KINGS PARK PERTH Kings Park and Botanic Garden is visited by over five million people each year. With its remarkable expanses of unique bushland, tranquil parkland and botanic garden, the park is the most popular visitor destination in Western Australia. The total area of the park is 400.6 hectares and is located adjacent to the Swan River, approximately 1.5 km from the Central Business District of Perth. There are many things to do for the whole family, exciting events are held throughout the year and a range of services are offered to ensure you enjoy your visit. Kings Park and Botanic Garden overlooks the Swan River and Darling Range and showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australia flora. It is a popular place for picnics, pleasant walks, cultural and ceremonial events. Nearly two thirds of the Park is natural bushland containing 319 species of native plants and around 80 bird species. The balance of the Park is made up of superbly cultivated gardens and open recreational areas. For Western Australians and for the many interstate and international visitors, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a place of inspiration, relaxation, recreation and wonder. The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority manages Kings Park and Botanic Garden in accordance with the Kings Park and Botanic Garden Management Plan 2004-2009, to ensure the conservation of native biological diversity and cultural heritage icons, while providing for the diverse range of visitor interests. On the 1 October 1872 an area of 432 acres (175 ha) on Mount Eliza was gazetted as a public park - Perth Park - by the Commissioner for Lands, Sir Malcolm Fraser, who had submitted this proposal to the Governor, Sir Frederick Weld, more than a year previously. The area was renamed Kings Park in 1901 in honour of King Edward VII of England after a visit to Perth by his son, the Duke of York (later King George V). Read more about the history... Mount Eliza, (known as Kaarta Gar-up by the local Nyoongar people), has always been a significant gathering point for Aboriginal people and a focal point of European culture. The State War Memorial was erected in 1929. The Honour Avenues and special memorials throughout the Park are dedicated to those who died during service to Australia.