Kings Park

One of the more beautiful and interesting parks we have visited during our travels was just a half-mile up the street from our apartment; Kings Park. At just over four square miles (1002 acres), this is the largest inner city park in the world (bigger than New York’s Central Park). Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the local Noongar peoples used this area, which they knew as “Mooro Katta,” as an important cultural and ceremonial meeting place. Once the Europeans had established their settlement (1835), logging of the local Jarrah trees on the hill (later to be known as Mt. Eliza) became the Swan River Colony’s (which became Perth) first export. This lasted until 1871 when the city council realized that they needed to preserve their resources. By the early 1880’s, Perth’s Volunteer Rifle Corps (the civilian militia) had established a shooting range here for training and for competitions with the Fremantle Militia. Originally called “Perth Park”, the area was opened to the public by 1895. Six years later it was renamed “Kings Park.” Comprising a mixture of grass parklands, botanical gardens, and natural bushlands, the park plays host to at least 324 different varieties of natural plants, 80 bird species, and more than five million visitors per year (making Kings Park the most popular attraction in Western Australia). It was even featured in a 2006 episode of “The Amazing Race.”

Each of the trees lining the main road into the park were
​planted by members of the founding park council.

For us, however, the more glorious trees were scattered throughout the park. And they were truly magnificent.

Not to be outdone by their bigger cousins, the smaller flora (such as this “Kangaroo Paws” plant) were also impressive.

At the center of the park is the Western Australia War Memorial Monument, dedicated to all those who served in the uniformed services.

Throughout the park are a number of unique structures. One of them is the “DNA Tower”, comprising 101 steps shaped like a double-helix. Built in 1966, the tower provides some of the best views of the city.

And what views they are!

Another highlight was the glass suspension bridge that provided a great view of the Swan River.

By far, the most beautiful part of our visit to Kings Park was seeing the many fantastic plants in the botanic gardens.