Kings Park Day Trip: Discovering Perth’s Urban Oasis

Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner-city parks, and it sits in our backyard. It’s a place of rich cultural heritage and indigenous significance, drawing almost six million visitors a year. There’s no denying the popularity and natural charm of the park, making it the perfect destination for a Perth day trip.

With over 3,000 of Western Australia’s native plant species thriving there, it really is Mother Nature’s art gallery. However, the plants are not the only work of art you’ll find. Kings Park is the number one destination for those wanting to take in the magnificence of the Perth city skyline. Whether it’s the orange hues of the sunset reflecting against the glass panels of the skyscrapers or the lights that glisten and twinkle at night, the view truly feels unreal every time.

Kings Park Day Trip Itinerary

Experience the best of what Kings Park has to offer as you wander beside banksia trees that gently sway in the breeze and walk beneath the serenading sounds of kookaburra laughs. Discover the vibrant botanic gardens and be captivated by local artworks and surrounding views; amongst this, indulge in nourishing culinary delights, ultimately soaking up all that this Perth hotspot has to offer.

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9:00 am: Breakfast in the bush at Zamia Cafe

Breakfast in the bush at Zamia Cafe
Credit: Zamia Cafe

Sit back and take in Kings Park’s serene surroundings over a moreish breakfast at Zamia Cafe. Tucked amongst towering gum trees and surrounded by sprawling lush lawns, this breakfast hotspot is where you’ll want to start your day. With options from something as simple as eggs on toast to something as extravagant as the harvest bowl, we promise the only hard decision you’ll have to make today is deciding what you want off this mouth-watering menu.

10:00 am: Uncover the park’s botanical wonders

Uncover the park's botanical wonders
Credit Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Western Australian Botanic Garden and embark on a journey of discovery as you learn about the state’s diverse flora. With more than nine gardens displaying everything from trees and shrubs to wildflowers, you’ll be in awe as you come across rare and stunning plant species sourced from the Great Southern all the way up to the northern Kimberley.

How you decide to tour this verdant and floral masterpiece of nature is up to you. Leaving at 10:00 am every day is a walking guided tour run by Kings Park Volunteer Guides. This tour goes for approximately one and a half to two hours and allows you the opportunity to not only view the botanical gardens but also learn about them from your knowledgeable guide.

If you’re in the mood for something different, then perhaps you’ll want to consider touring the gardens on a segway with Segway Tours WA. Leaving every day at 10:30 am, this tour, also one and a half hours in duration, is a fun and informative way to explore the park and its gardens. No matter the tour you choose, you’ll find yourself admiring the array of colours and diversity of Western Australia’s native plant life.

12:00 pm: A picturesque picnic

Kings Park is one of Perth’s most beloved picnic spots so it wouldn’t be a day trip to the park done right without a picnic-style lunch. Head over to The Botanical Cafe where staff will be more than happy to package up any of the cabinet or menu items for you into a takeaway box. Once you’ve collected your meals, head over to the lush grass and lay down a picnic rug. Sit back, nibble, and take in the beauty and stillness of the iconic Perth skyline and Swan River as they sprawl out before your eyes.

2:00 pm: Explore the heart of the park

Explore the heart of Kings Park
Credit: Aspects

Spend the afternoon exploring the heart of Kings Park as you browse through Aspects, a gallery and retail space showcasing inspirational and contemporary art and design gathered from around Western Australia and Australia. Within the gallery shop, you’ll stumble upon creations from local artists that are reflections of Australia’s natural environments. From art and decor to books and stationery, to homewares and jewellery, you’re likely to find something that speaks to your soul within the walls of this store.

Once you’re done admiring all that is Aspects, head over to the Kiosk, next to The Botanical Cafe, where you can sit down and enjoy a sweet and fruity gelato while listening to the gentle sounds of the birds chirping in the trees above.

5:00 pm: Indulge in dinner at Cooee as the sun sets over the river

Indulge in dinner at Cooee as the sun sets over the river
Credit: Cooee

Established within the Old Swan Brewery with one of the most uninterrupted views of the Swan River, Cooee restaurant and bar is calling you to cross the road for dinner. Located on the opposite side of Mounts Bay Road to Kings Park, this European-influenced venue provides carefully crafted flavour combinations and an extensive drinks list. Sip away at a glass of West Australian wine while looking out as the sun slips away, casting a layer of glimmering gold across the surface of the river.

8:00 pm: A movie under the summer stars 

A Moonlight movie under the summer stars
Credit: Moonlight Cinemas

Experience the magic of watching a movie beneath the stars, wrapped up in the warmth of a summer evening at Moonlight Cinemas

After dinner, head back to Kings Park and settle in for an outdoor cinema experience. With new blockbusters and all-time cult favourites screening across multiple nights of the week, there’s a movie for any occasion or mood. Take your picnic rug or upgrade to the bean bags and get comfy ready to tune in for some screen time while the sky fades from shades of cotton candy to dark blue and the day draws to a close.

For more Perth Day Trip itineraries to help you discover the best of Perth, visit our Destination Perth Day Trips hub.

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