Kings Park: Everything you need to know

Every Perth local who lives or works around the CBD knows that the best place to find solace from the busy crowds is at Kings Park.

One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park is rich in history and overflowing with natural beauty – here’s everything you need to know:

What is it?

Larger than New York City’s famous Central Park, Kings Park stretches across a whopping 400 hectares of protected bushland. Kings Park and Botanical Garden is a diverse biological home to over 3,000 varieties of the state’s native flora and fauna. Boasting a visitors’ centre, gallery shop and multiple food options, there is much to explore throughout this monstrous city park.

Where is it?

Situated 1.5km from the CBD and located conveniently at the heart of Perth City, Kings Park overlooks the magnificent Swan River. Public transport is easily accessible from around the city, with bus route 935 shuffling daily from St George’s Terrace daily and the (free) Blue Cat bus from Perth Busport.

Driving to the park can sometimes be difficult depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. The drive is generally stress free during weekdays and non-busy periods, and there is free parking provided across multiple car parks on site.

Main roads and shared paths spread throughout the park, making it easy to get from one attraction to the next.

What to do:

Bustling with adventures for the whole family, the park hosts frequent events (like September’s Kings Park Festival) and various fun activities throughout the year to cater to all interests.

If its exploring WA’s unique wildflower’s you’re after, the Bushland Nature Trail leads you on a tour through the park’s abundant native flora and fauna.

Take advantage of the free daily walking tours across the park like those amongst the treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.

Discover an ancient Indigenous meeting place at Beedawong and learn more about this area’s aboriginal history including the area at the base of Kings Park AKA Goonininup, which was a significant ceremonial and dreaming area for male Aboriginals.

Wonder at panoramic views from the DNA Tower and get lost in the tranquility of nature.

Remember history by visiting the Flame of Remembrance at the State War Memorial or exploring the Kokoda Track Walk to honour the fallen.

Kids are spoilt for choice between the Poorlgarla Family Area, May Drive Parklands, Saw Avenue Picnic Area and Rio Tinto Naturescape Park – just park up a chair and soak up the serenity while the kids entertain themselves.

In terms of eating, outside of being a fantastic spot to bring your own food and drink for a picnic, there’s a host of cafes to choose from including Zamia Cafe, Koorak Cafe, Botanical Cafe and Kings Park Kiosk.

For something more substantial, Fraser’s Restaurant offers more high-end fare with some spectacular views of the park, Perth and the Swan River.

What not to do:

Dogs are permitted in certain areas of the park if kept on a leash but are not allowed within 10m of any playgrounds.

Cycling is possible on main roads and permitted shared paths which, along with trialing of e-scooters in the area, means that your poor feet don’t have to suffer.

Kings Park endorses a smoke-free environment, along with no alcohol consumption.

The “hobby” use of drones is also not permitted.

Anything Else:

This space is home to many protected local life forms which should be treated with respect, meaning that it’s only fair you tidy up after yourself and don’t cause any unnecessary damage.