Yanchep is a coastal suburb located approximately 56 km from the Perth CBD and resides within the City of Wanneroo. Perhaps most famously home to the Yanchep National Park. The park is on the edge of the Moore River Region and is a highlight for visitors travelling through to the region. There is an abundance of opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors here. Whether it’s a picnic in the Park, a dip in the Indian Ocean at Lagoon Beach, some close encounters with the local Western Grey Kangaroos lazing in the shade of early morning or late afternoons, exploring underground wonders at the Crystal Cave or wandering the walking trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Yanchep.
Conveniently located within an hour of the Perth Central Business District, with plenty for visitors to keep busy with for a day trip – or plan to spend the night at the historic Yanchep Inn.
Visitors can enjoy the area and the National Park at their leisure or take part in guided tours to get local insight into the area. Don’t forget that entry into the National Park is approximately $12 (AUD) per vehicle for the day.
Top Things to Do in Yanchep
- Wildflowers and sculpture display – Within the Yanchep National Park there are some delightful modern pieces of sculpture as well as an excellent Wildflower Garden (next to the koala boardwalk) with an extensive and impressive display of some of the best of the coastal wildflowers.
- Cave exploring – Explore natural wonders of the Crystal Cave. There is a 45 minute guided daily tour of the Crystal Cave.
- Wildlife spotting – Get up close for a picture with the Western Grey Kangaroos or wander the Koala Boardwalk and see if you can spy a koala or two at Yanchep National Park
- Take a hike – There are a total of nine walks in Yanchep National Park ranging from short strolls to the 28 km Yaberoo Budjara Walk Trail.
- Lagoon Beach – best swimming spot, you won’t be disappointed
History of Yanchep
Yanchep is a rough adaptation of the Nyoongar word Yandjip or Yanget which refers to the bulrush reed which is abundant in the area. The town, originally inhabited by Nyoongar Aboriginal people prior to European exploration, developed as a small coastal fishing community.
Yanchep has been a training ground for the Australian Olympic Swimming and Diving Team (1936) and the Radar and Communication Unit (RAAF) headquarters (1943-1946).
In 1969, the National Park was created and in the 1970s, Perth entrepreneur Alan Bond purchased a farming property surrounding the coastal community with grand aspirations of developing the area as a sophisticated tourist centre. While Bond’s aspirations for the town reaching a population of 200,000 has yet to be achieved, the modest present-day population makes way for a vast array of recreational outdoor exploration opportunities for families, travellers and locals alike.