DNA Tower

Updated June 26, 2025

## DNA Tower (Kings Park, Perth): what it is, why it matters, and whether the climb is worth it

If you’re mapping out viewpoints in Perth, the DNA Tower in Kings Park is one of the most distinctive: a white, double-helix staircase that functions as a compact lookout. It’s also a surprisingly practical piece of design—built so people can move up and down without battling each other on a single stair run.

You’ll find it at Forrest Drive, Kings Park WA 6005, on the Forrest Drive end of Broadwalk Vista.

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## Quick facts you’ll actually use

### Location + basics
– Name: DNA Tower
– Where: Kings Park, Perth (Forrest Drive end of Broadwalk Vista)
– Entry: Free
– Open: Daily (the Kings Park authority lists it as open daily)

### The climb (what you’re committing to)
– Height: about 15 metres Australia
– Steps: 101
– Access: the staircase is not wheelchair accessible (the tower requires climbing stairs; Kings Park has broader accessibility provisions across many areas, but the tower climb itself is stairs-only)

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## Why it’s called the DNA Tower (and what the design is doing)

The “DNA” part isn’t marketing fluff—the tower is literally shaped to resemble a double helix, referencing deoxyribonucleic acid. Perth

It was commissioned in 1966 by Dr John Beard (then Director of Kings Park and Botanic Garden). Australia The double-stair layout wasn’t chosen only for symbolism; sources describing the structure note the double-helix design was selected for pragmatic reasons, making it easier for visitors to ascend and descend.

There’s also a European architectural nod here: the design is described as being inspired by the double staircase at the Château de Blois (France). Australia

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## What you’ll see from the top

Kings Park tourism material positions the DNA Tower as the highest viewing point in Kings Park. Perth That’s a useful framing: it’s less about being the tallest structure in Perth, and more about being a high spot within the park’s terrain.

What that translates to in real terms:
– You’re looking out over Kings Park’s treed canopy and parkland, plus the surrounding urban edges of Perth.
– The experience is more “quick panoramic payoff” than “destination-grade observation deck.” (Your own quote—“Not really my thing, but the view of the park is pretty nice”—fits the common outcome: the climb is short, the view is the reward.)

Because the tower is open-air, people who don’t love heights sometimes notice movement from wind or foot traffic. (That sensation is commonly reported, but it’s subjective—if you’re height-sensitive, you’ll want to approach it accordingly.)

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## How to fit the DNA Tower into a Kings Park walk

One of the easiest ways to make the tower feel “worth it” is to treat it as a micro-stop within a larger Kings Park route rather than a standalone mission.

A practical nearby pairing:
– DNA Tower + Lotterywest Federation Walkway: Destination Perth’s trail page places both as Kings Park walk highlights, and the Federation Walkway is explicitly a treetop walk experience in the botanic garden precinct. Perth

If you’re building a half-day plan, you can sequence it like this:
1. Start in a main precinct (visitor area / facilities)
2. Walk into the botanic garden/treetop experience
3. Finish with the tower climb as a short “final viewpoint”

(Exact routing depends on where you enter the park, but the principle holds: stack experiences so the tower isn’t carrying the entire outing.)

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## Accessibility + inclusivity notes (what’s true, what to expect)

– The DNA Tower climb itself is stairs-only (101 steps), so it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and will be challenging for anyone who avoids stairs or has significant mobility limitations.
– Kings Park more broadly states it has wheelchair access in many buildings and key visitor areas, plus accessible features across parts of the park.

If your group has mixed mobility needs, a fair plan is: enjoy the area around the tower base together, then let stair-comfortable people do the climb while others enjoy nearby park paths and viewpoints.

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## Safety + recent maintenance (so you’re not relying on old info)

The tower was briefly closed in 2021 due to corrosion and was refurbished/repainted in 2021, with reporting from major outlets noting restoration work.

That’s worth mentioning because older travel posts sometimes describe it as “closed” without context. If you see that, check the current status through Kings Park’s official attraction page.

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## Two internal links you can add (contextual + natural)

If you have relevant site pages, these are the cleanest internal-link placements:
1. Kings Park & Botanic Garden guide (use it after your first mention of Kings Park, to help readers plan facilities, walking areas, and logistics).
2. Best viewpoints in Perth or Best things to do in Perth (use it right after the “What you’ll see from the top” section, since the DNA Tower is one viewpoint among many).

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## Bottom line: who should do the DNA Tower?

Do it if:
– You like quick climbs with a clear payoff (101 steps, ~15 m, free entry). Australia
– You’re already in Kings Park and want an extra viewpoint without committing to a big hike.

Skip it if:
– Stairs are a hard no (this is not an accessible climb).
– You want a “wow” observation deck experience—this is more of a local landmark lookout than a major attraction.

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DNA Tower

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Places to Stay Near DNA Tower"Not really my thing, but the view of the park is pretty nice"

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