Everlasting Kings Park Festival opens as WA wildflower season begins

WA’s biggest celebration of wildflowers has arrived as Kings Park bursts into colour this month.

More than 5800 blooms will form the backdrop to this year’s Everlasting Kings Park Festival as visitors flock to Kings Park and Botanic Garden to explore the flora and walking trails — whether it’s solo or on a guided walk, hike, segway or bicycle tour.

There’s plenty for everyone, with family-friendly events including watercolour painting classes, natural dyeing workshops, as well as the Poolgarla Family Day and school holiday activities, storybook sessions and crafting.

More adventurous visitors can immerse themselves in forest bathing or try some yoga or tai chi among the kaleidoscope of colour that spring’s wildflowers bring.

The much-loved Friends of Kings Park Native Plant Sale is back for another year, with rare plants up for grabs and personalised gardening advice from experts at the Horticultural Help Desk.

And for the first time, a unique urban stargazing experience dubbed Sunsets and Stargazing will put Perth’s starry nights on display.

Festival director of experience Jo Metcalf said Kings Park was “the best place to experience WA’s wildflower spectacle” in the metro area.

“The Everlasting Kings Park Festival program is packed with events that dig deep into WA’s natural phenomenon,” she said.

“With a huge range of free and ticketed activities for people of all ages, there is truly something for everyone.

“As threats to our State’s biodiversity increase through climate change, pests and disease, it is more important than ever to appreciate our natural splendour and educate ourselves on protecting our native species.”

The Botanic Garden boasts some of WA’s most diverse plant groups, with more than 3000 species of flora throughout.

The Everlasting Kings Park Festival opened on Friday and runs until September 29.