Kings Park aerial view. Photo by M. Webb
Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) manages Kings Park and Botanic Garden and Bold Park, two of Perth's most accessible and significant natural areas, cherished by residents and visitors alike.
BGPA is part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The Minister responsible for the Authority is the Minister for the Environment.
BGPA is led by Chief Executive Officer Stuart Smith who is also Director General of DBCA. The Board of Management has been the governing body of the BGPA since the Authority was established.
Nearly 150 staff are employed by the Authority, including permanent, part-time, casual and contract staff.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden and Bold Park are managed under the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority Act 1998 and Regulations 1999. These can be downloaded from the Parliamentary Counsel's Office website.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is Western Australia’s premier tourist destination. It showcases the Western Australian Botanic Garden, many important memorials, landscaped recreational parklands, playgrounds and cafes and a significant area of remnant bushland.
Bold Park is an A-class reserve of coastal bushland set aside for its outstanding conservation, landscape and recreation values. Covering 437 hectares, it is one of the largest bushland remnants in the metropolitan area of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Strategic Priorities 2020-2025
Through the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority Act 1998, BGPA is charged with the care, control and management of designated lands in accordance with publicly endorsed management plans. Current designated lands are Bold Park and Kings Park and Botanic Garden, both with high levels of community value and exceptional biodiversity. These Strategic Priorities are the result of consultation with key stakeholders.
The 1998 Act identifies the specific functions and relevant powers that govern the management of the designated lands and provide for the promotion of conservation of biological diversity generally. They include the provision of recreational and tourism services and facilities; conservation of natural landscapes; plant management, interpretation and display; biodiversity management; conservation, enhancement and promotion of cultural heritage; and education and research programs.
The Authority is supported by the State Government, the community of Western Australia, a wide range of sponsors, service providers and stakeholders, and hundreds of active and dedicated volunteers. BGPA strives to ensure the conservation of native biological diversity and cultural heritage icons of Bold Park and Kings Park and Botanic Garden, while providing for the diverse range of visitor interests.
Review of overnight temporary accommodation trial in Kings Park
On 1 June 2024, the Government announced a trial of temporary overnight accommodation within Kings Park. The purpose of the trial was to explore new opportunities for hospitality and accommodation in the park and provide a case study to test the market in relation to temporary overnight accommodation, and to obtain stakeholder and community feedback.
The trial was conducted with WA-based business, Heyscape, to coincide with the Lightscape event operating from 7 June to 28 July 2024. The Government also committed to a review of the trial. The report documents the review including a description of the trial, customer observations, community and stakeholder feedback, management implications and learnings.
Planning a visit? go to our visitor site
Discover amazing attractions and things to do on the Botanic Gardens & Parks Authorities website.
