Categories > Guides and Tips
Meet dinos & see historic spots with this guide to Kings Park!
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Kings Park
- Where to Eat
- Koorak Kings Park
- Zamia Cafe
- Fraser’s Restaurant
- Top Things to Do
- Smell the flowers in the Botanic Garden
- Stroll through the Lotterywest Federation Walkway
- Have a picnic at the Saw Avenue Picnic Area
- Complete the historic Kokoda Memorial Track
- Visit the Gija Jumulu or Giant Boab
- See the urban and green views atop the DNA Tower
- Let the kids play with dinos or watch a film at the May Drive Parkland
- Reconnect with nature at Rio Tinto Naturescape
- Buy crafts at Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop
- Join a guided walk led by the Kings Park Volunteer Guides
- Honour the fallen at the State War Memorial
- Enjoy the Swan River views at Dryandra Lookout
When it comes to inner-city parks, Kings Park is one of the world’s biggest, boasting 4.6 km² or about 399.9 hectares.
However, size isn’t its main selling point. What draws crowds are the park’s dino-filled Aussie bushland, idyllic turns, nature play areas, and decades of heritage.
We love it so much, we’re practically residents there. If you still haven’t explored it, we got your back with this guide.
Things to Know
Address: Fraser Ave
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
How to Get to Kings Park
By Bus: You’ll reach Kings Park from Perth through the Blue CAT bus and bus routes 935 and 103. There are stops on Kings Park Rd and Thomas St, both about an 8-minute walk away from Kings Park.
By Train: No direct trains are heading to Kings Park, but your best bets are the Fremantle and Airport Lines, both stopping at the Daglish stop. From there, you can either walk for 29 minutes or ride a taxi.
By Car: If you’re driving, head to the Wadjuk Car Park to secure a parking space.
By Taxi: Refer to the table of fees below if you’re opting for a taxi ride. The info is up-to-date as of January 2025.
| Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $5.10 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 + $4.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
Where to Eat
Koorak Kings Park
From koorakcafe
Address: 37 Kings Park Rd
Contact Details: +61 8 9481 4990
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 7 am to 3 pm
- Wed to Sun – 7 am to 9:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Website
No Kings Park trip of ours is complete without a pitstop at the sun-bathed Koorak. This chill spot has the magic mix—live tunes, hearty burgers, and fresh, balsamic-dressed salads.
Smashed avo always comes first for us. Those poached eggs and heavy, buttery notes have been a team-pleaser for years. As for drinks, the grown-ups sip spritz or beer, while the little ones stick to fresh-squeezed juice.
Zamia Cafe
From zamiacafe
Address: May Drive Parkland, 50 May
Contact Details: +61 8 9388 6700
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 4 pm
Pricing: $$
Website
Zamia Café’s homemade pastries and brunch favourites go well with the parkland’s unpretentious scenery.
We love the fish and chips here—perfectly flaky, salty, and hearty without that ‘too oily’ aftertaste. Our little ones, meanwhile, never fail to order grilled chicken tenders with a smoothie to wash them down.
Fraser’s Restaurant
From frasersrestaurant
Address: 60 Fraser Ave
Contact Details: +61 8 9482 0100
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 11:30 am to 11 pm
Pricing: $$$
Website
Fraser’s doesn’t mess about when they say they only serve ‘the best Western Australia has to offer.’ Sure, the fine dining prices might make you double-take, but when you’re working with top-shelf, seasonal produce, you’re paying for quality.
On our recent jaunt, their pork belly wowed the team with its silky-smooth and juicy meat, popping with savoury character and sweet hints. To go with it, we sipped on the Hierba Mala—a clean, earthy cocktail with a smoky and herbal aftertaste.
Top Things to Do
Smell the flowers in the Botanic Garden
From westernaustralia
Address: Forrest Dr
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Calling the Botanic Garden a ’flower wonderland’ is no tall tale. With over 3,000 species of flowering plants, including wild violets, myrtle, and banksias from various regions, it’s a sight to behold.
Of course, spring is when the garden shows off at its finest, but every season brings a new flower to flaunt. Join the Everlasting Kings Park Festival in September, where wildflower trails and nursery tours claim the spotlight.
Stroll through the Lotterywest Federation Walkway
From theluxurytraveller
Address: Kings Park
At 620 metres (roughly 40 minutes of walking), the Lotterywest Federation Walkway can have you puffing. But once you start seeing panoramas of the Botanic Garden, Swan River, the Perth city skyline, and Marri woodlands, all that leg pain becomes history.
It’s even accessible for nearly everyone, including those in wheelchairs. The only buzzkill is that dogs aren’t allowed, you’ll have to leave your bikes and skateboards behind, and bridal shoots are a no-no.
Have a picnic at the Saw Avenue Picnic Area
From opraprojects
Address: Saw Ave
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
Almost every inch of Kings Park is picnic-worthy, but Saw Avenue Picnic Area is numero uno for us. It has the full works—sprawling grass, electric BBQs, and an inclusive, adventure playground with climbing logs and tunnels.
Just brace yourself for the lack of shade at the BBQ grills and the lunchtime rush between 12 pm and 3 pm. Other than that, no real gripes, especially considering the abundance of picnic tables and clean toilets.
Complete the historic Kokoda Memorial Track
From chrissmattodj
Address: Kings Park
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
The shady and breezy Kokoda Memorial Track isn’t just a workout. Steeped in history, it pays tribute to Australian WWII soldiers who fought and perished in Papua New Guinea.
These days, visitors can honour them by tackling the beastly, 150-step climb, which packs a 62-metre vertical rise. It’s a lung-burner, but no need to worry about making a wrong turn, as plaques will guide you.
Visit the Gija Jumulu or Giant Boab
From luxepixs
Address: Kings Park
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
A cherished gift from the Gija people, Gija Jumulu is both a stunner and a relic. This 750-year-old boab stands 18 metres tall, weighs 37 tonnes, and has travelled over 3,200 km on its journey from Warmun to Perth.
Most of the year, it flaunts no leaves, but December sees it sprout some. Regardless, it’s a must-see when in Kings Park; the tree’s cultural significance and Swan-River-meets-the-CBD backdrop are too precious to pass.
See the urban and green views atop the DNA Tower
From mattantoniolli
Address: Forrest Dr
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
Climbing the DNA Tower’s 101 steps was a calf-burner, but the Perth skyline, Swan River panorama, and Indian Ocean views were worth every huff and puff. And yeah, it was packed as usual, though we expected that, given the lookout’s popularity among families.
You see, the tower itself is one of Perth’s most eye-catching landmarks. True to its name, it’s shaped exactly like a DNA strand, made of stones taken from numerous Western Australian spires and towns.
Let the kids play with dinos or watch a film at the May Drive Parkland
From agraceschofield
Address: May Dr
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
Big gatherings are better at the May Drive Parkland, where play areas and a lake call for a sun-kissed day out. It’s even better for dinosaur buffs, with all the life-sized megafauna scattered throughout the playground and 75-metre walkway.
There’s also an interactive misting forest for cooling off and gardens to wander through. And come summer, the open-air Moonlight Cinema kicks off, screening cult classics and fresh blockbusters.
Reconnect with nature at Rio Tinto Naturescape
From riotintonaturescapekingspark
Address: May Dr
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Tue to Sat – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Website
Most of our kids got their first taste of the wild at Rio Tinto Naturescape, which wasn’t really earth-shattering, knowing this place is all about nature play.
Structures like the Python and Paperbark Waterhole keep our little ones climbing and wading.
The present wildlife isn’t to be ignored, too. Black cockatoos and honeyeaters frequent the area, while small fish and tadpoles occupy the billabong!
Buy crafts at Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop
From sakolwatr
Address: 68 Fraser Ave
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3900
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Website
We usually wrap up our Kings Park day with a bit of retail therapy at Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop. You can get souvenirs like an artful paperweight or a quality kangaroo paw print, all made by Australian artists.
But hey, even if you’re not up for a splurge, you can still bring home something. For instance, there are books here about Western Australian flora and fauna costing only $6!
Join a guided walk led by the Kings Park Volunteer Guides
From friendsofkingspark
Our first Kings Park visit would’ve been a right shambles if not for the Kings Park Volunteer Guides. They ensured we followed the right track with free tours that ticked off several locations, including the Botanic Garden and WA State War Memorial.
Seasonal walks in late October are available as well, and they’re ideal if you want to see wildflowers. There are also themed walks, like an informational tour about eucalypts or Western Australia’s trailblazing women.
Honour the fallen at the State War Memorial
From anne215
Address: Fraser Ave
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
The State War Memorial, with its 5 elements honouring Aussie war heroes, is where you’ll find an 18-metre cenotaph, looming over a crypt and undercroft. Close by, the names of the fallen are carved into the Court of Contemplation.
Then there’s the Pool of Reflection, where the Flame of Remembrance keeps burning steady. The final element is the ANZAC Bluff Commemorative Plaque, which remembers those who passed in the 1915 Gallipoli campaign.
Enjoy the Swan River views at Dryandra Lookout
From luxuryweddingcollectionperth
Address: Law Walk
Contact Details: +61 8 9480 3990
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 6 pm
Website
If you’re after a spot for some solitude or an intimate get-together, the Dryandra Lookout at the end of Law Walk’s secluded bushland is the place to be.
It’s surrounded by greenery, and there’s a shaded seat with a leaf-shaped roof. The highlight, though, is the uninterrupted view of the Swan and Canning Rivers.
