This guide to the Western Australian Botanic Garden in Kings Park, Perth, gives you all the facts you need: opening hours, entry cost, how to get there by public transport or car, parking arrangements, accessibility, and best times of day and year to visit.
A brief overview and history of the Western Australian Botanic Garden
The Western Australian Botanic Garden opened in 1965 as part of Kings Park. It is a living research centre and conservation site displaying more than 3,000 species of Western Australian native flora, many found nowhere else. The plantings are grouped by region of origin and by taxonomic groups, showing unique flora from the Kimberley, Stirling Ranges, Wheatbelt, Goldfields, and more.
The garden is freely accessible within Kings Park, which is a major inner-city park covering 400 hectares. Many visitors combine the Botanic Garden with walks, views, memorials, and play or picnic areas around the Park.
Opening hours and entry costs
Opening hours: Kings Park and the Botanic Garden are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Entry cost: Free. There is no admission fee to access the Western Australian Botanic Garden.
5 great things to do in Perth
- 🚲 Take the ferry to Rottnest Island – then cycle to the beaches and quokkas.
- 🌌 Dine in the desert and go stargazing – on an evening Pinnacles tour.
- 🐬 Swim with wild dolphins – on a wildlife adventure to Rockingham.
- 🍷 Combine a Swan River cruise with wine-tasting in the Swan Valley.
- 🏟️ Go behind the scenes – on an Optus Stadium tour.
How to get there: public transport, walking, car
- By bus: Transperth bus route 935 travels from St Georges Terrace directly into the Fraser Avenue Precinct, Kings Park.
- By CAT bus: The Blue CAT bus travels between Perth Busport and Kings Park, via Perth Station and Elizabeth Quay.
- By walking: From many central city locations you can walk to Kings Park; paths are well-marked and trails within the garden are suitable for walking. From Elizabeth Quay, it’s a 1.7km walk, which takes around 23 minutes.
- By car: Drive via Fraser Avenue or via Saw Avenue / May Drive off Thomas Street. Entrance precincts include Fraser Avenue.
Parking and parking charges
Parking inside Kings Park (including near the Botanic Garden): Free. Parking is free for visitors who remain within Kings Park.
Key parking locations:
- Jorang Car Park, 21 Kings Park Rd – free, with visitor-only bays. Some short-term limits apply.
- Wadjuk Car Park – free, large capacity; some 30-minute parking limits apply 8 am-5 pm in certain spaces.
- Forrest Drive Car Park – small lot, free, some disabled bays.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
Wheelchair access: Most paths and walkways in the Botanic Garden are hard-surfaced and accessible. Free guided walks are offered daily by volunteer guides.
Visitor Information Centre: Located next to Aspects of Kings Park (Fraser Avenue Precinct), open daily 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, except Christmas Day. It offers maps, brochures, and assistance.
Other facilities: Cafés, toilets, picnic areas, playgrounds (such as Rio Tinto Naturescape, Lotterywest Family Area, Saw Avenue Picnic Area). Plenty of shaded areas and viewing platforms.
Why book the Perth Segway 1.5-Hour Kings Park Tour?
- ⏱ Duration: roughly 1.5 hours — a compact, guided Segway ride through Kings Park and surrounding areas
- 🌳 Ride past bush trails, lawns, and botanic zones—and enjoy fresh air and views of Perth’s skyline and Swan River
- 👥 Small group (max 10 participants) for a personalized and enjoyable experience
- 🎧 Wireless headsets provided so you’ll always hear the guide’s commentary clearly
- 🛠 Full training, safety equipment, and guide assistance included, even for first-time Segway riders
- ⭐ Highly rated: 4.8 out of 5 stars from 53 reviews for guide quality, route enjoyment, and value
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; mobile ticket accepted
Best times to visit and how long to allow
Best season: Spring (especially September) is the wildflower peak. Many species display at their best then.
Best times of day: Early morning or late afternoon avoid the heat and crowds; midday in summer can be very hot. Weekends are busier. Weekdays are calmer.
How long to allow: 1.5 to 2.5 hours is sufficient to walk through the Botanic Garden proper, visit viewpoints, see themed plant displays, rest at cafés or picnic spots. If adding bushwalks or Memorials, allow more time.
Suggested itinerary and nearby attractions to combine
- Start in the early morning at Fraser Avenue precinct, visit the Visitor Information Centre, then enter the Western Australian Botanic Garden and stroll through themed plant displays.
- Pause for a coffee or snack at one of the park’s cafés.
- Walk to the Lotterywest Federation Walkway for treetop views and panoramas over the bulging Swan River.
- Visit the State War Memorial and Flame of Remembrance within Kings Park. Then head to the family-friendly areas like Rio Tinto Naturescape or Saw Avenue Picnic Area.
FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there an entry fee? | No. Entry to the Western Australian Botanic Garden is free. |
| Are the gardens open at all times? | Yes. The park (including the Botanic Garden) is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. |
| Is parking free? | Yes. Parking inside Kings Park is free for visitors as long as you remain in the park. Key car parks include Jorang, Wadjuk, Forrest Drives. Some spaces have time limits. |
| Are there accessible paths and facilities? | Yes. Many paths are hard-surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs. ACROD parking bays in several car parks. Visitor Information Centre and toilets are accessible. |
| When is the wildflower season? | The best time for wildflower displays is spring, especially September during the Kings Park Festival. |
| How long should I plan my visit? | About 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the Botanic Garden and key points (viewpoints, cafés, walks). More time if exploring bushland trails or memorials. |
| Any public transport options? | Yes. Bus route 935, Blue CAT bus, and several other Transperth services stop near the park. Walking from central Perth is possible. |
Western Australian Botanic Garden: A quick checklist:
No entry fee; open 24h; park at Jorang or Wadjuk if by car; take bus 935 or Blue CAT if using public transport; wear sun protection and shoes for walking; spring (September) is best for wildflowers.
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