Love a family day out surrounded by nature? Just a 40‑minute drive from the Perth CBD, Yanchep National Park is an easy escape with something for everyone – gentle bush trails, a historic pub for lunch, caves to explore, koalas snoozing in the trees, heaps of birdlife and even a chocolate café.
There’s a small entry fee at the gate, and then you’re free to explore the park for the day.
Things To Do at Yanchep National Park
Caves
The caves at Yanchep National Park are the only public-access caves in the Perth metro area. Guided tours run daily through Crystal Cave, a stunning limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites that kids will love spotting.
- Prices: $16 for adults, $8 for children 6–14 years, children 5 and under are free
- Tours are guided and suitable for families
- Be sure to check the official website for current tour times and availability
It’s a great way to add a bit of adventure (and science!) to your day out.
Treetops Adventure
Got adventurous kids (or parents!)? Treetops Adventure Yanchep is a thrilling high ropes and zipline course set amongst the tuart trees.
You’ll find:
- Wobbly bridges
- Tight ropes
- Cargo nets
- Ziplines and more
Courses are graded by difficulty, so there are options for both confident climbers and more cautious kids.
Bush Walks & the Play Trail
Yanchep National Park boasts nine walk trails, ranging from an easy 500m stroll to the epic 52km Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail. A few family‑friendly options include:
- Ghosthouse Trail – 4.4 km, moderate
- Yanchep Caves Walk – 4.2 km, easy
- Wetlands Walk Trail – 4.1 km, easy
For families, a highlight is the Yanchep National Park Play Trail – a fun, digital scavenger hunt style walk.
- Distance: 1.2 km, allow 45–60 minutes
- Combines exploring the lake, woodland and cave area with interactive activities for kids
- Part of a series of Nature Play WA Play Trails
Download the Play Trails App and find more information at www.natureplaywa.org.au/play-trails-app.
For maps and detailed trail info, drop into the McNess House Visitor Centre within the park.
Tours & Experiences
As well as cave tours, Yanchep National Park offers a variety of seasonal and regular experiences, such as:
- Guided walks around Loch McNess (the park’s wetland area)
- An Aboriginal cultural experience, sharing stories of local Noongar culture and connection to Country
- Cave yoga in the atmospheric Cabaret Cave – a truly unique adults‑only experience, offered by The Hike Collective
Check current offerings and times before you go, as activities can change.
Koalas
Koalas aren’t native to WA, but you can still say “G’day” to these Aussie icons at the park’s Koala Boardwalk.
- A 240m wooden boardwalk winds through the trees
- Several koalas can usually be spotted high up in the branches
- Look out for them snoozing or munching gum leaves
Staff and signs around the boardwalk help kids learn more about koalas and their habitat.
Kangaroos & Wildlife
Yanchep is also home to plenty of wild kangaroos, often seen:
- Grazing on the open grassed areas
- Lounging in the shade under the trees
It’s a magical experience for children (and visitors from overseas) to see kangaroos in their natural environment – just remember to keep a respectful distance and never feed them.
If you enjoy wildlife spotting, the park is a hotspot for birdlife too, especially around the wetlands. You may see:
- Black swans and pelicans
- Cormorants, egrets and kingfishers
- Parrots, wrens and honeyeaters
Bring binoculars if you have keen little birdwatchers.
Camping at Yanchep National Park
Want to make a weekend of it? You can camp inside the park at Henry White Oval Campground.
- Bookings are essential and can be made via the Explore Parks website
- Staying overnight gives you the chance to enjoy sunset, stars and early‑morning wildlife
- A great option for first‑time family campers, as you’re still close to facilities and activities
Eating & Drinking
Chocolate Drops Tearooms
The quaint Chocolate Drops Tearooms is a cosy spot for a break during your visit. Expect:
- Light meals such as toasties and soups
- Great coffee and, of course, indulgent hot chocolates
- A tempting range of handmade chocolates and sweet treats
It’s the perfect reward after a walk or cave tour.
Picnics and BBQs
Yanchep National Park has been a popular spot for families to gather in a group for decades! It’s beautiful by the lake or why not make use of one of the free BBQs. There’s plenty of lawn to throw down a picnic rug and kick a ball.
Yanchep Inn
The historic Yanchep Inn, with its faux‑Tudor exterior, is a lovely place to wind down.
- Serves classic pub meals and kid‑friendly options
- Multiple seating areas, including:
- The front veranda
- Traditional indoor dining rooms
- A garden area with a small playground at the back overlooking the lake
It’s an easy, no‑fuss option if you don’t feel like packing food. Read the Buggybuddys review
Yanchep National Park – Need to Know
- Location: Wanneroo Road, Yanchep
- Distance from Perth CBD: Around 40 minutes by car
- Park entry fee: Approximately $17 per car (at time of writing)
- More info: See the official park page – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/yanchep
Yanchep National Park is a brilliant all‑rounder for families – caves, wildlife, walks, Playground‑style adventures, cafes and a pub, all within easy reach of Perth. Whether you’re visiting for a half‑day wander or a full camping weekend, it’s well worth popping on your Perth family bucket list.
And if you’re keen to explore more of WA’s great outdoors, be sure to check out other national parks and nature spots around Perth.
Find more national parks in Perth
- About the Author
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
