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Yanchep


A natural bushland reserve close to Perth, Yanchep National Park features over 600 limestone caves and a koala sanctuary. Situated just beyond Perth’s northern outskirts, Yanchep National Park gives a snapshot view of the tuart and banksia woodlands of the Perth costal plain. It abounds with native animals, water birds and plants in their natural surroundings. Western Grey kangaroos are commonly seen on the walk trails or grazing on the picnic lawns and golf course. Boat tours are conducted on Loch McNess; daily guided tours of Crystal Cave; Aboriginal cultural demonstrations on weekends. Park entry fee applies.

Contact: (08) (08) 9561 1004. How to get there: by 51 km north of Perth via Wanneroo Rd. Coach tours visit the park daily.
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  • The name Yanchep is of Aboriginal origin, and is derived from ‘yanget’, a native flax or bullrush.

    Bring a picnic or make use of one of the many free barbecues overlooking the lake or nestled in the tuart and banksia woodlands.



    Wildlife
    Stroll along the 240-metre koala boardwalk to view one of Australia s favourite native animals in a natural environment and learn more about these fascinating creatures. Yanchep National Park is home to western grey kangaroos which can be seen in abundance early and late in the day. At other times they shelter from the sun so you might be lucky enough to see them resting in shady areas.

    The park has nine walk trails designed to suit a variety of age groups, interests and fitness abilities. They range from short trails of 500m to challenging trails up to 46.2km. Each trail has been selected to showcase the unique biodiversity of the northern Swan Coastal Plain.



    Yanchep Caves
    These are series of limestone caves contained mainly within the Yanchep National Park beyond the northern extremity of the Perth metropolitan area. There is currently only one tourist cave in the National Park, namely Crystal Cave, though there is talk of reinstating Yonderup Cave as a tourist cave. There are also many ‘wild’, mainly small caves. The area has possibly as many as 1000 caves and karst features some of which are waiting to be rediscovered such as The Catacombs. As the limestone here is only 10m above the water-table, there have been frequent collapses.
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    • Crystal Cave. Photo: Dept Parks and Wildlife

      Crystal Cave exhibits a multitude of incredible stalagmites which you can view as you wander amongst the picturesque lakes. Take a tour of this magical limestone cave and learn all about the formation of this, and hundreds of other caves, throughout the national park. Tours of the cave take place several times each day, weather pending. It is advisable to call the park before your arrival to confirm the tour is running and you need to book onto a tour at least fifteen minutes before it commences to avoid disappointment. The easy grade 4.5km return Caves Walk Trail between McNess House Visitor Centre and Cabaret Cave and the 17.5km medium grade Cockatoo Walk Trail circuit can be accessed here.


      Cabaret Cave

      Cabaret Cave is unique venue for conferences, seminars, social functions or special theme events. Extraordinarily unique, visually amazing and acoustically sensational, Cabaret Cave was originally used in the 1930s to provide a secret dinner and dance location for Perth s rich and famous, Cabaret Cave is Perth s only venue cave for hire. Of recent times, the cave has been beautifully modified to accommodate up to 120 guests sit-down style, or 200 guests cocktail style. And the cave s natural air conditioning makes it the perfect location all year around.

      Beaches
      Yanchep Lagoon is a small ocean lagoon protected by a reef. Alongside the lagoon is an open surf beach, making it the perfect choice if some family members want to swim in protected seawater and other in open surf. The beach is 600 meters long, with a prominent reef connected to the southern end of the shore. This forms a natural lagoon that is great for swimming, even for kids. From the southern end, the reef dive site 20 meters away from the shore. There are plenty of octopus, prawns, manta rays, cuttlefish, western blue devil, and crayfish to keep you company while snorkeling.

      If you are into fishing, visit Yanchep Lagoon towards the evening as standing on the outer reef provides some excellent fishing, especially in winter time for some nice sized tailor.



      Alkimos Beach is named after the 7033 ton Greek freighter Alkimos which rang aground here on 1st June 1963. Several attempts were made to refloat her, but all were unsuccessful. The ship took some years to break up. As of April 2007 the structure was almost fully disintegrated above the water line to the point where only the engine block is visible from the beach. Access the beach from Shorehaven Boulevard in the suburb of Alkimos.
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      • The Alkimos in 1965












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