The Inner-City Park in Perth That Outscales Central Park

Kings Park sits just minutes from Perth’s centre, where walking trails meander through native bushland and suspended walkways lifts visitors into the treetops above the forest floor. Open lawns, quiet corners and lookout points create reasons to return, long after the first visit. We take a closer look at some corners of Kings Park worth a visit, plus some tips to get the most out of your day.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Kings Park’s Scale

On top of Perth’s skyline, Kings Park spans across more than 400 hectares of bushland and gardens; a scale that surprises first-time visitors. Frequently compared to Central Park in New York, the Perth landmark not only surpasses it in size but also combines native bushland with curated gardens, memorial spaces and some of the city’s most recognisable lookout points.

Set on Mount Eliza, the park sits between the Swan River and the city centre, placing it firmly within everyday Perth life. Locals use it for morning walks, weekend picnics and fitness trails, while visitors gravitate toward landmarks like the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, the State War Memorial and Fraser Avenue, where elevated views open across the river toward South Perth.

Spring brings wildflower displays through the Botanic Garden, and throughout the year guided walks, playground areas and open lawns keep the park active with families, tourists and regular visitors moving through different precincts.

Things to See and Do in Kings Park, Perth

So as you may have already gathered, there’s far more to Kings Park than its famous viewpoints. Next, we walk you through some standout spots and experiences across the park to help you make the most of your day.

Credit: Tourism Western Australia / Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Lotterywest Federation Walkway

A great place to start is the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. This famous walkway starts just east of Forrest Roundabout. Follow the path through the Western Australian Botanic Garden and cross the 52-metre glass and steel bridge suspended among tall eucalypts, taking in views of the Swan and Canning Rivers. Spot Aboriginal art, and pass the Water Garden and Marri woodland before reaching Beedawong Meeting Place. The rusted steel structure blends into the surrounding trees, echoing the weathered metal of farms, camps and mines from Western Australia’s Federation era.

State War Memorial & Fraser Avenue Lookout

Stand before the Western Australian State War Memorial, a striking obelisk honouring those who served in conflicts including World Wars I and II. Positioned along Fraser Avenue beside the Fraser Avenue Lookout, the site combines a place of remembrance with one of Perth’s most recognisable viewpoints.

Close up of the Wildflowers, at Kings Park and Botanical Garden

Western Australian Botanic Garden

Step into the Western Australian Botanic Garden and see just how wild Western Australia’s plant life can be. More than 3,000 native species grow across the slopes of Kings Park, from sculptural banksias to towering eucalypts and bursts of seasonal wildflowers.

Browse the garden paths. Stop to look closer at plants found nowhere else on Earth, pause by sculptures and water features, then turn toward the open views across the Swan River and Perth skyline. Every corner of the garden shows off a different side of Western Australia’s remarkable landscape!

Credit: Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Bushland Walking Trails

Head into the bushland trails and see another side of Kings Park. Much of the park remains natural forest, with shaded paths winding through tall trees and along the escarpment. Follow the Law Walk for a quick and easy route beneath the canopy, or take on the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, a steeper stair climb that traces the hillside in tribute to the soldiers who served in Papua New Guinea.

Picnic Lawns and Open Spaces

Walk out onto the broad lawns and take a moment to simply be in the space. These open areas give Kings Park its sense of scale, with wide grass terraces looking out toward the Swan River and the Perth skyline. People gather here for picnics, games, or a quiet break between walks through the gardens and bushland trails. There is always a bit of life on the lawns, but plenty of room to spread out and take in the view.

Credit: Tourism Western Australia – Couple watching the sunrise at Kings Park and Botanic Garden with the Perth Skyline in the background.

Sunset and City Lookouts

Follow the escarpment to the lookout points overlooking the Swan River and the Perth skyline. From here, the view stretches across the water toward South Perth and the city beyond. Many people make their way here later in the day, when the sun drops behind the skyline and the river reflects the evening light.

Playgrounds and Family Areas

Take children to Synergy Parkland, a nature-based playground in Kings Park with climbing structures, rope bridges and water play areas. It’s one of the park’s main family areas, giving younger visitors space to climb, explore and cool off.

Credit: Tourism Western Australia – Aboriginal Cultural Tours of Kings Park, Nyungar Tours

Nyungar Cultural Walking Tours

Led by Whadjuk Noongar guides, Nyungar Tours offers cultural walks through Kings Park that share stories of Country, traditional knowledge and the deep connection Aboriginal communities have with the land. Visitors learn about bush foods, medicinal plants and significant cultural sites while walking through areas like the Botanic Garden and Federation Walkway.

Tours typically run for around 40–70 minutes and provide insight into Kings Park’s history long before it became a public reserve.

Cafés and Visitor Facilities

Kings Park Visitor Centre and nearby cafés provide food, coffee and information, while gift shops and interpretive displays add context about the park’s ecology and history.

Where to stay

Staying in Perth a while? You’ll need somewhere to kick back.

Great Eastern Motor Lodge

Sanno Marracoonda Perth

Known for its friendly, family-run atmosphere, Sanno Marracoonda Perth Airport Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location close to Perth Airport.