Every spring, Araluen Botanic Park in the Roleystone hills fills with tulips. Here's when to go, how to time it and what to see the rest of the year.
Tulips in the hills
Every year, I tell myself I’ll catch the tulips at Araluen at their peak, and every year I’m reminded why it’s worth the effort. Araluen Botanic Park, tucked into the hills at Roleystone, puts on Perth’s biggest spring flower show, with beds of tulips spilling down terraced gardens among tall trees, creeks and waterfalls.
Quick facts
- Where: Araluen Botanic Park, 362 Croyden Road, Roleystone, about 45 minutes from the city.
- Tulip festival: August to September. Exact dates are announced closer to spring.
- Open: Every day, 9am to 4pm, last entry 3pm.
- Food: Picnics welcome, electric barbecues, plus the Chalet Healy Cafe and Roundhouse Cafe.
- Dogs: Not allowed.
- Prams: The gardens are easy to explore with a pram.
“The tulips are magnificent although it was just early into Spring.”
cellowei, Tripadvisor review
When to go
The tulip festival runs from August to September each year, and the exact dates are announced closer to spring on the Araluen Botanic Park website. It’s worth timing your visit carefully. Tulips don’t all bloom at once, and the display depends on the weather.
My advice is to watch Araluen’s updates and go mid-season, when most beds are in bloom. Early in the festival, some beds may still be green.
Beyond the tulips
Araluen isn’t only a spring garden. Magnolias flower in late winter, the deciduous trees turn red and gold from April, and in summer the gardens are cool and green under the canopy. It’s open every day from 9am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Wander down to the waterfalls and the Pool of Remembrance, which was built in memory of those who served in the First World War. It’s one of the most peaceful corners of the park.
“There is a nice little cafe to get lunch or better still just take a picnic & sit on the grass.”
Expatinozz, Tripadvisor review
Food and picnics
Picnics are welcome, and there’s plenty of open lawn. Electric barbecues are available, and there are two cafes, the Chalet Healy Cafe and the Roundhouse Cafe, for coffee and lunch. Dogs aren’t allowed, to protect the wildlife.
Getting there
Araluen is at 362 Croyden Road, Roleystone, about 45 minutes from the city. The last stretch winds up through the hills and is a lovely drive, and a great short ride on the motorbike if you’re heading out for a spring Sunday.
Bring the family. My nieces and nephews love running the paths and spotting the waterfalls, and the gardens are easy to explore with a pram.
“The ‘train’ took us to upper levels and past the waterfall and Pool of Remembrance.”
Jean L, Tripadvisor review
Featured image: Dan arndt, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
The tulip festival runs from August to September each year. Dates are announced on the Araluen website closer to spring.
