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Picnic areas, walking tracks, cycleways, hectares of natural bushland and magnificent views of Perth and the Swan River from Mt Eliza combine to make Kings Park and Botanic Garden an attractive place of leisure, play, walks and botanical forays in natural surroundings.
Close to the city centre, the eastern section of Kings Park and Botanic Garden is within easy walking distance of Perth city's main street, St Georges Terrace.
How big is it?
In total area, Kings Park and Botanic Garden comprise 400 hectares (1000 acres), with some 346 hectares of natural bushland, so you'd need to drive or catch public transport to reach some of the accessible but remote park fringes.
However, most visitors to Kings Park limit themselves to the developed parkland (about 37 hectares) and the botanic garden (17 hectares) and both these areas lie close to the city centre.
King Park's most prominent knoll, Mt Eliza, provides spectacular views of the Western Australia capital and its river, the Swan.
Why Kings Park?
What is now Kings Park used to be known as Perth Park. It changed its named in 1901 to mark the ascension to the English throne of King Edward VII and the visit to Perth of the king's son, the Duke of Cornwell, and Princess Mary who were later to rule as King George and Queen Mary.
Selection of plants
A selection of Western Australia flora, including the state flower, the red and green kangaroo paw, is to be found in the botanic garden, as well as plants from eastern Australia and other Mediterranean climates.
Of the 470 species recorded in the bushland, almost 300 are native to Kings Park and Botanic Garden. There are 150 species of weeds, and the remaining plants are native to other parts of Western Australia or Australia.
Guided walks
Free guided walks start from across the road from the flower clock on Fraser Ave at 10am and 2pm daily.
Wildflower season
While various types of plant flower in Kings Park and Botanic Garden throughout the year, a large number bloom during the wildflower season from August to October.
A month-long Wildflower Festival is held in September.
Eucalypts and pines
Eucalypts such as jarrah and karri trees, sugar gums and bangalays, as well as Bunya and Norfolk Island pines, are among the many species of trees found in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
