Kings Park and Botanic Garden

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Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge Whadjuk people as the traditional custodians of Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Kaarta Koomba, Mooro Katta and Kaarta Gar-up are some of the many names Aboriginal people have for Mount Eliza, on which Kings Park and Botanic Garden sits. 

This is a photograph of a small waterfall within Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Water gushes down the stream and falls onto brown rocks, creating patches of white cloudy water at the base. 
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Empty headingOverview of Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world’s largest inner city parks, and an incredibly diverse, beautiful one at that! 

Located just five minutes west of the Perth CBD on Mount Eliza, Kings Park offers sweeping views of the city and Swan River. The 400 hectare park is made up of manicured gardens, native bushland, educational and recreational facilities, and plenty of places to play! 

You can explore the park by following one of many walk trails or designated cycle paths, or by car. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy atop the green grass of Fraser Avenue (one of four picnic areas – see our Points of Interest for more) and make use of the free electric barbecues available.  

Visit the free-to-enter Botanic Garden to see over 3,000 varieties of WA’s native flora, including rare and threatened species. We also highly recommend stopping in at Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park to enjoy some next-level nature play! 

For those who want the complete Kings Park experience, there are multiple cafes, the Visitor Information Centre and Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop to check out too. 

Entry to Kings Park and Botanic Garden is free, and dogs are allowed on-lead in most areas (click here for more information). 

Download the Every Kid in a Park app to use the interpretive map featuring photographs and additional information about each point.

 

Points of Interest

Key points of interest include:  

  • Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop 
  • Bushland Nature Trail 
  • DNA Tower  
  • Fraser Avenue Views 
  • Gija Jumulu (The Giant Boab Tree)  
  • Lotterywest Federation Walkway 
  • May Drive Parkland 
  • Pioneer Women’s Memorial 
  • Poolgarla Family Area 
  • Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park  
  • Saw Avenue Picnic Area 
  • State War Memorial 
  • Western Australian Botanic Gardens  

Interpretive Trail

Follow part of the Boodja Gnarning Walk (living off the land walk) using the Kings Park and Botanic Garden Interpretive Trail.  

The Kings Park and Botanic Garden Interpretive Trail consists of 12 stops and can be accessed on the Every Kid in a Park app.  

Resources

Nature Play WA is currently creating fun and interactive resources for King’s Park and Botanic Garden. Throughout April, we will be releasing these resources to assist families in planning their visit to the park.  

  • Accessible Nature Guide Kings Park and Botanic Garden
  • Social Story (including sensory guide and communication board) to use when visiting Naturescape
  • Five Things to Do at Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Accessible Nature Guide for Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Our Accessible Nature document features all you need to know about recreational activities available in the park, the number and location of key amenities, a map, communications board and more. It’s available to download as a PDF or an accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit. Download PDF version Download Accessible Word version

Social Story for Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park

This Social Story™ aims to help people of all abilities to plan and prepare for their visit to Naturescape in Kings Park and Botanic Garden by explaining what they can expect on the day of their visit. It’s available to download as a PDF or an accessible Word version. Download the PDF Download the accessible […]

Animal Tracks: Kings Park and Botanic Garden

These resources feature native animals that can be found in Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Learn their traditional name, where they live, a fun fact, and how to spot their tracks in the wild! The beautiful native animal artwork on the front pages of this resource was created by Kyooya Designs. Kyooya Designs is an […]

Five Things to Do at Kings Park and Botanic Garden

This resource is all about our five favourite things to do at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. It’s available to download as a PDF or Accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit. Download PDF version Download Accessible Word version

Every Kid in a Park Resources

Discover fun activities to do at any park!

Activity Sheet: Invent a Scent

Become a master of scents by searching for and combining the best smells of nature. Can you create the perfect perfume? This document is available to download as a PDF or Accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit. Download PDF version Download Accessible Word version

Activity Sheet: Seeing Sound

Sounds are only for our ears……. or are they? Find a quiet spot to sit and listen. What can you hear? Use this activity sheet to record and describe the sounds. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Texture Tag

Use this activity sheet to go on an adventure and explore textures around the park! Touch leaves, bark and even the ground, and describe the features. This document is available as a PDF and an Accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit.   Download PDF Download Accessible Word version

Activity Sheet: The Bravery Award

With the help of this activity sheet, you’re going to attempt to overcome a fear. That means it’s time to put on a brave face! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Barefoot Bootcamp

Explore the world through your feet with the help of this activity sheet. On your next outdoor adventure, take off your shoes and play barefoot for a new sensory experience! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: A Place of Your Own

For some people, finding a special quiet place helps them connect to nature. Use this activity sheet to find a place in nature of your own. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Plant Pose

Plants grow in all shapes and sizes; just like people! Use this activity sheet to explore the natural environment, or have someone describe it to you. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Stories in the Sky

Find a good place to sit or lay down and watch the clouds in the sky. Take notice of their colours, textures and shapes, or have someone describe these to you. Use this activity sheet to create a story in the sky! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: The Awareness Game

Being aware of your surroundings is a wonderful skill. In this activity, you will be using your senses to test your awareness of the natural environment! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Colour Wonderful

There are so many colours in the natural world. In this activity, you’ll head outdoors with a trusted person as you explore the rainbow of colours and count the shades of nature together. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Biodiversity

While Kings Park is a haven for all kinds of wildlife, the birdlife is particularly special. There are over 70 species of birds that flit about the park, from common species like the western wattlebird, grey fantail and tawny frogmouth, to the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo.  

Birds you’re most likely to see include the kookaburra, Australian magpie, Australian raven, galah and rainbow lorikeet. 

There are 20 reptile species and hundreds of different invertebrates. Some interesting creepy crawlies that live here include the rare, native scarp snail (Bothriembryon indutus), and the trapdoor spider, which is usually only found in the east and south of Australia. Native mammals include the brushtail possum and quenda. Many species of native bat also live here, like Gould’s wattled bat, the southern forest bat and white-striped free-tailed bat. 

Kings Park is mostly made up of limestone heathland and banksia woodland. As you explore the park, you’ll see some magnificent native trees, including marri, jarrah, tuart, sheoak and banksia trees. 

In fact, there are 326 species of local native plants in Kings Park! Native shrubs include the parrot bush, prickly moses, Swan River myrtle and three flowered pea. In late winter and spring, some beautiful orchids bloom, so keep an eye out for the donkey orchid, banded greenhood and spider orchid. 

The Western Australian Botanic Garden displays around 3,000 of WA’s 12,000 species of native flora. It includes a Conservation Garden, which displays WA’s most critically endangered and rare species, like the Qualup bell. The Botanic Garden is free to enter, and is a must-do at Kings Park.

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Safety

Remember to wear adequate sun protection and bring plenty of drinking water for a day at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. 

In spring and summer, many reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time you should take precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes: 

  • Take care in bushland and grassy areas.  
  • Walk in cleared areas only, where you can see the ground, and keep to established tracks.  
  • When bushwalking, stay on the paths, wear long trousers and boots or other enclosed footwear that preferably cover the ankles.  
  • Keep a watchful eye on the ground about a metre ahead of where you are walking, and avoid entering areas of long grass, rushes and undergrowth. 

Read the Kings Park and Botanic Garden Visitor Checklist to ensure you’re prepared for your visit. 

This photograph shows two (2) adults riding bicycles in Kings Park. They are riding black bikes along a flat, grey, concrete path. The path is surrounded by fallen brown leaves and weaves its way through thick green and brown bushland. The sky is blue with patches of white cloud, and can be seen through the tree foliage. 
Couple cycling on one of the many paths at Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia

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Conservation

While Kings Park and Botanic Garden has many recreational areas, it is also home to many plants and animals. Follow the tips below to assist the protection of the park’s natural environment. 

  • Only follow designated walking path, trails and roads. 
  • Leave no trace. When picnicking, ensure all food is contained and out of reach of wildlife, and take all belongings with you when you leave. 
  • Use the bins provided or take your rubbish with you. 
  • Do not pick any flowers or leaves from plants. 
  • Do not feed or disturb wildlife. 

Read the Kings Park and Botanic Garden Visitor Checklist to ensure you’re prepared for your visit. 

This photograph shows a family on a walk trail at Kings Park. Three (3) people are looking towards the camera, and the person closest to the camera is holding a small child on their shoulders. They are standing in front of a green banksia bush. Tall trees surround the area, with cream coloured trunks and green foliage. The sun appears to be white and is seen through the trees.
Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Acknowledgements

Visit the Kings Park and Botanic Garden website for more information about Kings Park and Botanic Garden.  

Nature Play WA would like to thank Kings Park and Botanic Garden for providing valuable information about Kings Park and Botanic Garden. 

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