The annual Kings Park Festival is a month-long celebration of WA’s wildflower season, with thousands of wildflowers in full bloom across the park. Visitors can take part in dozens of free events, guided walks and talks and family activities against the backdrop of the park's breathtaking botanical gardens.
The theme of the 2021 Kings Park Festival is ‘Emergence’ in recognition of the emergence of wildflowers across the botanic gardens at this time of year.
A number of special, guided walks are being led during the festival which will allow visitors to explore the park and learn more about the diverse WA environment. Check out our top picks below!
Lycopod Island. Photo: J. Thomas
A Gondwana Adventure in Kings Park
This adventure through time will take you through the beautiful May Drive Parkland and across Lycopod Island where you will learn of the mysterious Gondwana continent, meet Australian dinosaurs and megafauna, see living plants fossils and discover why this corner of WA is listed as a world hotspot of biodiversity. This walk is great for primary school-aged children 10 years and older.
The walk will begin at May Drive Parkland next to Zamia Café and can accommodate 15-20 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Verticordia grandis. Photo: D. Blumer
Diverse Divas of the Sandplains
Be awestruck by the amazing flora of WA’s northern and southern sandplains, known as
Kwongan, growing in King’s Park’s Roe and Botanic Gardens. Explore the spectacular ‘floral divas’ and learn how they have adapted to thrive and survive in our parched and ancient soils. Discover floral treasures such as
cricket balls, toothbrushes, emu trees, smelly socks, alongside royalty, red combs and spider nets. This is your chance to discover the many wonderful stories of the WA Sandplains flora.
The walk will commence at Roe Gardens from Forrest Drive and can accommodate 12 guests. Duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Aerial view of Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Photo: BGPA
Bush Tucker, Roasted Swans and Barrels of Beer
This scenic walk around the Mt Eliza Scarp, also known as
Kaarta Gar-up, highlights the close relationship between Kings Park and the Swan and Canning Rivers. Learn about the geography of the rivers and the areas used by Aboriginal people, adventures with explorers, early settlers, their industries and river use up to modern times.
The walk will begin at the Guided Walks sign outside Aspects Gallery Shop and can accommodate 15 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Banksia ashbyi
Banksias – Bold, Brash and Brilliant
Home to an amazing number of banksias found nowhere else in Australia or the world; WA’s banksias are magnificent relics from the super continent of Gondwana. These plants range from ground covers to small shrubs to trees up to 25 metres tall. They are diverse, conspicuous and resilient, loved by artists, authors, birds, insects and possums alike. Experience the amazing diversity of banksias growing in Kings Park and discover their significance to Aboriginal people, to horticulture and to conservation.
The walk will begin at the Guided Walks sign outside Aspects Gallery Shop and can accommodate 20 guests. Expected duration is 75 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Acacia dunnii
Wonderful Wattles Walk
Did you know that September 1st is National Wattle Day? To celebrate Australia’s floral emblem, join our knowledgeable Kings Park Guides as they wander amongst the golden wattles. You will be amazed by the variety, perfume and colour of these remarkable trees growing throughout the botanic garden.
The walk will commence at the Mia Mia shelter in the Botanic Carpark, opposite the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Fountain on Forrest Drive and can accommodate 10 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
May Gibbs illustration
May Gibbs – Her Life and Stories.
The local bush surrounding Perth in the late 1800s inspired acclaimed author and illustrator May Gibbs to create her well-loved Snugglepot and Cuddlepie stories. In this walk you will discover the flora that inspired her characters and hear May’s iconic life story too.
The walk starts at the Guided Walks sign outside Aspects Gallery Shop and can accommodate 15 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
WA Botanic Garden entry statement. Photo: J. Thomas.
Nature In Art
Nature has inspired many Australian artists to create wild and unique art forms that live amongst the wildflowers in the botanic garden. From Banksia inspired seating to steps designed after Acacias, the park has a number of hidden artistic features waiting to be discovered. Whilst on the walk discover the stories of artists and their relationship to the unique WA flora.
The walk will begin at the Guided Walks sign outside Aspects Gallery Shop and can accommodate 20 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Banksia sessilis. Photo: D. Blumer
Rich Bushland Resources
When European settlers first arrived in Australia they had to quickly adapt to using local resources for their many needs, chopping blocks, musical instruments and bedding just some of their many requirements. Over time we have learnt more about this region’s rich Aboriginal traditions and their relationship to the bush, which provided everything essential for life. Learn more about WA’s rich bushland resources on this guided walk.
The walk starts at the Botanic Carpark on Forrest Drive opposite the Pioneer women’s Memorial Fountain and can accommodate 15 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Auslan Botanical Walk
Discover the treasures of the WA Botanic Garden with a volunteer Kings Park Guide and Auslan signer. Learn about the park’s unique plants and their role in Western Australia’s history. Registration preference will be given to Auslan users on this walk.
The walk begins at the Guided Walks sign outside Aspects Gallery Shop and can accommodate 15 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Banksia
Bushland Floral Gems
Kings Park’s Banksia Woodland has a lot to offer: food, medicine, beauty, as well as stories of plant survival in hot climates and ancient sandy soils. Wander the tranquil bushland tracks of Kings Park and discover unique floral gems and their techniques for survival throughout WA.
The walk starts at Roe Gardens on Forrest Drive and can accommodate 12 guests. Expected duration is 90 minutes. Further information and registration details can be accessed here.
Explore Perth's inner-city parks
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