Yanchep National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yanchep National ParkWestern Australia |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Yanchep National Park
Location in Western Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Perth |
| Established | 1957 |
| Area | 28.76 km2 (11.1 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department of Parks and Wildlife |
| Website | Yanchep National Park |
| Footnotes | |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 17 February 2006 |
| Reference no. | 4151 |
| See also | List of protected areas of Western Australia |
Yanchep National Park is a special natural area in Western Australia. It's about 42 kilometers (26 miles) north of Perth, right next to the town of Yanchep.
This park is famous for its amazing caves, native plants, and a colony of koalas. It also offers cool learning programs about the local Nyoongar people's culture.
Park History: A Look Back
For thousands of years before Europeans arrived, this area was home to Indigenous Australians. It was an important hunting spot for them. The local name for the park was Nyanyi-Yandjip. This name came from the reeds and lake, which looked like the hairy mane of a special creature from their Dreamtime stories, called the Waugul.
The word Yanchep itself comes from Yandjip or Yanget. This is the Aboriginal name for the local bulrush reeds that grow around the lakes.
The first European visitor was John Butler, a farmer, in 1834. He was looking for his lost cattle and found the lakes and lots of animals. The Yellagonga people, who lived there, greeted him. Later, in 1838, Lieutenant George Grey explored the area and wrote about the incredible caves he found.
In 1841, Surveyor John Septimus Roe and Governor John Hutt also visited the park's caves. The first settler to live here was Henry White, who arrived in 1901. He built his house near Yonderup Lake and later became a caretaker and guide for the park in 1903.
Plants and Animals of Yanchep
Yanchep National Park is full of different plants and animals. You can find trees like banksias, paperbarks, tuarts, marris, she-oaks, and even small jarrah trees. Many beautiful wildflowers grow here too, such as parrot bush, yanchep rose, catspaw, and kangaroo paw.
The park is a safe home for several native mammals. These include the quenda, western grey kangaroo, and black-glove wallaby. It's also a very important place for birds. Thousands of short-billed black cockatoos come here when it's not breeding season.
Fun Things to Do at Yanchep Park
Yanchep National Park is open all year round and offers many outdoor activities. Remember, there is a fee for all vehicles entering the park.
Explore Walking Trails
The park has nine marked walking trails for all skill levels. You can choose from short, family-friendly walks of 500 meters or challenging trails up to 46.2 kilometers. Each trail shows off the unique plants and animals of the area.
Discover Amazing Caves
Yanchep National Park has over 400 caves! One of them, Crystal Cave, is the only tourist cave in Perth. You can visit Crystal Cave on guided tours that leave four times a day from the Visitors Center.
Learn at Wangi Mia Aboriginal Experience
The Wangi Mia Aboriginal Experience is a public tour available on Sundays and public holidays. It's a great chance to learn more about the local Noongar culture and history.
See Koalas on the Boardwalk
Yanchep National Park has its own group of koalas! You can see them up close on the 140-meter-long Koala Park boardwalk. There are also daily talks where you can learn more about koalas and where they live.
Enjoy Picnic and Barbecue Areas
The park has many spots for picnics and barbecues. You can use the gas barbecues for free, and there are wooden tables and benches available.
Challenge Yourself at Trees Adventure Park
The Trees Adventure Park has seven different adventure courses. These courses have rope challenges and ziplines, suitable for different skill levels. Kids aged 4 and up can enjoy this adventure park!
Dine at Restaurants and Tea Rooms
The Chocolate Drops Tea Rooms are next to the visitor's center. They serve simple homemade food like sandwiches, muffins, and chocolate. The Yanchep Inn is a restaurant open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
