ finally a warm healthy activity that is right up my alley. And yes, we are thinking the same thing. Any healthy activity that contains wine might also draw a fair bit of scepticism but trust us, mulled wine is actually good for you.

Being a mix of red wine, spices, herbs and fruit, most mulled wine offers a range of health benefits and was originally created to stave off winter colds and depressions. Some claim that mulled wine reduces inflammation, relieves stress, slows down the ageing process and provide a boost in memory function.

A lot of Perth bars will be concocting their own mulled wines, ciders and hot toddies this winter so find your cosy local and get sipping. But of course, everything in moderation, dear friends (including moderation itself)

Stay safe, stay warm and stay classy out there you beautiful people of Perth. \

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8 Reasons Moondyne Joe was an Absolute Legend.

Yuri Cartland
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8 Reasons Moondyne Joe was an Absolute Legend.

Moondyne Joe is Western Australia’s most loved bush ranger and a part of Australian convict history. Whilst he might not have been as daring as old Ned Kelly, Moondyne made a name for himself through constantly flouting the inadequacies of colonial prisons, robbing and generally giving the middle finger to authority.

His legacy and myth can be seen throughout Perth and Western Australia today and he, by all means, is a true legend of Western Australia.

Here are eight reasons why Moondyne Joe was an absolute legend.

Stuck to his Guns

Before he was Moondyne Joe, WA’s beloved convict bushranger was Joseph Bolitho Johns. Joseph, being the son of a Welsh blacksmith was likely not a wealthy man and resorted to stealing to fill his belly. One night at 2.30 am, Joseph and his companion were innocently walking near Monmouth, Wales when they caught the eye of two policemen. Even in 1848 walking around at 2.30 am was a tad dodgy. Upon questioning and searching they were found in possession of several kinds of cheese a piece of hard animal fat, 2 bits of bacon and 3 loaves of bread.

Sounds like a nice picnic… The pair were arrested and sent to trial where Moondyne Joe was adamant they were innocent. Despite the fact that the exact same items were reported stolen earlier and the sentence for theft would have been reasonable light, Joseph denied any wrongdoing. Maintaining that it was pure coincidence that they were found in the vicinity with the exact same items a nearby home reported stolen.

For his stubbornness, the court sentenced him to transportation to the Swan River Colony for 10 years.

Maybe it really was just a coincidence…

Actually did his first stint

Moondyne Joe was an ideal prisoner to start his time in Australia. He had excellent behaviour on the convict transport over and was awarded a ticket of leave upon arrival into Fremantle, Western Australia, where he was free to seek out employment, own land and marry. Ticket of leave men were required to remain in the colony and needed permission to move about different districts, however.

After four years of good behaviour and living the life of an animal trapper, Moondyne Joe was a free man.

So, despite getting shafted with transportation, Moondyne was a stoic enough bloke and took it on the chin.

Left on the Horse he rode in on

While he had a great start to convict life in Australia, Moondyne Joe was to cross the law and start a spiral of escapes and escapades that made him the legend he is today. The first of which was when Moondyne Joe was accused of horse stealing and taken to a lock-up in Toodyay where he allegedly just took the door of its hinges to escape. Seeing the ‘evidence’, (the horse tied up outside) he decided to steal it again and bugger off to freedom.

Unfortunately, he was apprehended just two day’s later and sent to Fremantle Gaol where he was ordered to serve 3 years which he did without incident.

Had a special cell built for him

After his stint in Fremantle Prison, Moondyne Joe once again was accused of animal theft. This time he allegedly shot an ox which he veraciously denied until the end of his days.

Maybe he really didn’t do this one because old Moondyne Joe was not going to cop this on the chin, and he would escape three times in four months making a mockery of the magistrate and the gaol system.

The governor had had enough of this and had an escape-proof cell made for him, which you can still see at the Fremantle Prison today.

The cell was only 4×7, made with Jarrah planks, a tiny, iron bar window and held in had iron chains attached to the floor.

Escaped in his undies

After a while in his escape-proof cell with only a bucket for a toilet and spending months in irons, Moondyne’s health was not the best. Being let outside to break rocks for some fresh air he was placed under guard as he used a pickaxe to labour away.

Fortunately for Moondyne Joe, the guards were pretty lax and he was able to subtly pickaxe a hole right through the prison walls. Getting out of sight, he stood his pickaxe up and draped his clothes over it, creating a scarecrow type figure to fool the useless guards a little longer.

In his undies, Moondyne Joe would make his escape from Fremantle Gaol where he would not be caught for another 2 years!

Caught at a winery in the Swan Valley

Over the next 2 years, Moondyne Joe would make a name for himself robbing stores and raiding farms but his demise came while he was at a winery in the swan valley.

For an on the run colonial convict, a winery is probably a great place to pick up some ‘supplies’ and soak up the beauty of the Swan Valley. However, whilst running out past the owner he ran into the arms of two policemen who were invited over for a drink. Unlucky, Joe.

Thus came the end of Western Australia’s most beloved scoundrel, bushman ranger, escape artist and his run ins with the law.

Lived until 72

Moondyne Joe would eventually get pardoned after serving a few more years in prison and would go on to live a quiet life as a carpenter, married to a young bride.

Moondyne would live until the very ripe old age of 72! For a person in the 1800s that is a decent inning’s as the average life expectancy was around 35. Fair play.

Joe was buried on 15 August 1900 in a pauper’s grave in Fremantle Cemetery if you want to pay your reaspects to the famous bushranger.

Has a Moondyne Festival held each year in his honour.

I wonder how bemused Moondyne Joe would be after learning that there is a festival held each year in Toodyay which re-enacts his, dramatic escape and the more eventful parts of his life?

The Moondyne Festival is held each year and I highly recommend every West Aussie make the pilgrimage at least once in their life to pay homage to the infamous character from the convict period. Find out more here.

The Actual Hottest Holiday Spots in WA

Yuri Cartland
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The Actual Hottest Holiday Spots in WA

Baby, it’s cold outside. Well, it is for anyone from Perth, anyway. Winter is upon us people of Perth, and it’s time to get those track pants out and blankets on the bed. While most of the world will look at Perth winter average temperatures of 8-20 degrees and think that’s a nice spring day, for us, it feels like ice daggers. However, the benefit of living in a state bigger than Western Europe, is that we get a diverse climate. Let’s get you back into your board shorts and flip flops in the hottest holiday spots in WA.

Marble Bar

Literally known as ‘the hottest town in Australia’, Marble Bar is famous for holding a Guinness Book Record for recording 161 consecutive days of not dropping lower than 37.8 degrees. Now that is a bloody scorcher. Located in the Pilbara, a casual 17-hour drive from Perth, Marble Bar is a perfect example of a gold rush town in rural WA. Established in 1893 after the discovery of gold in 1890 the town is a testament to early pioneers and those willing to brave the desert heat looking to strike it rich.

You won’t be sprawled out on the beach, but there’s plenty of things to see and do. Take a dip in one of the many pools or gorges that are a short drive out of town. Or soak up the heritage and history at the Marble Bar museum, old mine sites and pioneer graveyards. And of course, it wouldn’t be a true-blue pioneer town without a decent pub. The Ironclad Hotel (sounds badass) was the 2nd permanent structure in the town and… wait for it… the first pub in WA to get air conditioning. Nice!

Karijini

Karijina national park really needs no introduction. The gorges, mountains and rock formations are iconic in Western Australia. And guess what, it’s also pretty damn hot. Perth winter is the perfect time to head there for a spot of camping, walking and relaxing by the pools. Averaging around 25 degrees during the winter months means it’s warm but not too warm and perfect for doing some of the longer hikes around.

Swimming after a long hike is a must but trust us, the water is very cold indeed. A nice little hack is to take a floating ring with you. Kick back and enjoy the magical pools of Karijini whilst not freezing your ass off. Also, be sure to take some sensible footwear, water and a lunch and pay attention to signage for any warnings. 

Dampier Peninsula

Above Broome, rising out of the map like a shark fin is the Dampier Peninsula, one of the more underrated holiday destinations in WA. What has been a relatively isolated, well kept local secret for years, the Dampier offers truly amazing beaches, bush, wildlife and a genuine Western Australian experience.

The infamous Cape Leveque Road that cuts through the peninsula has been renown for its corrugation and harsh conditions. However, the entire road has recently been sealed. Meaning that the Dampier is set to become a sought-after holiday destination in WA.

There’s a load of beautiful camping and accommodation areas throughout but pick your spot wisely. It’s crocodile country up there and swimming is not advised everywhere. For a great experience, head to the top of the peninsula and Kooljaman retreat.  Here you can find accommodation, food, camping spots and indigenous tours of the local area and wildlife.

There are several indigenous communities dotted throughout the peninsula also. If you’re interested in visiting one, it’s best to enquire beforehand at the Broome Tourist information centre or directly through the communities themselves.

Kununurra

Try saying Kununurra out loud 5 times fast. Yep, it’s pretty much impossible. Kununurra boasts average winter temperatures in the mid 20’s and some days will see the mercury reach into the 30’s. This is the perfect winter destination for us softies in Perth. What makes Kununurra such a great spot is the fact it is surrounded by some of the best landscape in all of Australia.

Sitting in the east of the Kimberley, Kununurra makes a perfect base camp to explore the many rivers, gorges and sea inlets that make this part of the world truly one of a kind. You can take boats, planes and 4wd’s to some places other parts of the world can only dream of.

Kings Park – A Park Above the Rest

Yuri Cartland
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Kings Park – A Park Above the Rest

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.

6 Perth History Tours to Connect You This Amazing City

Yuri Cartland
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6 Perth History Tours to Connect You This Amazing City

Here’s six Perth History tours to take in your own backyard.

People of Perth, let me tell you something you already know; you’re not going on your yearly Bali trip or that big European adventure you were going to get super cultured from. You are stuck here in Australia. But what if I told you that you can feel cultured right here in your own city? That’s right, there’s a ton of interesting historic places and stories right in your own backyard that I bet you’ve never heard of. So put on your walking shoes, open your mind to Perth’s history and connect more with the place you live.

Companies –

Two feet and a Heart Beat

Two Feet and a Heartbeat are one of Perth’s, indeed Australia’s, premier walking tour companies. They offer tours all about a wide variety of Perth and Perth history subjects. From whisky and fine dining tours to scavenger hunts and culture tours, you can learn almost anything from this lot.

But what really gets us to perk up and pay attention is their crimes of Perth walking tour. If it bleeds it leads is a popular saying in media, and there’s a reason for it. It gets your attention! Discover the untold underbelly stories of our idyllic city and gain a newfound appreciation for your door locks.

Check out https://www.twofeet.com.au/find/tours/?destination=perth for more information.

Go Cultural

Western Australia and Perth has a long and rich aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years. Explore cultural significant sites that are right on your doorstep. Go Cultural run tours of Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and Rottnest Island that will teach you all about Noongar history, customs and Dreamtime stories.

We highly recommend that all visitors and locals consider the Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) tour. The beautiful and popular holiday island is an iconic favourite destination to visit. But most don’t realise the high significance the place has for Noongar peoples and under the beauty, the island hides a dark past.

Visit https://www.gocultural.com.au/

Oh Hey WA

Run by two born and bred Perth sisters, Adie and Robyn, who have a serious passion for Perth history. Not to mention the name is just super catchy and satisfying to say out loud. Oh Hey WA, run a varied tour itinerary that mirrors the diverse nature of the city. They’ve got gin tours, street art tours, hens days, wine tours and private tours for you and your mates.

If you’re looking for a good overall tour that teaches you a bit about the history, bars and interesting areas, check out the number one rated Trip Advisor tour; The ULTIMATE Perth Walking Tour. Lasting a bit over two hours, this is a great tour to get you started on your journey to connect with Perth a little more.

Dodgy Perth

Don’t fancy walking around with people and being talked to a whole bunch? Maybe you’re more of a ‘I can find my own way around’ type of person. Or maybe you prefer your tour with a healthy dollop of alcohol. Well, Dodgy Perth has the tour for you! A self-guided alcohol and architecture tour where you can go at your own pace in terms of walking and alcohol consumption. Visit their site for the list of pubs and bookmark it in your phone for when you’re out and about.

Also, check out their FB page for announcements of guided tours led by the legendary Perth historian and the master of dry architecture humour, Eddie Marcus. These tours are free and a great way to see the city, especially through an architectural lens (which is actually more interesting than it sounds).  Visit facebook.com/DodgyPerth

Fremantle Prison

The colonial history of Perth is intrinsically tied to the sandstone behemoth overlooking the port of Fremantle. While Perth was intended to be a settlement free from convicts, after a few years the fledgling colony was floundering. Enter the cons. The extra labour the convicts contributed was key to Perth’s success. And Fremantle Prison is now an excellent place to learn about early life in Perth whilst also taking a trip through darker events of more recent history.

The prison runs five different tours; Convict Prison, Behind Bars, True Crime, Tunnels and a torchlight tour. These are all incredible experiences and are a must for visitors and locals and it’s hard to recommend just one. We would suggest starting with the convict prison tour and locking in a second one once you learn a bit more about the prison.

Visit https://fremantleprison.com.au/tours/

Bindjareb Park

Located an hour out of Perth is Binjareb Park, an Aboriginal cultural site and 22ha nature sanctuary. Run by Karrie-Anne Kearing, the director and traditional owner and keeper of knowledge, Banjareb Park offers a wealth of cultural insight and experience in the heart of Pinjarra.

All tours are by appointment and are a great way to learn about Noongar culture, heritage, food and history. Learn about the use of plants, enjoy local films and visit the remains of the Aboriginal Reserve. The bush tucker they provide on some of their tours is absolutely superb and highly recommended.

 Visit https://bindjarebpark.com.au/our-tours/

6 Road Trip Safety Tips to Survive Your West Australian Adventure

Yuri Cartland
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6 Road Trip Safety Tips to Survive Your West Australian Adventure

Western Australia is many things, beautiful, big, sparse and at times unforgiving. Each year a number of people meet their end while driving through WA. Most of the time a few bits of information would have helped them avoid that fate. So, let’s take a look at some road trip safety tips for Western Australia.

Car Service

Whether you’ve just bought a second-hand backpacker bargain or your taking your long-trusted daily driver, get your car serviced before you leave. Having someone look over the essentials and making sure your car is in good running order might seem obvious, but its something not to be taken lightly.

Also, make sure you know some basics about your car. Like what tire pressure you should be at, what type of oil runs best for your your car and how far a tank of gas will take you. Your car is your lifeline out there on the road, take care of it.

Take Water

Obvious statement – Australia can get hot. Take plenty of spare water with you. We’re talking over 20 litres of the stuff and make sure you refill it at a gas station after you’ve been camping or drinking a lot. Water will save your life.

Fuel Management

Knowing how far you’ll get on a tank of petrol is one thing and knowing where you’re going to fill up again is another. If you are doing some serious touring, you will want to look very carefully at the distances between fuel stops. Also, just because you get 8 litres per hundred K’s when driving down Kwinana freeway, does not mean you’ll get the same when road tripping. Extra weight, roofracks and towing can reduce your fuel efficiency dramatically.

Check out Fuel Map as a way to plan your fuel stops

First Aid Kit

Another essential piece of road trip safety is a good quality first aid kit. Try to not completely cheap out on this item as there is a drastic increase in quality and capabilities. Also, try and buy locally made kits that are specifically designed for Australian conditions and will have things like snake bite treatment available. After you’ve bought it, get familiar with its contents. The last thing you want in an emergency is to be shuffling through the first aid kit not knowing what you’re looking for.  

Communications Equipment

Being able to let people know where you are and what type of help you need is road trip safety 101. And no, your phone will not work everywhere in this country so make some other arrangements. Common communication gear is a UHF radio, a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon.

What to do if you break down

Breaking down is a fact of life. It happens whether you’re in a $100,000 dollar luxury road tourer or a $1500 beat up backpacker wagon. Although, probably more likely in the latter. It sucks, but it happens. If you do break down on West Australian roads; pull off the road to the left, turn your hazard lights on and your engine off (if running). Stay calm, and call for help. Ring your roadside assistance provider or call RAC. RAC will come out even if you are not a member but you’ll be charged.

If you’re in a place with no reception, stay with your car and wait for assistance. Wait a bit for someone to come past and try and hail them down. Or if you’re in a real remote area with no chance of help, it’s time to hit that emergency beacon or call emergency services with your sat phone. But always, stay with or close by your car if safe to do so. If rescuers are looking for you, you will be easier to spot. The car will provide shelter and you hopefully have a supply of food and water with you.

Road Etiquette

Driving can get stressful and it’s easy for people to get frustrated and angry on long journeys. Maintaining and following basic road etiquette will make everyone’s time on the road easier. In safe conditions, you should be doing the speed limit. People hate getting stuck behind slower cars or especially campervans and people towing trailers.

If you see cars backing up behind you and clear road in front of you, you’re likely the problem. Pull over to a rest area or just wait until an overtaking lane appears. And please, don’t speed up once you are in an overtaking lane, just let people pass you.

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