Ghost House Trail - Yanchep (Yandjip) National Park
- Out and About
- Aug 16, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: May 28
This is another trail which has been on my list to revisit for some time! We originally walked this trail some years ago by accident after missing the turn off while walking the Caves Trail. At that time I wasn't overly impressed with the trail but that may have been our state of mind as it seemed never ending considering we were supposed to be hiking a 4km trail! This time we headed off in July and walked in a clockwise direction, as recommended, and I now understand why it is considered to be one of Perth's top trails.
Starting from McNess House Visitor Centre (we even did the right thing and signed in for this longer hike as per recommendations!) a paved path heads towards beautiful Loch McNess where you can spend some time watching the light play on the water as you listen to the many water birds. Follow the lake's edge and you come to the blue boat where the Wetlands Trail starts. The Ghost House Trail incorporates the beginning of the Wetlands Trail as it skirts Loch McNess on it's western shore. This section of the Wetlands Trail used to be a bit rough but in early 2025 it is receiving some attention including the construction of a new boardwalk. The paperbarks, ferns and reeds are quite thick so there are only a few glimpses of the lake. You can also choose to walk the Wetlands Trail anti=clockwise from the eastern boardwalk opposite the Yanchep Inn.
About halfway around the lake the Ghost House Trail splits from the Wetlands Trail. The trail narrows into a single file track as it steadily climbs through tuart woodlands. We could hear kookaburras in the distance and other birds were flitting about. Trail makers appear at regular intervals even though there is only one clear trail to follow.
As you approach and then skirt the northern edge of the wetlands you can hear a chorus of frogs. The trail is quite narrow and you will inevitably brush up against the plant foliage so make sure you use a repellent and take precautions against ticks as the animal tracks in the mud prove that this trail is also used by the resident kangaroos.
You come across the Ghost House quite suddenly after another left turn. With the uneven track one tends to have eyes on the ground to watch for trip hazards and there, all of a sudden, is the Ghost House. Sadly there is no information on the history of this old limestone building.
Continue on and you arrive at Shapcott's Hut where there is a long drop toilet, sheltered picnic table and benches to sleep on if you are overnighting. We stopped for our morning tea, admiring the steep cliff on the opposite side and listening to the various bird calls.
The track continues on now looping back to the south on a wider trail for a short distance before passing the intersection to the Coastal Plain Walk Trail - this one is 51km so don't take the wrong turn! The trail traverses through banksia woodland providing another surprise when you emerge next to the golf course! We thought we must be close to the end but there is still quite a way to go as the trail winds back into the bush.
Suddenly there is an old military bunker used as a RAAF radar base in WW2.
The landscape changes as there are more rocky limestone outcrops and limestone rocks on the path as you near cave country. The trail winds through coastal heathland and you will pass the intersection for the Yanchep Rose Trail and the Caves Trail. Finally you emerge at Cabaret Cave which is a function venue. We wandered over to look at the gated cave entrance and exit but we couldn't see much.
We tried to stay true to the Ghost House Trail and followed it from the Cabaret Cave carpark along an older paved track with stone steps which passes by the start of the Dwerta Mia Trail into Boomerang Gorge. The trail then crosses the campground access road and heads back through the bush joining the Caves Trail and then the Woodlands Trail as it heads back to emerge opposite the Koala Enclosure.
Once you arrive at Cabaret Cave you have several options. From here you could divert to follow Caves Trail which passes across the top of Boomerang Gorge and then comes out at Crystal Cave where there is parking and toilets. You can also pre book to do a 90 minute Crystal Cave tour online or at the McNess Visitor Centre.
You could also shortcut past Gloucester Lodge and then via the road or the pathways alongside Bull Banksia Oval back to the Yanchep Inn, perhaps to enjoy a well deserved meal!
This is stated to be a 12 km loop hike and it took us just over 3 hours at a good pace. There are a number of variations you can take which will alter the length and duration of the hike. Trails are clearly marked although the yellow Ghost House Trail markers and the yellow Caves Trail markers are quite similar so look closely at the picture.
Entrance to Yanchep National Park is $17 per car. If you are a local resident the City of Wanneroo sometimes offers free or discounted park entry passes or you can buy an annual pass from DBCA or through RAC at discounted rates for members.
To read more about trails in Yanchep National Park head to:
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I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community. If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As always when hiking in the bush please help to reduce the spread of Phytophthora Dieback by sticking to the tracks and paths, staying out of quarantined areas and, if possible, clean your shoes before and after hiking. A spray of 70% methylated spirit and 30% water can be effective.
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