Yanchep Park National Park
Nestled in tuart and banksia woodlands, just 50 kilometres north from Perth's central business district, this is one of Western Australia's oldest national parks. This park is abundant with native flora and fauna, rich in Aboriginal and European history, pristine wetlands and limestone caves, all just waiting to be explored. Discover the beautiful freshwater lake, one of Western Australia's largest koala colonies, magnificent limestone caves, a stunning array of wildflowers and the old world charm of Tudor-style buildings.
The park is home to many different waterbirds and bushbirds including grebes, swans, pelicans, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers, parrots, wrens and honeyeaters, to name a few. Endangered Carnaby's black-cockatoos are a spectacular daily sight. Western grey kangaroos are commonly seen grazing on the picnic lawns and golf course.
Located alongside the popular koala exhibits is the new Wangi Mia (talking place). This area provides a range of Nyoongar Aboriginal cultural experiences not to be missed.
The wildflower gardens offer visitors a chance to wander through a collection of the State's flora, and to experience native plants such as banksias, feather flowers, kangaroo paws and hakeas
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Yanchep National Park is situated 50 kilometres north of Perth.
Travelling time
45 minutes' drive from Perth's city centre.
Access
Just follow Wanneroo Road north about 25 kilometres past Wanneroo and you will see the Yanchep National Park signs.
Entry to Yanchep National Park costs $9/car ($3/car for seniors), $3.40 per bus passenger ($1 for seniors) and $3/motorcycle. Annual Park Passes are available.
Facilities
Trails and toilet blocks have been designed to accommodate people with disabilities.
There are many picnic shelters, tables and free gas barbecues located throughout the park that offer visitors a tranquil and relaxing setting. There is a sporting oval for more lively activities.
Accommodation, bar and restaurant facilities are provided by the Yanchep Inn, while the Chawn Mia Lakeview Tearooms offer a place for refreshment. There is a souvenir shop and the spectacular Cabaret Cave function facility is available for hire.
Yanchep National Park is enjoyed by people throughout the year. However, spring is the best time to view the wildflowers.
isit Yanchep WA
Yanchep is coupled with neighbouring town Two Rocks and is often referred to as Yanchep Two Rocks. Located 45 minutes' drive north of Perth, the towns boast some of the most pristine beaches close Perth.
Yanchep National Park's unique flora and fauna, caves and Aboriginal heritage make this district well worth visiting. Other activities in the area include horse riding, fishing, bushwalking, caving, sailing, swimming, surfing and scuba diving.
Yanchep offers a country lifestyle within easy distance of Perth. In late spring migrating whales can be seen, most frequently from Lagoon Beach, a favourite swimming spot.
Yanchep offers the visitor a choice of three licensed restaurants, one Chinese restaurant and a small beach side cafe.
Accommodation ranges from bed and breakfasts and farm-stays, to self catering and motel style accommodation within walking distance of the beach. Several houses are also available for holiday rentals.
Row boat hire on Loch McNess in Yanchep National ParkYanchep National Park
Just 50 kilometres from Perth's central business district is a bushland with an abundant of native plants and animals, waiting to be explored. Yanchep National Park offers visitors an array of recreational tourism and conservation experiences, right on the city's doorstep. The 2,842 hectare park is one of the state's oldest national parks and is steeped in Aboriginal and European cultural heritage.
Within the park you can see native bush, wild kangaroos, protected koala colonies, a stunning array of spring wildflowers, side by side with manicured lawns, Tudor style buildings, and cultivated native gardens. The park is home to many different waterbirds and bush birds.
Koala, located in the Yanchep National Park The caves of Yanchep National Park range from narrow tunnels and vertical shafts to large caverns containing streams and pools. More than 400 caves have been recorded in the park and several are open for a variety of activities to tourists. They are significant because of the relatively young age of the limestone in which they have been formed, the quality of their decoration and their significant cultural and fossil remains. Caves are open to the public and offer a glimpse into a mysterious underground wonderland.
Yanchep National Park provides visitors with opportunities to participate in a diverse range of activities, and Aboriginal cultural programs. Local Aboriginal people (Nyoongars) teach their traditional lifestyle and culture. This includes 'Share the Dreaming', which is an introduction to the language, how they lived, the tools they used in everyday life, and how they lived off the land and water. The tool making activity is a great one to watch, as you see the Nyoongars use natures resources mixed together with fire, wood and stone to make their tools.
The Bush Tucker walks take you through the bushland of Yanchep National Park, where the Nyoongars explain what plants you can eat drink and use for things such as medicine and healing. There is a chance to watch and learn how Nyoongars play the didgeridoo and watch and understand the spiritual dances, such as the Spirit, Kangaroo, and Emu which connects them to the land. All of the dances are performed and talked through. There is a chance to learn how to throw a Boomerang and Spear and have an understanding of how these tools were used by the Nyoongar people.
There are a number of interesting bush walks throughout the park with maps available from the visitor's centre, offering some spectacular scenery. Walk trails are from 500 metres to three and a half days. This is a great way to see nature at it's best.
There is a large range of day and extended tours available. Departing from Perth, experience flora and fauna, Aboriginal culture and European history at one of Western Australia's most popular national parks.
All animals in the park are wild and should be approached with appropriate caution.
Bushwalking trails of Yanchep National Park
There are a number of interesting bush walks throughout the park with maps available from the visitor centre, offering some spectacular scenery. Walk trails are from 500 metres to three and a half days. This is a great way to see nature.
Dwerta Mia Walk Trail
Enter Boomerang gorge to discover the significance of Dwerta Mia, 'house of the wild dog'. It is 500 metres easy walk which takes approximately 20 minutes return.
Wetlands Walk Trail
Follow this popular trail that weaves its way around Wagardu Lake, one of Perth's most pristline coastal wetlands. Take in the natural sights and sounds that surround you and see the Yanget (bulrush) used by local Nyoongar people for food. It is a two kilometre easy walk which takes approximately 45 minutes return.
Woodlands Walk
Trail Despite the infertile soils, these coastal woodlands support a diverse range of trees including Banksia, Tuart, Marri, Stunted Jarrah, Sheoak and small pockets of paperbark. During spring kangaroo paws and cat paws are in flower. A two and a half kilometre easy walk which takes approximately 45 minutes return.
Caves Walk Trail
This trail takes you to Crystal Cave, where you can discover how limestone caves formed, and hear about their colourful history, on a guided tour. Tours can be booked at the McNess visitors centre before you leave. A two and a half kilometre easy walk which takes approximately 45 minutes return.
Ghost House Trail
This trail takes you on a journey through time into the parks wilderness areas. Along the way you will encounter the sights and sounds of the north lake and discover the historic remains of the 'Ghost House'. Take your 'swag' and spend a night under the stars at Shapcott's campsite nestled under a grand old grove of Tuarts. A 10 kilometre medium walk which takes approximately four and a half hours to complete.
Yanchep Rose Walk Trail
From Yanchep Rose lookout, experience the panoramic views from the sea to the scarp. Between July and August the Yanchep Rose and the Parrot Bush are in full flower. A 11.5 kilometre medium walk which takes approximately five and a half hours to complete.
Cockatoo Walk Trail
Follow the Carnaby Black Cockatoo on its journey into Gnangara Park. Experience a variety of landscapes and impressive views from Ridges campsite. Watch for the Black-glove Wallaby and Quenda (bandicoots) that live in this area. A 15.5 kilometre medium walk which takes approximately seven hours to complete.
Yaberoo Budjara Walk Trail
Yaberoo Budjara means the land of the northern people. The trail route is based on Yellagonda, (a significant local Nyoongar elder at the time of Colonial settlement) and his peoples movements between Lake Joondalup, Neerabup and Yanchep. A 28 kilometre highly challenging walk which takes one day to complete. Experienced walkers only. No water available along the track.
Coastal Plain Walk Trail
Put on a backpack and set off on this three day journey across the Coastal Plain to Melaleuca Park. Be prepared and seek advice before you set off. The rail features four campsites (Sharpcott's, Ridges, Moitch and Pricklybark) each with a hikers hut, water tank and bush toilet. This trail is a true delight in autumn and spring when the coastal smokebush and native buttercups form a carpet of wildflowers. It is a 55 kilometres long and will take approximately three and a half days. This is a highly challenging walk and is recommended for experienced walkers only.
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