Kings Park sits on a 400-hectare escarpment overlooking the Swan River and the Perth skyline — and it's completely free. One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, it combines pristine bushland, a world-class botanic garden, multiple playgrounds, walking trails, memorials, and some of the best views in all of Western Australia. For Perth families, it's one of those rare spots that works equally well for toddlers and teenagers.
What Makes Kings Park Great for Families
The park is enormous — you could visit a dozen times and still find something new. But for families, a few highlights stand out consistently.
🌳 The Lotterywest Family Area
The dedicated family area includes a fantastic children's playground with a DNA tower, water play features, flying fox, and climbing structures suited to all ages. There's shade, grass, and picnic tables nearby making it a full morning in itself. Kids genuinely don't want to leave.
🌸 The Western Australian Botanic Garden
Home to over 3,000 species of WA native plants, the Botanic Garden is beautifully maintained and free to explore at your own pace. The Synergy Parklands section has open lawns perfect for a picnic. In spring (August–November), the wildflowers are extraordinary — a genuine once-a-year spectacle that draws visitors from across the country.
🌉 The Treetop Walk
A 620-metre elevated boardwalk through the treetops of the park's bushland, up to 10 metres above ground. Completely free, and spectacular for kids who love the perspective of being up among the trees. Take it slowly — there's plenty to spot.
🏛️ The State War Memorial
A significant and moving memorial worth a few quiet minutes, particularly if you have older children. The memorial precinct offers the most iconic view of Perth's skyline and the Swan River below — the photo opportunity that ends up in every WA travel guide.
Where to Eat
The park has multiple food options at different price points. Fraser's Restaurant is the flagship — upscale dining with unbeatable river views, ideal for a special family lunch. The Botanical Café is more relaxed and family-friendly with good coffee, snacks, and simple meals. For the most budget-friendly option, pack your own food and use one of the many BBQ and picnic areas scattered throughout the park.
Free BBQs: Kings Park has multiple free electric BBQs available on a first-come basis. On weekends they fill up early — arrive by 9am if you want a spot. Bring your own food and you'll have one of the best picnics in Perth for essentially nothing.
Suggested Day Plan
- 9:00 AM — Arrive early, grab a park map from the visitor centre
- 9:00–11:00 AM — Lotterywest Family Area playground and water play
- 11:00 AM — Treetop Walk through the bushland
- 12:00 PM — Picnic lunch at the Synergy Parklands lawns
- 1:00 PM — Stroll through the Botanic Garden
- 2:00 PM — State War Memorial + skyline lookout
- 2:30 PM — Coffee at the Botanical Café before heading home
Practical Tips
- Parking: Free parking along Fraser Avenue and in the main car parks — can get busy on weekends. Arrive before 9am to get a good spot close to the family area.
- Water play: The playground water features run seasonally — check the Kings Park website before visiting if water play is the main event for your kids.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash in most areas, but not the Botanic Garden. Check signage at entry points.
- School groups: Kings Park hosts school excursions regularly — if you're visiting mid-week during school terms, the main areas can be crowded with groups mid-morning.
Getting the Group There Comfortably
Kings Park is right in the city, but for large family groups — grandparents, cousins, multiple families coming together — getting everyone there in one vehicle makes a significant difference. No splitting into multiple cars, no one getting lost, no parking in separate areas.
Our 8-seat Hyundai iMax is ideal for exactly this kind of outing. Check availability and book online — takes less than 2 minutes.