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Kings Park & Botanic Garden

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Red Mezz
Red Mezz
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

Kinks Park & Botanic Garden

  • May 31, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Drever from Ayr
Kinks Park & Botanic Garden

Kings Park & Botanic Garden is an area of 400 hectares of which 270 hectares is natural bush land. The Garden displays about 2000 of the State's 13000 plant species. The park is a place for recreation and celebration of the State's rich flora. Its position gives it an spectacular elevated view over Perth.

The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is one of Kings Park newest additions. A 52-metre steel and glass arched bridge spanning the Water Garden Valley is the central feature of the Walkway. At its peak it is 16 metres above the ground. Stretching over 620 meters and taking about 40 minutes return, the walk takes you along the Swan River through many of the parks newly added gardens, Swan River lookouts, and finally though the treetops of the Mari Woodland forest.

A thoughtful touch is the tree-lined Honour Avenue. Each tree has a plaque dedication to individual soldiers who fought in the wars. There are also the War Memorial and Flame of Remembrance to see.

A favourite spot for families is the Western Power Parkland. With its mixture of water, playground areas for children of all ages, shady lawns, discovery trails and - on summer evening – outdoor-cinema it provides enjoyment for all the family. If you want to make a day of it, you can bring a picnic, make use of one of the free barbecues or choose to eat at the Zamia Cafe that overlooks the Parkland.

There are many interesting plants, especially when fitted into the Aboriginal context.
Of note is the Gija Jumulu (Boab Tree). After travelling 3200km from Telegraph Creek, northern Western Australia, the Gija Jumula arrived here on July 2008. The Aboriginal Gija people of East Kimberley gifted the tree to the people of Western Australia.

The Balgas supplied the most resources of all plants used by the Aboriginal Nyoogar people. Flowering stems provided both edible nectar and supports for shelters. Dry stems made useful fire sticks. The trunk exuded a resin, which they made into glue by combining it with charcoal and kangaroo dung. Leaf fronds provided thatch for shelters and bedding The leaf base could be eaten.

Marri trees played a significant role in Nyoogar culture. The red gum oozing from the tree contains tannin, which had antiseptic properties. They powdered it and sprinkled it on to open wounds to prevent bleeding or added to water it made a mouthwash. When mixed with clay and water it made a traditional medicinal drink for dysentery.

The stately tuart in the park is an example of the largest tree on the Swan Coastal Plain growing up to 40 metres in height. The tough timber made strong wagon wheels and tool handles. Its flower buds are distinctive having swollen bud caps and look like small ice cream cones.

The park also describes some of the beliefs held by the Aboriginal peoples. In the Aboriginal Dreamtime, the Waugal serpent meanders through the landscape, creating rivers, waterways and lakes on its journey from the hills to the ocean. The rainbow serpent is an ancestral 'deity' of the Nyoogar community.

The garden also celebrates Women in Western Australia. A limestone wall features a sculptured bas-relief mural depicting women in various stages from infancy to maturity. The mural symbolises the part women played in developing Western Australia. Throughout the garden the theme of celebrating women appears.

The park and gardens not only a place for recreation and celebration of the State's rich flora it is also a place of education.

From journal In and Around Perth

Editor Pick

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

  • June 4, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
When I started asking around about what there was to see and do in the capitol city of Western Australia, 9 out of 10 times I got the same response, from both Ozzies and those who had visited.
'You have to go to King's Park.'

I'm always a little bit skeptical of parks and gardens being major city attractions, in the same way that I'm leery of things like animal parks and underwater centers. When done right, they are great, but more often than not they are just another thing for a city to tag onto it's 'To do and see' list.

But, Kings Park came up again and again, and so when my Australian friends from Bunbury drove us into the city for our last weekend in Australia, I told them that we had to see Kings Park. And having lived in Perth themselves, they avidly agreed.

Kings Park is no mere garden of small area to walk the dog in lush tended grass. It is over 400 hectares of parkland, uncultivated bush, adjacent to the Swan River and Mt. Eliza, which has much history with the local aboriginal people.

I have to admit that I sorely misjudged Kings Park and what it had to offer, allowing only a couple hours of sightseeing and photo shooting. I highly recommend if you are spending time in the city of Perth to allow a full day, (or a half day at least) to fully enjoy all the park has to offer.

There are lots of facilities in the park, as well as frequent events. It's great for wandering, relaxing, and picnicking.

If botany is your thing, there are also over 300 species of native plants in the bushlands as well as over 80 species of birds.

In my opinion, the very best thing Kings Park had to offer a visitor (though after seeing it, I can fully appreciate why those living in the city find it such a wonderful spot) is the view of the city. As a photographer, this of course ranks higher than it might for other travelers, but still it must be mentioned that the view of Perth (particularly at night) from the lookout point in Kings Park is second to none of cityscape views I have ever seen. The sight of the city lit in the distance (the city center is around 1.5 km from Kings Park, an easy distance from anywhere you may be staying) is something that has stayed with me ever since. The night was crystal clear, and with the haunting under-lit trees on the path behind us, we stood in absolute silence with other like-minded travelers looking out across the twinkling city. If you do nothing else in the gardens, do this.

But if you have the time (and I highly recommend you try to allow it) check out the State War Memorial, and if possible go in spring during its impressive wildflower season.

From journal A Dip in the Ocean at the Capitol of West Oz

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