Kings Park, the Best Park in Perth
Luring locals as successfully as it does its six million annual visitors, Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks. Living up to its name this immense native parkland on the slopes of Mount Eliza offers spectacular views over the city skyline where the Swan and Canning Rivers meet and is definitely the best park in Perth.
At 400 hectares, it is 60 hectares larger than Central Park in NYC and for locals, equally as iconic. Home of the Western Australian Botanic Gardens, it is studded with trees, vast green lawns, fountains, pavilions, kids’ playgrounds, a suspended bridge, and dense wildflower carpets – all just five minutes from the Perth CBD.
How to get to Kings Park
Kings Park is just a short distance from the Perth CBD. There are a few options to get there including walking, driving a car, taking a public bus (free from Perth city) or hiring a scooter.
The City of Perth offers free travel on buses and trains through and around the CBD as long as you start and finish your travel within the same Zone. To get to Kings Park via bus, we recommend Transperth bus route 935 which travels from St Georges Terrace right into the heart of the Park at the Fraser Avenue Precinct. To plan your journey visit the Transperth Website.
Free parking is available many areas of Kings Park. The main car park is Wadjuk Carpark, located behind Fraser’s Restaurant, which gives access to the main attractions of the park.
What you’ll see in the Park
On entering Kings Park via Fraser Avenue, smooth, pale lemon-scented gum trees line the road stretching into Perth’s blue sky. Each tree features memorial plaques for prominent Western Australian citizens commemorated in 1929, the centenary of the colonial establishment. At night coloured lights illuminate these iconic trees making this a beautiful spot for a sunset picnic.
Two-thirds of Kings Park is protected untamed scrub with sand or paved trails, a conservation reserve in the urban area. The walking tracks and designated cycle paths allow visitors the chance to appreciate over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora.
Western Australia War Memorial
Kings Park is also home to the State War Memorial Precinct where more than 40,000 people congregate every year for the Anzac Day Dawn Service. This area features the Cenotaph, Court of Contemplation, Flame of Remembrance, and a Pool of Reflection; with memorials to various battles, military units, prisoners of war, and other groups found throughout the parklands.
Free Walking Tours in Kings Park
Another big plus for this park is the free walking tours run by passionate volunteers. The tours run daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Tours depart from opposite the Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop. Self-guided walks are also a great way to experience the trails at your own pace. For spectacular views and an encounter with the Western Australian wildflowers and fauna, our suggestion is to take the Botanic Garden Discovery Walk.
Tree Top Walk in Kings Park
Walk among the treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. The famous “glass bridge” suspended 52 metres in the air over a canopy of tall eucalypts offers spectacular views of the city and its waterways. This experience will leave you breathless! The elevated section of the walkway is open between 9.00am to 5.00pm daily, and entry is free.
Where to eat in Kings Park
There are a number of great cafes and restaurants throughout Kings Park. The Botanical Cafe near the Visitor Centre is a great spot for coffee or lunch with a view if you are near the Botanic Garden or War Memorial. Zamia Cafe in the May Drive Parklands zone, offers casual dining overlooking one of Perth’s best playgrounds. They have a great range of made-in-house cakes, and are open until 4pm so its a regular spot for us for afternoon tea.
Koorak (‘place of bush tucker’ in Noongar) is set in the Poolgarla Family Area of Kings Park right next to the Ivey Watson Playground. With plenty of alfresco seating taking in the gorgeous green surroundings, this light and stylish, casual licensed eatery has to be one of the best spots in Perth for breakfast or lunch – or just for coffee and cake with friends!
History of Kings Park
We think it is pretty incredible that this green space has been retained in the heart of a capital city! All thanks to the efforts of John Septimus Roe – the first surveyor-general of the Swan River colony. After European settlement in 1829, Roe protected the wooded area, noting its value. But by 1835 its use as a timber mill was more attractive to Perth’s early inhabitants. Logging continued for 36 years until a large tract was successfully preserved. By 1890, the parkland was extended, and soon after it officially opened. It was given the name Kings Park in 1901 to mark King Edward VII’s ascension to the throne.
Things to know before you go
- Kings Park is completely free for entry.
- Dogs are welcome in most areas of Kings Park provided they are on a leash no longer than two metres.
- Toilet facilities are available throughout Kings Park and Botanic Garden at all major visitor precincts.
- There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the parklands. Free electric BBQs are available at Poolgarla Family Area, Pines Picnic Area, Saw Avenue Picnic Area and May Drive Parkland. Download this map showing the Picnic and BBQ facilities.
- The Kings Park Festival runs every year in September, with stunning displays, a variety of walks, talks, and wellness events plus thousands of WA wildflowers in full bloom.
Perth people love being outdoors and enjoying the sunshine, and Kings Park is the place to be. Every weekend you will see picnic rugs covering the vast grass along Fraser Avenue and around the War Memorial. It’s a magnificent setting for social events and weddings.
No matter how often we go, this park blows us away with its beauty and views every time!!