As a parent of adventurous children, I’m always on the lookout for exciting ways to engage with nature while keeping them entertained and educated. So, when I heard about the Yanchep National Park Play Trail, I knew we had to try it! With my three children, aged 12, 7, and 6, in tow, we embarked on this captivating journey that seamlessly blends nature, fun, education and technology.
One of the standout features of the Yanchep National Park Play Trail is its accessibility to families. It’s designed for a wide age range, making it an ideal outing for both young families and grandparents looking to bond with their grandchildren. My younger two absolutely relished the challenges it presented, while my eldest discovered a newfound interest in navigation, taking charge of our journey through the National Park. Like most tweens, she also loved the selfie challenge!
The Play Trail is accessible through the NaturePlay app, which not only adds an interactive layer but also serves as an educational tool. As we explored the park, we had access to a wealth of information about Aboriginal culture, the park’s history, and its diverse flora and fauna. Despite thinking we knew the park well, we were delighted to uncover hidden gems and learn fascinating facts we hadn’t come across before. Without giving too much away, the boys were particularly intrigued to discover that the “giant hotdog roll” wasn’t what they initially thought!
The Play Trail’s focus on the core visitor area of Yanchep National Park lets you explore the park’s most iconic and beautiful parts while having a great time. There are eight different locations to discover, all accessible by pram and wheelchair. The trail took us about an hour to complete, covering a distance of approximately 1.2km.
The content’s alignment with the park’s essence makes the experience not only enjoyable but also enriching, making it a perfect fit for homeschooling families looking to combine outdoor adventures with education. For those who prefer a hard copy resource, an A5 booklet with the map and waypoints, along with waypoint facts and illustrations, is available at the Visitor Centre. This booklet can be used with the app or by families with multiple kids or kids without mobile phones.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate of achievement. And for those who love a little competition, like my eldest, you can check out the scoreboard to see how your score measures up against others. Plus, it’s important to note that the Yanchep National Park Play Trail is designed for all families, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned visitor or a first-timer.
Yanchep National Park Play Trail is entirely free to enjoy! However, keep in mind that there is a $17 per-vehicle park entry fee. If you are lucky enough to live within the City of Wanneroo, you are able to purchase a discounted annual park pass here!
How to start your adventure:
- Download the Nature Play WA Play Trails app (scan the QR code on site).
- Use the code DISCOVER to unlock the trail.
- Follow the prompts and start exploring!
Yanchep National Park Play Trail
Yanchep National Park, Ghost House Road, Yanchep
Plan your visit and find out more about the digital trails on the Discover Wanneroo website.
www.natureplaywa.org.
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Kellie Elliott is an adventurous mum of four who’s turning Perth into her playground! When she’s not busy wrangling her little ones, you can find her on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures, where she shares all her exciting adventures. From exploring new playgrounds to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, Kellie’s knack for turning everyday outings into thrilling adventures will leave you inspired and ready to explore the best that Perth has to offer!
