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Feel like a walk amongst the treetops while you enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline and the State Botanic Garden? Then come and walk the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.
The Lotterywest Federation Walkway was opened in August 2003 and is currently one of Kings Park and Botanic Garden's most popular tourist attractions.
The Walkway extends 620 metres through the Botanic Garden along a combination of on-ground pathways and a spectacular elevated 52 m glass and steel arched bridge suspended amongst a canopy of tall eucalypts.
You can download a brochure on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway 982.29 Kb to take with you on your visit.
Frequently asked questions
1. Where is the Lotterywest Federation Walkway?
The journey begins adjacent to the Lord Forrest statue at the roundabout on Fraser Avenue in Kings Park and Botanic Garden and extends 620 metres through the Western Australian Botanic Garden to the new performance area amphitheatre Beedawong (Nyoongar Aboriginal word meaning celebration or meeting place), near Roe Gardens.
On the journey to the Walkway, you will pass by several new wildflower gardens and the Tuart Lawn, cross the beautiful Water Garden valley and enter the cathedral of the Marri woodland forest.
Maps of the Walkway are positioned at each end and along the way, outlining the themes, plantings and special points of interest.
2. What will I see?
Come and enjoy exhilarating views of the Swan and Canning Rivers, understand more about the local indigenous culture and the diversity of Western Australian flora, and feel something of our rich history.
This Walkway invites you to discover Kings Park and Botanic Garden's connection to Federation and the importance of Lord John Forrest's involvement in the Park's history, through the help of interpretive signage. After seeing the State's Centenary of Federation floral emblem - the Kings Park Federation Flame Kangaroo Paw at the Fraser Avenue entry to the Walkway, follow the path to the massed display of verticordias at the Two Rivers Lookout. This Lookout has spectacular views of Perth City and the Swan and Canning Rivers.
The Mt Eliza Lookout overlooking the Mount Eliza escarpment describes this area's colourful history and highlights the research and ongoing works that are helping to restore the escarpment bushland vegetation and stability. This is a spectacular lookout with panoramic views.
Beginning its elevation adjacent to the Water Garden, the Walkway overlooks an ancient grove of Balgas (grasstrees) and focuses on the trees and birds of the Swan Coastal Plain.
3. When is the Lotterywest Federation Walkway open?
The elevated section of the Walkway is open between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Gates are locked each night for safety and security reasons.
4. Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free but donations to the Friends of Kings Park are very welcome. Donation boxes are located at either end of the Walkway near the gates.
5. How high is the Lotterywest Federation Walkway?
The Lotterywest Federation Walkway reaches a maximum height of 16 m at the apex of the uniquely designed 52 m glass and steel arched bridge which appears suspended amidst the canopy of tall eucalypts, including Karri, Marri, Tingle and Jarrah trees.
6. How long is the Walkway?
It extends 620 metres through the Botanic Garden along a combination of on-ground pathways, elevated walkway and spectacular steel and glass bridge to the new Beedawong amphitheatre near Roe Gardens.
7. How long will it take to walk?
The Walkway is about a 40 minute return journey from the Visitor Information Centre.
8. What length is the elevated section of the Walkway?
The elevated section is 222 m long which includes the 52 m glass arched bridge.
9. How many panels of glass are on the glass arched bridge?
The bridge has 52 glass panels on each side. Each panel weighs 120 kg.
10. Is the Walkway wheelchair accessible?
The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is designed to be enjoyed by all visitors, with interpretative signage at suitable heights and level rest stops incorporated. Those in manual wheelchairs or mobility devices may require assistance on the arched section of the elevated walkway. Visitors requiring assistance can contact a Park Management Officer on 0418 923 973.
11. What are the Conditions of Use?
For safety reasons on the Walkway, please note the following:
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Please hold young children by the hand, as carrying them above the height of the handrail may put them at risk
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No jogging or running
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No bikes, scooters, skateboards or rollerblades
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No throwing anything over the edge
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No smoking
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Dogs not permitted
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Bridal photography not permitted
12. What's special about this Walkway?
The elevated walkway and glass arched bridge are together a fusion of sculpture, architecture and engineering. Forged from richly rusted steel, the elevated steel boardwalk is a striking artwork designed to blend into the landscape so the focus is on the natural and inspiring vistas surrounding you.
13. How was the Lotterywest Federation Walkway funded?
Core funding for the Lotterywest Federation Walkway project and related works such as pathways, soft landscaping and Tuart toilets was provided by the State Government through capital works allocations to the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority.
Through the Friends of Kings Park, significant additional funding was provided by Lotterywest and the Centenary of Federation (Western Australian Committee). The Water Corporation of Western Australia provided funding for the Water Garden and for landscaping works that incorporate water wise principles. Sponsorship was also received from WMC Resources and Wesfarmers Ltd.
14. Who designed and constructed the Lotterywest Federation Walkway?
It was designed by Architects Donaldson + Warn in collaboration with engineers Capital House and artists David Jones, Kevin Draper and Richard Walley and constructed by John Holland Constructions. Landscaping was by Plan E and Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority staff.
15. Walkway Artwork
Lotterywest generously sponsored the artwork on the Walkway, which includes:
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Nyoongar Aboriginal art.
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A tiered performance area Beedawong designed by Nyoongar artist Richard Walley and landscape architect David Smith from Plan E.
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Inspiring metal drawings on the steel bridge pylons by artist Kevin Draper which are best viewed from below the Walkway along Law Walk pathway.
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Informative interpretive signage written and designed by Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority staff and Sean Elsegood Design.
16. Is the rusted steel structure the final finish?
Yes. It is designed to blend in with the trees in the gardens providing a potent reminder of the rusted steel of camps, farms and mines in the Western Australian bush at the time of Federation.
17. Official Opening
The Lotterywest Federation Walkway was opened on 17 August 2003 by the Premier of Western Australia Dr Geoff Gallop.
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