Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Subiaco & Kings Park
o
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
OFFLINE MAP
PARK
(
www.bgpa.wa.gov.au
;
Lotterywest Federation Walkway 9am-5pm, guided walks 10am, noon & 2pm)
Rising
above the Swan River on the western flank of the city, the 400-hectare bush-filled expanse
of Kings Park is Perth's pride and joy. When the sun's shining (which isn't exactly a rare
occurrence) it's a good spot for a picnic under the trees or to let the kids off the leash in
one of the playgrounds. Its numerous tracks are popular with walkers and joggers all year
round, with an ascent of the steep stairs from the river rewarded with wonderful views
from the top.
The Noongar people knew this area as Kaarta Gar-up and used it for thousands of years
for hunting, food gathering, ceremonies, teaching and tool-making. A freshwater spring at
the base of the escarpment, now known as Kennedy Fountain but before that as Goon-
ininup, was a home of the Wargal, mystical snake-like creatures that created the Swan
River and other waterways.
At the park's heart is the 17-hectare Botanic Garden, containing over 2000 plant species
indigenous to WA. In spring there's an impressive display of the state's famed wild-
flowers. A highlight is the
Lotterywest Federation Walkway
, a 620m path through the gardens
that includes a beautifully designed, 222m-long, glass-and-steel bridge that passes through
the canopy of a stand of eucalypts.
The main road leading into the park, Fraser Ave, is lined with towering lemon-scented
gums that are dramatically lit at night. At its culmination are the State War Memorial, a
cafe, a gift shop, Frasers restaurant and the Kings Park Visitor Centre. Free guided walks
leave from here.
To get here take bus 37 (39 on weekends), heading west along St Georges Tce (S-
stand), to the visitor centre. You can also walk up (steep) Mount St from the city or climb
Jacob's Ladder from Mounts Bay Rd, near the Adelphi Hotel
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