Araluen Botanic Park

Araluen Botanic Park - 362 Croyden Road, Roleystone  WA  6111

Paradise Found

In 1929 J.J. Simons established a holiday camp for the Young Australia League(YAL), on 60 hectares (150acres) of deep shaded valley at Roleystone. Creeks running through the long valley created a cool moist climate, thus making it an ideal site for its garden. Simons called his valley,"Araluen", an Eastern States aboriginal word meaning "singing waters", "running waters" or "place of lilies".

League members and volunteers created pathways, roads, steps and terraces. Structures were designed by leading Perth architect W.G. Bennett and built from local stone and timber.In Spring, Araluen featured tulips planted on the terraces and in the Grove of the Unforgotten. It proved very popular and the early gardens thrived in Araluen's climate.

One of the many features still in existence today is "The Grove of the Unforgotten", built in memory of  88 YAL members killed in the World War 1. A series of terraces descends a steep slope flanked by pencil pines formed in the shape of a lyre, the symbol of music. A waterfall cascades through the terraces and finishes in a reflection pond.

Much has been achieved to this time, particularly in the restoration of heritage structures, gardens, paths,steps and terraces, as well as in the completion of new capital works programs such as the new, passive green central lawn 'heart', the spectacularly attractive watercourse and the extra public facilities which replace the noisy, unsafe old bitumen carpark.

Araluen is fast achieving its mission to become a Botanic Garden of Excellence.

Opens daily from 9AM to 6PM, Araluen is located in the Darling Range, 35 kms south east of Perth. Follow the signs from the junction of Albany and Brookton Highways. Entry fees are applicable.