Kings Park parkrun
Kings Park parkrun winds through the stunning Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. The hilly mixed-surface course rewards runners with sweeping views of the Swan River and Perth skyline from the escarpment trails. It is a genuinely challenging course that tests even experienced runners.
Terrain
Hilly
Surface
Mixed
Difficulty
Challenging
Avg Turnout
270 runners
The Course
The course navigates bushland trails and paved paths through Kings Park, incorporating the Federation Walkway and escarpment tracks. Significant elevation changes with steep climbs and fast descents make this one of the toughest parkrun courses in Perth. The panoramic Swan River views from the top of the ridge are the reward for the effort.
Course Records
Male Record
16:10
Female Record
18:50
Getting There
Parking
Free parking is available in Kings Park Road car parks. The park is a major tourist attraction so arrive early, especially on warmer mornings when the park is busy.
Public Transport
Bus routes 935 and 937 connect Perth CBD to Kings Park on weekdays, but Saturday morning services are limited. Most runners drive or cycle to the park.
Post-Run Coffee
The Rio Tinto Naturescape Kiosk in Kings Park serves coffee from early Saturday mornings. Fraser's Restaurant also opens for weekend breakfast.
Tips for First Timers
WA 7:00am start, arrive by 6:50am for the briefing at the Kings Park Rotunda start area.
This course has serious hills, start slowly on the first climb to avoid blowing up before the finish.
Trail or hybrid shoes are recommended as sections of the course run on compacted gravel and bush trails.
The views from the escarpment make the effort worthwhile and are best enjoyed by walking the steepest sections if needed.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn and winter offer ideal conditions for tackling this hilly course. Summer mornings at 7am can still be warm, and the exposed escarpment sections have no shade.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What time does Kings Park parkrun start?
Kings Park parkrun starts at 7:00am every Saturday. As a Western Australian parkrun, the 7am start is earlier than in eastern states.
Is Kings Park parkrun suitable for beginners?
Kings Park is rated challenging due to significant hills and mixed terrain. First-timers are welcome but should be prepared for climbs and consider walking the steeper sections.
What shoes should I wear to Kings Park parkrun?
Trail or hybrid running shoes are recommended as the course includes compacted gravel and bush trails. Road shoes can work but grip matters on some sections.
How hilly is Kings Park parkrun?
The course has around 110m of total elevation with some steep climbs on the escarpment sections. It is one of the hilliest and most challenging parkrun courses in Perth.
Are there views at Kings Park parkrun?
Yes, the escarpment track offers panoramic views of the Swan River, Perth CBD and the Darling Ranges. It is one of the most visually rewarding parkrun courses in Australia.
