Yanchep National Park is located on the Sunset Coast approximately 45 minutes drive north of Perth.
Short Walks:
Dwerta Mia Walk Trail
Take a peaceful stroll at the base of a limestone gorge and discover the Dwerta Mia - house of the wild dogs (the name the Nyoongar people gave to the area). History states that Aboriginal guides leading early explorers into this area chose not to enter because they thought it was inhabited by evil spirits and dingoes.
This is an easy walk, is 500 metres long and takes approximately 20 minutes return .
Wetlands Walk Trail
Follow this popular trail that weaves its way around Wagardu Lake, one of Perth's most pristine coastal wetlands. Take in the natural sights and sounds that surround you and see the Yanget (bulrush) used by local Nyoongar people for food.
This is an easy walk, two kilometres long and takes approximately 45 minutes return.
Woodlands Walk Trail
Despite the infertile soils, these coastal woodlands support a diverse range of trees including banksia, tuart, marri, stunted jarrah, sheok and small pockets of paperbark. During spring, kangaroo paws and cat's paws are in flower.
This is an easy walk, 2.6 kilometres long and takes approximately one hour return.
Caves Walk Trail
This trail takes you to Crystal Cave where you can discover how limestone caves are formed, and hear about their colourful history on a guided tour. Tours can be booked at the Visitor Centre at McNess House before you leave.
This is an easy walk, 4.5 kilometres long and takes approximately 2 hours return.
Day Walks:
Ghost House Walk Trail
This trail takes you on a journey through time into the Park's wilderness areas. Along the way you will encounter the sights and sounds of the wetlands and discover the historic remains of the Ghost House. Take your swag and spend a night under the stars at Shapcott's campsite nestled under a grand old grove of tuarts.
Time: 4.5 hours return.
Grade: Medium.
Length: 9.2 kilometres
Start: Wetlands Walk Trail (WEST).
Finish: Cabaret Cave.
Cockatoo Walk Trail
Follow the endangered Carnaby's black cockatoo on its journey into Gnangara Park. Experience a variety of landscapes and impressive views from the Ridges campsite. Look out for the black-gloved wallaby and quenda (bandicoots) that live in this area.
Time: 8 hours return.
Grade: Medium.
Length: 17.5 kilometres.
Start/Finish: McNess House Visitor Centre.
Yanchep Rose Walk Trail
From Yanchep Rose Lookout, experience the panoramic views from the sea to the scarp. Along the way explore the Radar Bunkers that were used during World War 2 to protect our coast from enemy invasion. From July to late August, the Yanchep rose and the parrot bush are in full flower.
Time: 9 hours return.
Grade: Medium.
Length: 19.5 kilometres.
Start/Finish: McNess House Visitor Centre.
Yaberoo Budjara Walk Trail
Yaberoo Budjara means the 'land of the northern people'. The trail route is based on Yellagonga, ( a significant local Nyoongar elder at the time of colonial settlement) and his people's movements between Lake Joondalup, Neerabup and Yanchep.
Time: 1 Day.
Grade: Challenging - for experienced walkers only.
Length: 25.7 kilometres.
Start: Lakeview Carpark, Yanchep National Park.
Finish: Burns Beach Road, Joondalup.
Overnight Hikes:
Coastal Plain Walk Trail
Put on a backpack and set off on this three-day journey across the coastal plain to Melaleuca Park. Be prepared and seek advice before you set out. This trail features four campsites (Shapcott's Ridges, Moitch and Prickleybark) each with a hikers' hut, water tank and bush toilet. This trail is a true delight in Autumn and Spring when the coastal smokebush and native buttercups form a carpet of wildflowers.
Time: 3.5 days (one way)
Grade: Challenging.
Lenght: 55 kilometres
Start: Ghost House, Yanchep National Park
Finish: Cooper Road ( Melaleuca Park)
For further information on these walks and others in Yanchep National Park please contact the Park on 9561 1004
This page was last reviewed on the 29th of January 2007.
