Perhaps best known for its spectacular National Park, the coastal city of Yanchep is home to intriguing historical sites, beautiful nature and some of Perth’s most popular swimming spots. Yanchep National Park is a highlight, offering walking trails, limestone caves, and close encounters with native wildlife like koalas and kangaroos.
About the park
Yanchep National Park is a large park (2,799 hectares) located 48 km north of Perth City on the Wanneroo to Lancelin road. The contains seven plant communities, four wetlands with minor alteration and more than 1000 limestone caves that provide a wide range of habitats for various wildlife. It is an important nature conservation area on the Swan Coastal Plain because the Swan Coastal Plain’s natural environment has been lost to urbanisation and agriculture. Many other wetlands there have either been filled in or altered and have been subjected to pressures such as pollutants and land clearing.
The northern and western ends of the park retain protection values and have a variety of landscape formats, from tall Stuart woodland to lush wetlands, mixed bunker and Kwongan heath on the uplands.
Located in the Stuart and Banksia forests, the park has many waterfowl and bush birds, including grebes, black swans, pelicans, cormorants, herons, kingfishers, parrots, wrens and bee-eaters. Endangered Carnaby cockatoos are a spectacular daily sight. Western grey kangaroos are often seen on hiking trails, lawns, and golf courses.
Join us on a Pinnacles Tours and experience the breathtaking views and fascinating history of this iconic landmark.
Wildlife watching in Yanchep National Park
The koala-watching area is one of the most popular attractions in the National Park. Although these animals are not native to Australia, Yanchep has been home to a koala colony since 1938. Koala talks are held daily at 15:15, a great way to learn about these fascinating creatures.
The western grey kangaroo is another native animal you can meet in the park. If you’re having a picnic, you might be lucky enough to see them at the beginning or end of the day. They are often found in shady places, in large groups. Approach them slowly and keep a safe distance in case they become nervous. A thriving kangaroo population makes Yanchep National Park one of the closest places to Perth to see these iconic Australian animals.
Visit Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is one of 400 caves in the National Park and the only cave in the Perth region open to the public. Filled with stalactites, outcrops and cast stone, the cave is beautifully decorated and can be visited on a daily 45-minute guided tour (which must be booked in advance). If you prefer to explore independently, nine hiking trails cross and circle some of the park’s collapsed cave systems.
Swim or snorkel in the Yanchep Lagoon
The curved shape of the reef in Yanchep Lagoon offers a brilliant snorkelling location!
The reef is 20 metres from the shore, protecting the beach from large fish and other marine life. This makes it a perfect and safe place for children to swim in shallow water or snorkel. However, be careful at high tide as the water crashes over the reef and can create strong rip currents. The reef can also be uneven in places, so it is advisable to wear diving shoes!
Camping at Henry White Oval
Nestled among the Stuart and Banksia forests in Yanchep National Park, the picturesque Henry White Oval Campground offers nine pitches, ten grass tents and a large group camping area, ideal for families or first-time campers. Plenty of facilities are available, including toilets, barbecues and a seasonal communal fire pit, but you must bring drinking water. The campsite is close to many of the National Park’s attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring parts of this beautiful park.
Join the Aboriginal Experience tour
The Aboriginal Experience tour is a 45-minute information session that introduces participants to the local Nungar aboriginal culture, the importance of plants and animals to the area’s first caretakers, and the history and significance of the didgeridoo. The tour is only available on Sundays and public holidays, and you must book a place in advance at the Yanchep office.
Visit the Yanchep Lavender Farm
Perth’s largest lavender farm is a fantastic place to wander the fields, sample delicious treats, and browse the range of homemade lavender gifts and products. Owners Carla and Gary bought the farm in 2005. Today, it is one of the few lavender farms in the country where lavender is grown, harvested, extracted and manufactured on-site. The farm is currently open by booked appointment from April to November.
Pick strawberries at a nearby farm
The Aida Strawberry Farm, located on the outskirts of Karabuda, is a thriving farm where you can pick fruit in spring and summer. When you get there, grab a box for less than $10 and pick strawberries from the long rows of bushes. The farm is only open on weekends during the season.
Hit the walking and mountain bike trails
The national park has 9 hiking trails, ranging from the shortest to the longest and from the easiest to the most difficult. The Haunted House Hiking Trail, a 12.4-kilometre loop, is one of the most popular options. It passes through beautiful wetlands and past the eerie remains of the Haunted House. You can join this trail from the walk around the North Lake and end it at the Cabaret Cave.
Another popular trail is the Yaberoo Bujara Heritage Trail, suitable for hikers and mountain bikers. This 28-kilometre route, which stretches from Lake Joondalup to Yanchep National Park, is often divided into several sections that offer various natural attractions. The Yanchep section of the trail runs from the National Park to Wanneroo Road, past the Piping Marsh and a large grove of Stewart trees.
FAQ
What is Yanchep National Park known for?
Yanchep National Park is famous for its limestone caves, diverse walking trails, wetlands, and close encounters with native wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and Carnaby’s black cockatoos.
Can you see koalas and kangaroos in the park?
Yes. The park has a dedicated koala viewing area and a healthy western grey kangaroo population, often spotted near picnic areas at dawn or dusk.
Is Crystal Cave open to the public?
Yes. Crystal Cave is the only publicly accessible cave in the Perth region, offering daily 45-minute guided tours that must be booked in advance.
Where can you swim or snorkel near Yanchep?
Yanchep Lagoon is a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling, with a protective reef just 20 metres offshore, making it safe for families—though caution is needed at high tide.
Are there camping facilities in Yanchep National Park?
Yes. Henry White Oval Campground offers sites for tents and caravans, BBQs, toilets, and a seasonal fire pit, but visitors must bring their own drinking water.
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