Kings Park sits on a 400-hectare plateau above the Swan River, right at the edge of the CBD, and it is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. About two-thirds of it is natural bushland, preserved in something close to its pre-colonial state: banksia, jarrah, marri, and dozens of wildflower species that bloom spectacular in spring (August to October). The remaining third is landscaped gardens, war memorials, grassy lawns, and a DNA Tower that you can spiral up for views across the city and river. The lookout points along the park's western edge rank among Perth's best free experiences — the panorama takes in the city skyline, the Swan River curving south, and on clear days the Darling Ranges in the distance.
The Botanic Garden within the park focuses specifically on Western Australian flora, much of which grows nowhere else on earth. WA has extraordinary plant diversity — more species of wildflowers than the entire British Isles — and the garden makes a good introduction to it. Free guided walks run daily, and the park hosts the Kings Park Festival each September when the wildflowers are at their peak. Come at sunset on a warm evening, when the city lights below begin to glow and the light off the river goes golden; it is the kind of place that makes Perth residents quietly smug about where they live.