Yanchep National Park is your ticket to the untamed natural wonders of the Australian bush.
Nestled in the biodiverse northern Swan Coastal Plain region, the park is a haven for West Aussie flora and fauna, and a brilliant bushwalking network through the lush bushland and wetlands.
Take a stroll along the Koala Boardwalk, delve into the depths of a cave, relax on the picnic-worthy lawns, immerse yourself in the park’s rich indigenous culture and history, and top it all off with a thrilling zipline adventure.
Yanchep National Park offers up a nature-packed day out for lovers of the great outdoors.
McNess House Visitor Centre
First things first. McNess House Visitor Centre is a handy spot to drop by and find out all you need to know about Yanchep National Park. Learn about the park's fascinating history, and its abundant wildlife, book a tour, and discover all the awesome activities on offer. Plus, there are local crafts, souvenirs, and unique gifts to buy, perfect for taking a piece of Yanchep magic home.
Stroll the Koala Boardwalk
While koalas are not native to WA, Yanchep National Park has been home to a koala colony for over 85 years! Take a stroll through the gum trees along the Koala Boardwalk, and spot these cuties in their natural habitat. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these iconic Aussie marsupials lounging high in the eucalyptus trees or munching on a gum leaf.
Explore Bush Trails
Embrace the great outdoors on Yanchep National Park’s network of nine bush trails. Ranging from a challenging 52 km to an easy 2.1 km, there’s a trail to suit seasoned hikers and casual walkers alike. An abundance of wildlife, collapsed cave systems, gorges, wildflowers (winter & spring), pristine coastal wetlands, and haunted historic remains can be found along the trails. Why not start with the Wetlands Walk Trail? The easy 2km trail loops around the lake.
Head Underground on a Cave Tour
One of the highlights of Yanchep National Park has to be taking an underground adventure! A guided Crystal Cave tour (pre-booking recommended) takes visitors deep into the limestone formations that have been sculpted over millions of years. Be awed by otherworldly stalagmites and glistening crystals that adorn the cave. These tours provide a breathtaking experience, and plenty of cool cave facts to delight kids and adults alike. *Note: Crystal Cave is not currently open.
Stuck for ideas for your child’s next birthday party? Why not don the hard hats and discover Yonderup Cave, an “adventure cave”, available by booking only for children aged 8 and up. And for something totally different, book a tour with The Hike Collective, who offer Cabaret Cave yoga sessions, along with a guided hike. There are so many unique ways to experience the natural wonders of Yanchep National Park.
Ziplining at Treetops Adventure
See Yanchep National Park from a different perspective! For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Treetops Adventure offers up an exhilarating ziplining and rope course experience for those aged 3 years and up. Soar through the treetops on 16 ziplines with a ton of fun obstacles to conquer. Treetops Adventure is suitable for adventurers of all skill levels, making it a great way to spice up your visit. Bookings are essential.
Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Delve deeper into the park's rich indigenous heritage and book an immersive Aboriginal Experience at the Wangi Mia Meeting Place (Saturdays only). This is a unique insight into Yanchep National Park’s traditional owners, the Whadjuk and Yued people. Their deep connection to this land has been formed over many thousands of years. The name “Yanchep” is derived from the Noongar word “yanget”, a local bush food. The experience includes Didgeridoo playing and Dreamtime stories. Did you know, Lake Wagardu (Loch McNess) is inhabited by a “waugal” or rainbow serpent?
Picnics and BBQs by the Lake
Pack an esky, grab a blanket, and head to one of the Yanchep National Park's idyllic picnic areas. Sizzle sausages at the Lakeview Picnic Area. There are sheltered picnic tables, toilets and free barbecues to cook up a feast. The lawns are the perfect place for a picturesque picnic on the banks of Lake Wagardu (Loch McNess) and to kick a footy, making the park a great spot for group gatherings.
Encounter Western Grey Kangaroos
Keep your eyes peeled for the many Western Grey Kangaroos that call Yanchep National Park home. As you wander through the park's open spaces, you’ll be sure to see ‘roos grazing in the grasslands and hopping through the trees. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to spot them.
Chocolate Drops Kiosk
Sweet tooths flock to the charming Chocolate Drops Tea Rooms and Kiosk for a chocolate frog, hot chocolate, or light lunch. As well as lolly jars that are choccas with artisan chocolates, the quaint café is popular for Devonshire teas. Kids can even design giant chocolate freckles to take home!
Yanchep Inn
After a day of adventure, be sure to put your feet up in the beer garden at the heritage-listed Yanchep Inn. Sip a drink overlooking the lake or tuck into a pub meal surrounded by the old-world charm of its 1930s faux Tudor architecture. The Inn is open for lunch and dinner; you can expect to see all the classic pub dishes on the menu.
Play Trail Scavenger App
Take your Yanchep adventure to the next level with the new Play Trail scavenger app by Nature Play WA. The whole family can score points on a 1.2km scavenger hunt through the park. Learn fun facts, tackle challenges and take selfies along the way! Download the Play Trails app free from your mobile phone app store.
Native Birds and Waterbirds
For Twitchers (aka bird watchers) Yanchep National Park is a bird-lovers paradise. You’re bound to see native birds and waterbirds, like the elegant Black Swan. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of kookaburras laughing, black cockatoos squawking, or playful willy wagtails chirping in the trees.
Stay at Yanchep National Park
Want to linger longer in Yanchep National Park? If one day isn't enough to pack in all the fun, Yanchep National Park offers hotel-style accommodation at Yanchep Inn. Or if camping is more your thing, campers can park their caravans or pitch tents at the Henry White Oval (pre-booking recommended).
Yanchep National Park is a peaceful city escape, packed with natural wonders and outdoor activities. Whether you're seeking a relaxing lakeside picnic, a bushwalk amongst the kangaroos, a journey into the depths of a cave, or an adrenaline-pumping ziplining adventure, Yanchep National Park has something for everyone.
Connect with family, friends and nature, by creating lasting memories at Perth’s natural and cultural meeting place - Yanchep National Park.
Find Yanchep National Park on the corner of Indian Ocean Drive and Yanchep Beach Road, Yanchep.
Note: Entry fee applies. Buy a Annual Local Park Pass and have access all year round, available online or at the Yanchep Visitor Centre.
Explore Perth's Glorious Sunset Coast.
The golden sunsets give this region its name, and it’s a sight you can soak up daily from any number of premier locations along the coast. Here, the Western Australian outdoor culture is vibrantly on show, with stunning views, alfresco dining, lush parks and plenty of adventure. Fall in love the glorious coastline of metropolitan Perth, from Scarborough to Two Rocks, incorporating Hillarys Boat Harbour and Yanchep National Park.
Amanda Carlin is a food and travel writer with a big love of Perth. Besides eating her way all around WA, she counts Formula One and collecting vinyl as two of her passions. As well as creating her own blog, Simply PERTHfect , Amanda writes for Perth newspapers, plus online food, family and travel publications.
