Yanchep is a national park in Western Australia, 42 kilometres (26 mi) north of Perth adjacent to the locality of the same name Yanchep.
The park is noted for its caves, native bush and koala colonies. It also offers cultural educational programmes offered in partnership with the local Nyoongar people.
History
The area was inhabited and was a noted hunting site for thousands of years by Indigenous Australians prior to the arrival of Europeans. The tribal name for the park is Nyanyi-Yandjip named after the reeds and lake which were thought to resemble the hairy mane of the dreamtime creature the Waugul.
The word Yanchep is derived from Yandjip or Yanget which is the aboriginal name for the local bulrushreed found fringing the lakes in the area.[2]
The first European visitor arrived in 1834 when John Butler, a farmer, came in search of his lost cattle and noted the presence of the lakes, wetlands and plentiful game.[3] While in the area Butler was greeted by the men of the Yellagonga peoples who inhabited the area.
Lieutenant George Grey travelled through the area in 1838 and made note of the remarkable caves he found in the area.[4]
A road survey was conducted near Loch McNess in 1862 and later in 1865 a stock route was built through the area that was later used by drovers.
The first settler to arrive in the area was Henry White who arrived in 1901 and built his house near the north west shore of Yonderup Lake, he was later appointed as a caretaker and guide in 1903.
Yanchep National Park is open year-round and offers a variety of nature-based activities for visitors. For visitors there is an entry-fee for all vehicles entering the national park that must be paid.[7]
Walking trails
Yanchep National Park has nine marked trail walks that cater for different abilities and levels. Walks range from family-friendly short trails of 500m to challenging trails up to 46.2 km. Each trail showcases the unique biodiversity of the northern Swan Coastal Plain.[8]
Caves
Yanchep National Park has over 400 caves. Among these is Crystal Cave which is the only tourist cave located in Perth. Crystal Cave can be visited on guided tours departing four times daily from the Visitors Center.[9]
Wangi Mia Aboriginal Experience
The Wangi Mia Aboriginal Experience is available as a public tour on Sunday and public holidays. Wangi Mia offers opportunities to explore more about the local Noongar culture.[10]
Koala Boardwalk
Yanchep National Park is home to a colony of Koalas. These can be viewed on the 140-metre-long Koala Park that allows close-up views of the koalas. There are also daily talks providing more information about koalas and their habitat.[11]
Picnic and barbecue areas
Yanchep National Park has many picnic and barbeque areas. There are gas barbeques available free of charge along with wooden tables and benches.
Trees Adventure Yanchep Park
The Trees Adventure Park has seven adventure courses suitable for different abilities. Each course consists of rope and zipline challenges. The adventure park is suitable for children aged 4+.[12]
Restaurant and tea rooms
Chocolate Drops Tea Rooms is located next to the visitor's centre and serves simple homemade food, including sandwiches, muffins and homemade chocolate.[13] The Yanchep Inn is a fully licensed restaurant open 7 days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.[14]
^BirdLife International (2011) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Northern Swan Coastal Plain. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 3 September 2011.
