If you’re looking for a great day trip, or even a weekend getaway, you don’t need to travel for hours. Yanchep is just 40 minutes north of Perth City and has everything you need for an incredible adventure!
Yanchep National Park
Yanchep National Park is a whole day’s worth of activities in itself. A yearly National Park pass will get you through the gates, or $15 per standard car. Once you’re through, be on the lookout, because there are kangaroos everywhere! (And also kangaroo poo, so watch your step.)
If you’re looking for an active day out, there are nine different hiking trails throughout the park. All the trails vary in length and difficulty, so whether you’re after a Sunday stroll or a 52km hike, you’re covered.
You can’t head to a National Park without seeing some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. As previously mentioned, you’d be pretty hard pressed to not see a kangaroo or two, especially if you’re here first thing in the morning or at dusk. There are also ducks, cockatoos, kookaburras, and did I mention koalas? Although not native to WA, you’ll find the most adorable bear in Australia (not actually a bear), at the Koala Boardwalk within the park. The boardwalk is a raised trail that provides easy access to the resident koalas. Last person to spot a koala has to buy ice-cream at the park’s café, Chocolate Drops!
Dive into Indigenous culture and learn about the traditional custodians of the Yanchep National Park, the Whadjuk and Yuat people, with an Aboriginal experience.
The caves system is also an unmissable attraction within the park. Take a guided tour through the Crystal Caves, or, if you’re feeling extra courageous, you can book an adventure tour (age and accessibility requirements apply). If you’re after something slightly calmer – depending on how you feel about heights – Treetop Adventures is the place to go. Why look up at the trees when you can walk amongst them? There are 7 different courses (including 2 for the littlies) including a green for beginners and a black for the dare devils in the group!
Yanchep Inn
Once you’ve worked through all the heart pumping activities, grab a bite to eat at the Yanchep Inn. Both inside and outside seating is available and jumping castles for the kids – because you know they’ll still have oodles of energy.
If you’d prefer to cook for yourself there are also public BBQs and seating available within the park.
If you’re looking to stay overnight on your getaway, the Yanchep Inn has a range of accommodation options available to suit every budget. Ranging from the King-sized lakeview rooms, the queen-sized original motel rooms through to Backpacker style rooms.
Other activities
Believe it or not, Yanchep National Park is just one of the places to visit in this beautiful town. Just five minutes from the National Park is Yanchep Lavender Farm. Home to the most delicious and unique range of lavender ice-cream, this cute little farm is a great stop for lunch, or an afternoon treat. With a gift shop, a large grass space, a playground being built and SO much picture-perfect lavender, you must make sure you schedule a stop into the Lavender Farm! (The farm is open seasonally so check the website before popping in.)
The fun doesn’t stop once you leave the Yanchep National Park. There is also a public golf course and, on the weekend, scenic helicopter flights. If you don’t think you can fit ALL of that into one day, never fear. Book a night at the Yanchep Inn or sleep out under the stars in Henry White Oval Campground.
Yanchep Lagoon
Now, WA is known for its stunning beaches, but the Yanchep Lagoon is a prize unto itself. You’ll be blown away by the gorgeous colours dancing through the ocean and brought to life by the incredible snorkelling avaliable just off the beach!
One of my favourite things about the lagoon is that due to the natural barrier to the rest of the ocean, it is the perfect place to bring the kids for a swim. You will be able to spot beautiful sea life, even if you don’t bring the snorkels. (Though you definitely should.)
It does get really busy here in the summer, however there are two sides to the beach, separated by cliffs and caves (hello, mermaids!) so there’s plenty of sand and sea space for everyone.
Fisherman’s Hollow is a popular spot to cast a line, or if you’d rather someone else prepare your meals for you, Orion Cafe is directly across the road ready to serve you delicious food. They’re open from 7am most days, so it’s the perfect place to pop in for a post swim coffee. The Cafe is currently undergoing renovations to improve the space; however, they are still open for business and even have a little outdoor playground for the kids.
Step back into nature and head to Yanchep out for your next adventure! The Yanchep Lagoon, the ziplining, it is all there- You won’t be disappointed.