Yanchep (Yandjip) National Park - Yanchep

The word Yanchep is derived from Yandjip or Yanget which is the aboriginal name for the local bulrush reed found fringing the lakes. Nyanyi-Yandjip (Yanchep National Park) is named after the reeds and the lake which were thought to resemble the hairy mane of the dreamtime creature the Waugul . This area is culturally significant to the Noongar people and has been inhabited and used as a hunting ground for thousands of years prior to European settlement.

In 1834 the first European visitor, John Butler, arrived in the area looking for stray cattle. The caves were discovered by George Grey as he passed through in 1838 and by 1865 a stock route had been established through the area. In 1905 the area was set aside for recreational use but it was not until 1969 that it was granted National Park status.

Yanchep National Park is a fabulous park offering several short walking trails up to 4.5km as well as some longer trails such as the Ghost House Trail which is 12.5 kms. There are also extended trails available which take days to complete. Or you can just wander around the area fronting Loch McNess enjoying the large grassed areas often home to lazing kangaroos. This is one of several areas with picnic facilities including barbecues and toilet facilities. Sit and watch the amazing birdlife on the lake and wander past the old boat jetties - now high and dry due to falling water levels but once where people would climb into rowing boats to row out on the lake.

There are interesting buildings to visit such as the McNess House Visitor Centre where you can see Henry White, Chocolate Drops Tearooms, where you can buy delicious homemade chocolates! Historic Yanchep Inn which is open for meals and also offers accommodation and Gloucester Lodge Museum with Tram 57 all set up and ready for afternoon tea!

There are two ovals - Henry White Oval is available for camping and Bull Banksia Oval is home to Treetops Adventures - additional fees apply.

There are lots of limestone caves in the park so it is important to stay on the trails. Crystal Cave and Yonderup Cave are open for tours which can be booked at the Visitor Centre. We have explored Yonderup cave which is a true caving experience but have yet to visit Crystal Cave (on the list!) which is more accessible. Cabaret Cave is a function venue.

There is also a 9 hole golf course.

Yanchep is a favourite place to bring overseas visitors as there are always plenty of western grey kangaroos around and the Koala Boardwalk enclosure offers great koala viewing. You can book cultural experiences which start from Wangi Mia next to the koala enclosure. You can also visit the wildflower gardens (spectacular in spring) which are gated to keep out the kangaroos.

Head to Nature Play WA for their Every Kid in a Park information on Yanchep National Park including guides, activities and social stories. https://www.natureplaywa.org.au/yanchep-national-park/

We walked a 5.5 km loop taking in the main things to see including the Dwerta Mia and Wetlands trails and it took around 90 minutes.

Read about the other trails within Yanchep National Park:

Wetlands Trail  - 2km from Visitor Centre

Woodlands Trail -2.6km from Visitor Centre

Dwerta Mia Boomerang Gorge Trail 1km from trail head at Boomerang Gorge

Caves Trail  - 4.5km from Visitor Centre

Ghost House Trail  -12.5km from Wetlands Trailhead

Yanchep Rose Trail - 14 km from Visitor Centre

Yaberoo Budjara Trail - 28km one way but can be hiked in sections - this blog covers the trail from Lacey Road to Loch McNess 5.2km each way

There is a $17 per car entrance fee to access Yanchep National Park or you can purchase a WA National Parks Pass or Local Parks Pass to access multiple parks.

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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.

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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, 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.