Kings Park Perth Guide: Walking Trails, Events & Getting There

There’s a reason Perth locals and visitors alike keep coming back to Kings Park: it’s not just a patch of grass—it’s 400 hectares of bushland, botanic gardens, and some of the best city views in Australia. Whether you’re after a short walk, a family picnic, or simply the best place to watch the sunset over the Swan River, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.

Area: 400.6 hectares (990 acres) ·
Annual visitors: Over 5 million ·
Established: 1872 ·
Entry fee: Free

Six facts that define the park at a glance, from its size to its botanical treasures.

Is Kings Park in Perth the biggest in the world?

Kings Park covers 400.6 hectares (990 acres), making it one of the world’s largest inner‑city parks. But it’s not the absolute largest—New York’s Central Park is 341 hectares (843 acres), and London’s Richmond Park is 955 hectares (2,360 acres).
Kings Park and Botanic Garden official park authority describes it as “one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks.”

Size and global ranking

• 400.6 ha – larger than Central Park but smaller than Richmond Park
• Often cited among the top 5 largest urban parks globally (Wikipedia encyclopedic entry)
• The Western Australian Botanic Garden is contained within the park

Size comparison with other inner-city parks

• Central Park (New York): 341 ha – Kings Park is 1.17 times larger
• Richmond Park (London): 955 ha – Kings Park is about 42% of its size
• Stanley Park (Vancouver): 405 ha – nearly identical in size

Official description

“Kings Park is both one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks.” – Kings Park and Botanic Garden official park authority

Bottom line: Kings Park is genuinely among the world’s largest inner‑city parks, but it’s not the biggest. For visitors from cities like New York or London, the scale will feel familiar; for anyone else, it’s a jaw‑dropping expanse of green.

How do I get to Kings Park from Perth city?

Kings Park is a 1.5‑kilometre walk (15–20 minutes) from the Perth CBD. Choose from walking, public transport, or driving—each has trade-offs.

Walking distance

• From the city centre: ~1.5 km, mostly uphill (Destination Perth tourism authority)
• Start at Elizabeth Quay and follow signs to Mount Eliza
• Allow 20–30 minutes depending on fitness

Public transport options

• Free CAT bus routes serve the park (Kings Park and Botanic Garden official park authority)
• Bus 935 from Perth Busport to Kings Park Road
• Trains to Elizabeth Quay station, then walk or connect to bus

Driving and parking

• Paid parking in several areas – fees apply 8am–6pm daily
• Free parking after hours and on public holidays
• Main car parks near the War Memorial and Botanic Garden

Free entry clarification

Entry to the park is free (Kings Park and Botanic Garden official park authority). Some attractions, like guided walks, are also free. Parking and certain events may have fees.

What this means: the cheapest way to arrive is on foot or by free CAT bus. If you drive, expect to pay for parking during peak hours.

How long does it take to walk around Kings Park, Perth?

The answer depends on what you want to see. A quick loop can take 45 minutes; a full exploration takes half a day.

Short walks and loops

• Law Walk – 2.2 km loop, ~45 minutes, premier urban bushland trail (Destination Perth tourism authority)
• Western Australian Botanic Garden Short Walk – 20 minutes one way or 40 minutes return (Destination Perth tourism authority)
• Lotterywest Federation Walkway – 620 m elevated walkway, 40 minutes return

Longer trails

• Full park loop including Botanic Garden and escarpment – 2–3 hours
• Memorials Walk – 1.7 km, ~1 hour (Destination Perth tourism authority)
• DNA Tower walk from Synergy Parkland – 1.5 km easy walk

Best views trail

The Law Walk provides panoramic views of the Swan River and Mount Eliza escarpment. For the classic postcard shot of Perth, head to the War Memorial lookout.

The catch: you can’t cover all the trails in one visit unless you have 3+ hours. Pick the trail that matches your schedule and fitness.

What to see at Kings Park, Perth?

Four attractions stand out, each offering a different slice of what makes Kings Park special.

Western Australian Botanic Garden

• Displays over 3,000 species of Western Australian flora (Kings Park and Botanic Garden official park authority)
• Open daily, free entry
• Seasonal wildflower displays (best in spring)

War Memorial and views

• State War Memorial offers panoramic views of Perth City and Swan River
• A focal point for Anzac Day ceremonies
• Adjacent to the Flame of Remembrance

Lotterywest Federation Walkway

• 620‑metre elevated walkway through tree canopy (Destination Perth tourism authority)
• Free entry, open 9am–5pm daily
• Glass‑bottomed bridge section

DNA Tower and children’s playground

• DNA Tower – 15‑metre spiral staircase, accessible via 1.5 km walk from Botanic Garden
• Synergy Parkland – large playground with nature‑themed play areas
• Popular with families for easy walking and picnics

The pattern: the best part of Perth is not a single spot but the way the park combines bushland, gardens, and city views. Most visitors agree the War Memorial lookout at sunset is the highlight.

“Kings Park is a 400.6‑hectare park overlooking Perth Water and the CBD.”

Wikipedia encyclopedic entry

What events are held at Kings Park Perth?

Kings Park hosts a range of events throughout the year, from large concerts to seasonal festivals. Most are free, but some require tickets.

Outdoor concerts

• Perth International Arts Festival – held on the Great Western Lawn
• Summer concerts and open‑air cinema
• Check the official events calendar for dates

Seasonal festivals

• Everlasting Kings Park Festival – last two weeks of September (Plan your Festival visit park events calendar)
• Wildflower exhibitions and guided walks during the festival
• New Year’s Eve fireworks display

Night-time activities

• Park is open 24 hours (Kings Park and Botanic Garden official park authority)
• Organised night events are limited; often stargazing or moonlight walks
• Night walks require prior booking

Living statues and performances

• Street performers and living statues during festival periods
• Art installations along the walkways
• Check the park’s social media for pop‑up events

The implication: if you’re planning a visit around an event, book early. The Everlasting Kings Park Festival in September is the busiest time, but it’s also when the wildflowers show their best.

Summary

For the Perth visitor, the choice is clear: spend at least half a day exploring Kings Park, prioritising the Botanic Garden and War Memorial views, or risk missing what locals consider the city’s greatest natural asset. With free entry and a 15‑minute walk from the CBD, there’s no excuse not to go.

Related reading: **Perth Weather Today**

Frequently asked questions