Yanchep National Park – Caves, Koalas and other attractions

Yanchep National Park – Caves, Koalas and other attractions

Yanchep National Park

I love visiting our national parks and Yanchep National Park is no exception. Yanchep is a mix of natural bushland, manicured lawns, native animals ( there are also a few non-natives – I’m looking at you Koalas) and offers plenty of things to do and see.

Attractions

Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park Caves

The park has big network of limestone caves. However, the most spectacular of these is Crystal Cave which is open to the public and can be viewed on a guided tour. The cave is a very pretty sight and is adorned with stalagmites, helictites, columns and shawls.

Tours of the Crystal Cave are held every day and are suitable for children. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes and is a great way to learn more about the geology and formation of the cave.

Prices for the Crystal Cave Tour are $15 for adults and$7.50 for children.

Tickets can also be purchased from the Visitors Centre at Lock McNess House.

Crystal Cave Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park Koalas

Yanchep National Park koalas

Yanchep National Park koalas

Koalas are not native animals to Western Australia as they only inhabit the eastern coast. However, Yanchep National Park is one of the best places in Perth to see these intriguing marsupials.

The 140m long Koala boardwalk at Yanchep gives you close up views of the nine Koalas at the enclosure. There’s also a free Koala talk each day at 3.15 pm where you can find out more about Koalas.

Aboriginal Culture

Australian Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest in the world. The Noongar is the local culture of the Aboriginals in the southwest region of Australia. You can find out more about the history and culture of the Noongar at the Yanchep Aboriginal Cultural Experience.

Sessions run on Sundays and public holidays at 2 pm and 3 pm the Wangi Mia Meeting place at Yanchep.

For session times and bookings click here.

Yanchep Trees Adventure

Yanchep Trees Adventure

This is quite possibly the best way to enjoy the magnificent surroundings and bush landscape at Yanchep. The trees adventure offers a series of challenging obstacle courses that let you climb and zipline through the trees. Sessions go for two hours and are suitable for anyone from age 4 and up. Bookings are essential and can be made here.

Yanchep National Park Walk Trails

Yanchep also has a range of short and long walk trails to suit all abilities. For a family-friendly walk hit the ‘Dwerta Mia’ Trail. This short, 1km walk trail is perfect for the whole family and gives a lovely insight into Aboriginal culture and an overview of how the limestone environment is formed.

Another short walk option is the 2.6km Woodlands Walk Trail which starts and ends at McNess Visitor Centre. The Wetlands Walk Trail is an easy 2 km loop trail around the lake.

The longest walk in the national park is the 12.4km long, Ghost House Walk Trail. The loop walk takes you through some of the more pristine areas of the walk, including the wetlands and of course the mysterious ‘ghost house’.

For a comprehensive list of all walk trails at Yanchep, including maps, visit TrailsWA.

Restaurants and Tea Rooms

Yanchep National Park restaurant

Yanchep National Park

The quaint and traditional Chocolate Drops Tea Rooms is located next to the Visitor’s Centre and serves simple homemade food including sandwiches, muffins and homemade chocolate.

The second eating or drinking option is a visit to the Yanchep Inn which is a heritage-listed tavern. Yanchep Inn overlooks the lake and is a nice spot to sit and enjoy the views. The Inn is also open for dinner.

Yanchep National Park Accommodation

If you want to stay the night at Yanchep National Park, then hotel style accommodation is available at the Yanchep Inn.

Yanchep Inn has a range of accommodation options such as the New Lakeside motel rooms some with spa baths, the original motel rooms and budget rooms with communal bathrooms. Find more details and pricing here.

Camping at Yanchep National Park

Campers can also stay at the Henry White Oval. Campground facilities at Yanchep National Park include picnic tables and benches, hot showers, BBQs and flush toilets. Ten sites are hard-surface for caravans and camper trailers. See a video of what the campsites look like here.

For more information and bookings about camping at Yanchep click here.

Tours to Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park

There are several tour options that include Yanchep National Park. Most of these tours are full day tours that stop at Yanchep before going to the Pinnacles, Lancelin or other attractions further north.
Some tours are listed below. You can pre-book your spot with free cancellation.

Entry fee

The Yanchep National Park entry fee is $13 per vehicle. If you’re a member of the RAC you can purchase an annual pass valid for all national parks in WA for half price.

How to get to Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park is located 55 km north of Perth city and is an approximate 42-minute drive.

 

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6 Comments

  1. […] Tip: Go for a swim at nearby Yanchep lagoon in the morning – one of Perth’s most beautiful beaches. See my article on the things to do at Yanchep National Park here. […]

  2. […] The entry fee does not include the entry fee to the national park. This needs to be paid separately at the entrance to Yanchep National Park. Make a day or weekend of it and explore the many other great things to do at Yanchep. Find out what else you can do at Yanchep National park here. […]

  3. […] The wagon accommodates two children. It can be used for different activities, a day at the beach, a walk in the park or a stroll down the […]

  4. […] along the Indian Ocean Drive offers lots of sightseeing opportunities. The highlights include Yanchep National Park where you can see Koalas, the Pinnacles, the sand dunes around Lancelin, beaches along the […]

  5. […] your way back to Perth, take a stop at Yanchep National Park. In the afternoon, the green laws are full of Kangaroos and there’s also an enclosure with […]

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