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One place that just about every visitor to Perth goes to see is Kings Park. It is located on Mount Eliza just west of Perth city centre and offers
stunning views over the Swan River, South Perth and the CBD.
The park covers over 400 hectares and includes manicured gardens as well as bush land. Gov. James Stirling
and Surveyor John Septimus Roe set aside the land for 'public purposes' only
2 years after the Swan River Colony was first established. In 1872 the land was officially gazetted as a public park. In 1890 more land was added to the original park
bringing it to its current size.
In 1895 the area was formally called The Perth Park but this changed to King's Park in 1901 to celebrate the accession of King Edward VII.
Walking, picnicking and sight seeing are the most popular activities in the park but the best time of year to visit is during early spring (September to October) when
the wildflower displays are at their very best.
The Kings Park festival is held each September and the park is very busy during this time.
There are a number of different events held in the park during the year and to find out what is on when you should visit the park website link.
During the warm summer months Moonlight Cinema operates in the park and you can enjoy watching a movie under the stars.
As you drive through the bush sections of the park you will notice name plaques at the base of many large trees. Each of these commemorates a
serviceman killed in war. Overlooking the city is the main war memorial and this is the usual venue for ANZAC Day services.
Kings Park offers a great opportunity for overseas visitors who don't have the time to venture out into the bush to see a great variety of our unique plant
species. Boab trees from the Kimberley, banksias from the south west and wildflowers from the goldfields all mingle together in the botanic gardens.
There are about 3,000 of W.A.'s 12,000 plant species on display in the gardens.
Educating visitors in the importance of our bio-diversity is one of the primary functions of the park Authority. This include formal programs for schools,
free guided walks, workshops and publications.
Community involvement is encouraged through programs like, Friends of the Park, Park Guides, Volunteer Gardeners and the Honour Avenue Group.
Kings Park is one of the great icons of Western Australia and is visited by over 6 million people a year. Whether you go to admire the views, climb the
DNA Tower, walk the bush trails, see the wildflowers or just relax and enjoy a picnic, Kings Park is a 'must see' destination for anyone visiting Perth.
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