What is Kings Park in Perth?
Kings Park is a huge park overlooking Perth and the Swan River. Covering about 400 hectares, it is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and includes a major botanic garden.
About two-thirds of the park is native bushland, giving visitors a taste of Western Australian nature only minutes from the city centre. The area was first set aside as a public reserve in 1872 and was named Kings Park in 1901 to mark the accession of King Edward VII.
The Western Australian Botanic Garden inside the park displays thousands of native plant species, many found nowhere else in the world. Spring brings bright wildflowers, including kangaroo paws, banksias and everlastings.
Views and memorials
Lookouts along Fraser Avenue offer some of the best views of the Perth skyline, the Swan River and the Darling Range. The avenue is lined with lemon-scented gums that are lit up at night.
The State War Memorial and its eternal flame stand on the escarpment, and Anzac Day dawn services draw large crowds. Honour avenues of trees carry plaques for Western Australians who died in war.
The Lotterywest Federation Walkway includes a glass-and-steel bridge through the treetops. The Kings Park Festival each September celebrates spring wildflowers with displays, walks and events.
Did You Know?
The park's DNA Tower has 101 steps and a double spiral staircase, offering a lookout over the bushland.