14 Hectares of Extraordinary Beauty
Discover Perth Hills
Oldest Botanic Garden
Nestled deep within a valley in the Perth Hills, Araluen Botanic Park is an extraordinary garden in a breathtaking bushland setting.
Araluen is a unique Botanic Park in a natural setting. Located within 59 hectares of West Australian native forest, our 14 hectares of developed gardens are home to thousands of plants that flourish in the rich soils and supportive micro-climate that is created in this valley across the Darling Scarp of the Perth hills. Araluen Botanic Park has a unique micro-climate featuring loam soils, high rainfall and cold winters providing an unmatched opportunity to cultivate exotic and cool climate plants in Western Australia.
The Story of Araluen
In the late 1920s the founder of the Young Australia League JJ “Boss” Simons was drawn to this valley in pursuit of his dream to create a weekend retreat where YAL members could experience the outdoor life. Whenever YAL members travelled the world they were encouraged to bring back plants for Araluen as they developed the Park gardens which was to complement the aesthetic appeal of the Canadian-style log cabins, water features, and pergolas.
The YAL took over the Park with little to no infrastructure apart from tracks left as a result of timber clearing during the 1800’s. Over 20+years the YAL constructed a series of buildings and several unique garden features. Construction methods varied but commonly used locally sourced, materials which became a major influencing contributor to the current unique style of Araluen and the Park.
News
As the temperature dips and the landscape transforms, Araluen Botanic Park becomes a captivating winter retreat. Nestled in the Perth Hills, this picturesque park offers a variety of activities that make it the perfect cold-weather escape. Whether you're looking to reconnect with nature, capture stu...
Scarlet Robins at Araluen Botanic Park: A Winter Wonderland for Bird Watchers
Winter at Araluen Botanic Park isn't just about the lush, frost-kissed foliage; it's also the prime season for bird enthusiasts and photograph...
At Araluen Botanic Park, countless women have left their mark, yet none quite as profoundly as Noelene Drage.
In honour of her recent passing and significant contributions to the park, the Araluen Botanic Park Committee has endorsed the ...
Welcome to a world where tiny bursts of colour filter through the lush greenery at Araluen Botanic Park in Western Australia. Among the most enchanting sights you'll encounter here is the Splendid Fairy-Wren, a small bird with a big personality that captivates everyone who visits. Here’s everything ...
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Araluen Botanic Park, an enchanting encounter awaits our nature lovers and twitchers. Among the kaleidoscope of flora and fauna, a particularly charming resident flits through the underbrush, capturing hearts with its subtle beauty and serene presence - the West...
Upcoming Events
Araluen Botanic Park’s stunning bushland landscape sets a memorable scene for so many events during the year. With a stunning natural backdrop, and cultivated garden spaces the Park hosts music concerts, treasure hunts, civic events, garden festivals and live art exhibitions. We are a popular picturesque location for weddings and live theatre productions. Below you will find some of the upcoming events and activities being hosted across the Park for you and your family to enjoy. Be sure to check in for the seasonal school holiday activities which always book out quickly.