YANCHEP NATIONAL PARK

Koalas, Caves and Culture

From cavernous caves to cute koalas and ancient cultures, there’s something for everyone to discover at Yanchep National Park.

Just 45 minutes from Perth CBD, Yanchep National Park invites you to escape the hustle and bustle of city living and immerse your senses in the serenity of nature. Head out on a bushwalk, crawl through caves, encounter iconic Aussie animals in the wild and sleep under a sky strewn with stars. There are so many ways to explore and appreciate this unique natural environment.

Boasting four wetlands and over 450 cave systems, the park provides a unique habitat for a diverse range of both iconic and rare Australian flora and fauna. Discover the park’s natural treasures on a meandering network of nine bushwalking tracks, ranging from an easy 500 metre interpretive trail to challenging 52-kilometre hikes. Breathe in the earthy scent of the soil, bask in the sunshine and listen out for the calls of prolific birdlife.

While you’re here, discover more about the local Noongar culture on a 45-minute interpretive Aboriginal Experience tour, or explore an underground wonderland on a guided Crystal Cave tour. Take to the skies on a treetops adventure or helicopter flight, or enjoy a relaxed round of golf on a nine-hole bush course. Or just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet at one of the park’s picnic areas, in the company of kangaroos.

Yanchep National Park is a natural playground perfect for your next outdoor adventure!

Flora and fauna

Yanchep National Park is an important conservation area, protecting and showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Swan Coastal Plain.

In fact, this park is one of the very few places in Western Australia where you can encounter koalas in the wild. While they are iconic Aussie animals, koalas are not native to this area. This colony was introduced in 1938 and are cared for by the dedicated park rangers. Take a stroll along the 240 metre wheelchair friendly koala boardwalk to learn more about these amazing animals, who live in the branches overhead. Visit the park during the early morning or late afternoon and you’re likely to enjoy the company of large western grey kangaroos bouncing through the bush, or grazing lazily on the grass.

The park abounds in a variety of plant life, including paperbark, banksia, sheoak and jarrah, and is one of the few places remaining with significant stands of tuart trees. These magnificent forest giants are a species of the eucalypt family, with rough grey bark and dense, silvery olive green foliage. If you’re lucky enough to visit between August and October, the landscape may be scattered with brightly-coloured wildflowers such as kangaroo paws, Yanchep rose, wattles and native orchids.

The woodlands and wetlands of Yanchep National Park also attract a diverse variety of birdlife. Listen out for the guttural grunts of cormorants, or the squawks and trills of parrots. Grebes, galahs, kingfishers and wrens can also be heard throughout the park, as well as the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo.

Dwerta Mia Walk Trail

Immerse yourself in nature on the family-friendly 500 metre return loop along the Dwerta Mia Walk Trail. Wander through the old cave systems at Boomerang Gorge, discover how the limestone environment has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, and how it continues to change over time with the flow of water. Gain insights into Australian Aboriginal culture at key points of interest along this accessible interpretive trail.

This area was known to its traditional custodians as Dwerta Mia (meaning house of the wild dog). It is believed that this area was not entered by Aboriginals guiding early European explorers because it was believed to be inhabited not only by native wild dogs known as dingoes, but also by evil spirits.

Explore the collapsed cave system of the area, meander amidst towering cliff formations and abundant greenery. Breathe in the earthen aroma of the surrounding woodlands and the fresh scent of eucalypts rustling gently in the breeze.

The Interpretive Trail can be accessed from the Boomerang Gorge car park. This section of path features flat surfaces with no steps or steep sections, making it quite accessible for all, including wheelchair users with someone to assist them. This trail also extends to and from the McNess House Visitor Centre. However, the rougher terrain on this extended loop makes it unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Nature Play WA’s ‘Every Kid in a Park’ app (available for free download from the App Store and Google Play) features an audio guide and written transcripts describing key points of interest along the Interpretive Trail. It also includes audio files providing an overview of the park, cultural recognition, information about park biodiversity and other key points of interest. To access these audio resources, simply download the app, go to the ‘Park of the Month’ tab and select Yanchep National Park.

Accessibility

Yanchep National Park is located about an hours’ drive north of Perth CBD. Each of the site’s four large public parking areas feature accessible parking bays. However, the park is presently not accessible via public transport. Certified dog guides are welcome, but domestic pets are not permitted onsite.

The park is an easy day trip from Perth, or accommodation is available for those who’d like to extend their adventure. Options include the Henry White Oval Campground, nestled between woodlands and offering accessible bathroom facilities, or the heritage-listed Yanchep Inn overlooking Loch McNess and Yanchep National Park.

The McNess House Visitor Centre provides visitor information and can assist with parks passes and bookings for guided park tours such as the Crystal Cave or Aboriginal Experience tours. The centre features built-ramp access suitable for prams and wheelchairs. It is open daily from 9:15am-4:30pm.

Yanchep National Park features a continuous accessible path to major features including McNess House Visitor Centre, the Koala Boardwalk and several toilet facilities. The amenities block near the Koala Boardwalk features a separate accessible cubicle (combined with a baby change station).

Nature Play WA’s ‘Every Kid in a Park’ project is designed to support families with children of all abilities to access and enjoy the Western Australian great outdoors. However, their inclusive initiatives benefit and promote accessibility for people of all ages. You can download their comprehensive Accessible Nature Guide to Yanchep National Park at natureplaywa.org.au for more detailed park accessibility information. Their ‘Every Kid in a Park’ app, available for free download from the App Store and Google Play, provides an excellent audio guide to Yanchep and other National Parks throughout the state. It also includes some great resources that encourage multi-sensory exploration of Western Australia’s outdoor spaces, including free activity sheets available for download in accessible formats.