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The Story of Araluen

How the Seed of a Beautiful Idea Grew

In the late 1920s, J.J. “Boss” Simons, founder of the Young Australia League (YAL), was inspired by the natural beauty of a valley in the Perth Hills. His dream was to create a weekend retreat where young people could experience the outdoors, develop friendships, and enjoy nature. That vision became Araluen.

As the Park developed, YAL members returning from overseas trips were encouraged to bring back plants, helping to shape the now iconic gardens. The landscape was carefully designed to complement the Canadian-style log cabins, granite features, and pergolas built throughout the property.

Building Araluen: 1930s–1950s

When the YAL took over, the valley had little infrastructure—just rough tracks left by 19th-century timber logging. Over two decades, the League constructed a network of buildings and unique garden features, using locally sourced materials like stone and jarrah. This distinctive construction style became part of Araluen’s lasting charm.

One of the most iconic features built during this time was the Margaret Simons Memorial Pergola. Completed in 1940 and still standing today, it remains one of the largest pergolas in the Southern Hemisphere, made from eight tonnes of granite and large jarrah beams, supporting 80 climbing roses. The pergola was built in honour of Simons’ mother, Margaret Simons, a passionate supporter of Araluen and the League.

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Decline and Revival: A New Beginning

Despite its early success, Araluen eventually fell into disrepair. By the mid-1980s, it had been sold and neglected. But in 1990, a dedicated group of Perth gardeners saw the Park’s potential and successfully lobbied the WA Government to acquire the property.

Soon after, the Araluen Botanic Park Foundation (ABPF) was formed with strong community backing. Their mission: to restore, protect, and reimagine Araluen as a public botanic park for future generations.

Araluen Today: Heritage and Growth

Today, Araluen is home to more than 30 heritage buildings and structures, carefully preserved and restored by the Foundation. These include log cabins, stone pathways, garden terraces, and the original 1930s tearooms that now operate as Chalet Healy Café.

Interpretive signage throughout the Park helps visitors learn about the people, materials, and community spirit behind these historic landmarks. The buildings serve not only as functional spaces but as reminders of Araluen’s rich legacy.

The Foundation continues to improve the Park’s infrastructure, including:

  • New carparks
  • The Forest View Deck function space
  • Public WiFi, a Telstra Tower, and CCTV for safety
  • A solar-powered bore for sustainable irrigation

All of this is maintained alongside 14 hectares of cultivated gardens, native bushland, and hundreds of thousands of seasonal plantings.

Heritage Structures of Note

Margaret Simons Memorial Pergola

Constructed in the late 1930s, this massive pergola was built from granite and jarrah. It supports 80 rose varieties and remains one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Chalet Healy Tearooms (1937)

Originally a tea house for visitors, the Chalet Healy building was constructed in the Canadian log cabin style. It features granite foundations and jarrah timber detailing, all recently restored by the Foundation. The verandah is seasonally draped in flowering wisteria, one of the oldest plants in the Park.

Totterdell Cottage (1931)

Now the administration office, Totterdell Cottage was originally home to Jack Italiano, the stonemason who helped build the early stone structures in the Park.

Aspro Cottage (c.1930s)

Built with funding from the Aspro family, this cottage features an original terraced garden carved into the hillside.

The Roundhouse

The original cookhouse for YAL members, the Roundhouse was constructed with granite walls, ash concrete lintels, and castellated features. It has since been restored with a tile roof for consistency with other heritage buildings.

The Grove of the Unforgotten (Simon’s Legacy)

One of the Park’s most moving landmarks, The Grove of the Unforgotten was built to honour 89 YAL members who lost their lives in World War I. The grove is framed by pencil pines shaped in the form of a lyre, the international symbol of music. Water cascades down stone terraces to a reflective pool, surrounded in spring by blooming tulips.

This memorial continues to be a central, emotional point in the Park—a place of peace, reflection, and legacy.

The Foundation continues to improve the Park’s infrastructure, including:

  • New carparks
  • The Forest View Deck function space
  • Public WiFi, a Telstra Tower, and CCTV for safety
  • A solar-powered bore for sustainable irrigation

All of this is maintained alongside 14 hectares of cultivated gardens, native bushland, and hundreds of thousands of seasonal plantings.

Preserving the Legacy

The Araluen Botanic Park Foundation remains committed to the ongoing preservation, development, and promotion of the Park. With community support, the Foundation continues to:

  • Protect heritage structures
  • Expand and care for gardens
  • Improve visitor facilities
  • Plan for future generations

Whether you’re visiting for the tulips, a peaceful walk, or to uncover stories from Western Australia’s past, Araluen is more than a garden—it’s a living legacy.

Nature
Spring Awakens at Araluen Botanic Park
Where Nature Blooms, Birds Sing, and the Hills Come Alive There is no season quite like spring at Araluen Botanic Park. Tucked within the sheltered valley of the Perth Hills,…
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Stories From The Gardens

Discover what’s blooming, get behind-the-scenes insights, and stay up to date with all the latest from Araluen Botanic Park.

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What’s On at Araluen

From live concerts to seasonal festivals, there’s always something special happening at Araluen. Explore upcoming events and plan your next visit to experience the park in full bloom.

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Event
22 Aug – 10 Oct 2025

Tulip Festival 2025

It’s Yates Springtime at Araluen Tulip Festival!

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Event
6-27th September

Yoga by the Blooms

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Event
11 & 12th October 2025

Symphony Among the Tulips

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Event
11th November 2025

Remembrance Day

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Buy Tickets online for the Tulip Festival now!

Don’t miss out on this unique garden festival! Secure your tickets now and be part of the Yates Springtime at Araluen 2025 celebration.

Araluen Botanic Park is an outdoor venue subject to weather conditions. Please note that tickets are non-refundable due to inclement weather. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to dress accordingly to fully enjoy the festival.

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