Click on the links to find the answers to some of our more commonly asked questions. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please use the search facility in the top right corner of our site or contact us.
Questions
- How do I make a booking?
- How much will my excursion cost?
- Does the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority have an excursion policy?
- Does Kings Park Education Service provide teacher and/or students resources?
- If our school is visiting Kings Park for a stopover or picnic, but is not booking a formal school program, do we need to advise Kings Park of our visit?
- Where should the bus drop us off when we arrive at Kings Park?
- We have made a booking for a guided program but what else can we do in Kings Park during our visit?
- Where can we store our lunches?
- Where can we play?
- Are refreshments available for purchase?
- What is Rio Tinto Naturescape in Kings Park?
Answers
1. How do I make a booking?
Consider which core program or special program and event best suits your students’ requirements. Contact our Education Bookings Officer by phone or email to make a booking or booking enquiry.
Please note that due to the popularity of the education programs in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, it is recommended that you tentatively book an education program at least one month prior to your visit.
2. How much will my excursion cost?
- Guided programs begin at $6.00 per student.
- Accompanying teachers/adults are free.
- Minimum cost is from $120.00 (inc GST) per program.
- Self-guided packages, which include a map, teacher resource packs, activity sheet and a worksheet for you to photocopy, are $10.00 (inc GST).
- Self-guided excursions are free but it is important you advise us of your visit.
3. Does the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority have an excursion management plan?
Yes. Please download relevant information from the Plan Your School Visit section.
4. Does Kings Park Education Service provide teacher and/or students resources?
All core programs and several of the special programs and events are supported by a teacher resource pack. Student workbooks are provided on the self-guided walks. These resources will be mailed to you upon a confirmed booking.
5. If our school is visiting Kings Park for a stopover or picnic, but is not booking a formal school program, do we need to advise Kings Park of our visit?
Yes. This is important for many reasons:
- The safety of you and your students is important to us. In case of fire or another emergency it is vital that we have a contact phone number for groups of students in Kings Park.
- Kings Park holds a variety of public and private events throughout the year. Advising us of your visiting date in advance avoids any potential for conflict that may compromise your visit.
- It takes a lot of work to keep Kings Park looking great. Maintenance works are carried out throughout the year. These works can be disruptive and may cause the closure of certain facilities and areas. By advising us of your visit in advance we can let you know if any works are planned that may compromise your visit.
- Recording accurate visitor numbers allows us to plan for the future and upgrade facilities were required, which will ultimately benefit you.
6. Where should the bus drop us off when we arrive at Kings Park?
Locations and Meeting Points will vary depending on your booking. The confirmation letter you receive upon booking will indicate the appropriate drop off points.
Botanic Garden
For all programs booked at the Western Australian Botanic Garden, including the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, there is a bus drop-off zone, as marked on the map provided with your confirmation letter (or you can download an Education map). Buses must park at the Wardong Bus Park on May Dve near the Wadjuk Roundabout. Please assemble your group on the grassed area adjacent to the drop-off point where the Education Presenter will meet you.
Synergy Parkland
Synergy Parkland is located on May Drive, on the western side of Kings Park. Enter Kings Park and Botanic Garden from Saw Ave (off Thomas Street). Turn right onto May Drive and follow the signs directing you to the Synergy Parkland. Here you will find a bus drop off point. Buses must park along May Drive for the duration of the visit. Please meet the Education Presenter at the drop off zone as marked on the map provided with your confirmation letter.
If you are on a self-guided visit or picnic stopover, buses can park at the Wardong Bus Park on May Drive near the Wadjuk Roundabout.
7. We have made a booking for a guided program but what else can we do in Kings Park during our visit?
In the Botanic Garden
- Visit the Conservation Garden which displays Western Australia’s most threatened plants.
- Discover Gija Jumulu, the 750 year old Boab tree from the east Kimberley.
- Watch in awe as the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Fountain shoots 15 metres
- into the air.
- Enjoy wonderful views of Perth and the Swan River from the Lotterywest Federation Walkway by going on the 1 km Botanic Garden Loop Trail.
- Over 3000 native plant species, abundant wildlife and other surprises await you in the Western Australian Botanic Garden.
In greater Kings Park
- Climb to the top of the DNA Tower for great views of Kings Park and Perth.
- Take the 1km Broadwalk from the Botanic Garden to Synergy Parkland for a great picnic area and playground.
- Have a BBQ at the newly developed Saw Avenue Adventure Play Area - there is plenty of space for the whole school.
- Take time out for quiet reflection at the State War Memorial Fraser Ave Precinct, where towering trees stately memorials and magnificent views create a special sense of space. Please note: this is a place of special place of remembrance and ball games are not permitted in this area.
- Immerse yourself in natural bush on the 1 km Bushland Nature Trail Loop.
- For older students, take the 5 km Long Way Round Loop Trail walk through the bushland with spectacular river views, stopping at Synergy Parkland for lunch.
8. Where can we store our lunches?
Student lunches can be left on the lawn under the trees. Limited undercover space may be available for lunches during inclement weather. Please ensure lunches are packed in a covered container or are covered with a tarp or blanket to deter birds or other wildlife.
9. Where can we play?
There are three play areas in Kings Park that are best suited for primary school students:
Synergy Parkland
Located on May Drive, on the western side of Kings Park, this large recreational play area has fantastic grassed areas which can accommodate a whole school. The dinosaur inspired playground is particularly suitable for children over six years.
Saw Avenue Adventure Play Area
This newly developed informal picnic area is located on the corner of Saw Avenue and May Drive on the western side of Kings Park. An adventure play area incorporating creative art works at this site is most suitable for junior primary students.
Lotterywest Family Area
Hale Oval is located off Kings Park Road. An extensive grassed area is suitable for large groups to picnic, play ball games and for sport activities. There is a designated bus drop off zone in the adjacent carpark and a number of small undercover pavilions available for use. Please note that the Ivey Watson Playground at the Lotterywest Family Area is for family use and restricted to children 5 years and under. School groups are requested not to use this playground.
10. Are refreshments available for purchase?
Yes. Refreshments, including take-away coffee, can be purchased from
- Kings Park Kiosk on Fraser Avenue
- Zamia Cafe at Synergy Parkland
- Stickybeaks Cafe at the Lotterywest Family Area
11. What is Rio Tinto Naturescape in Kings Park?
Rio Tinto Naturescape in Kings Park is a new and exciting interactive environmental discovery project that is the first of its kind in Western Australia. This nature-based education facility provides a hands-on, immersion experience that connects children with nature and better enables them to become more knowledgeable, caring and effective environmental custodians of tomorrow.