Things To Do
in Yanchep

Yanchep is a relaxed coastal town located about 50 kilometers north of Perth, Western Australia. It offers wide beaches, turquoise lagoons, and easy access to the rugged Indian Ocean coastline. The area is renowned for Yanchep National Park with koalas, caves, and scenic trails, making it a nature lover's gateway.

With a laid-back vibe and family-friendly attractions, Yanchep is a great base for day trips to Perth and the coastline.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Discover Yanchep National Park
morning
:

Wake up early to beat the crowds and meet at the park entrance. Follow a guided walk along the boardwalks to spot kangaroos grazing in the morning light. Learn about the local flora and fauna from an experienced ranger as you wander through eucalyptus groves.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lagoon overlooking tranquil waters. Explore the Zimmerman Heritage Trail to uncover the park’s rich history and Aboriginal rock art sites. Pause at scenic lookouts and capture photos of serene wetlands.

evening
:

Return to the park for a sunset viewing at the main lookout. Listen to the sounds of kookaburras and other wildlife as the day winds down. Finish off with stargazing under the clear Western Australian skies away from city lights.

day 2
Wildlife and Indigenous Culture Tour
morning
:

Join a local Aboriginal guide at dawn for a cultural immersion experience. Learn traditional bush tucker techniques and try your hand at spear throwing. Hear Dreamtime stories passed down through generations beside a smoky campfire.

afternoon
:

Visit the onsite koala boardwalk to watch these iconic marsupials in their natural habitat. Participate in a gentle wildlife encounter feeding kangaroos and emus. Deepen your understanding of conservation efforts through interactive presentations.

evening
:

Relax around a communal open-air dining table with traditional damper and bush tea. Enjoy live performances of Aboriginal song and dance around the campfire. Drift off to the rhythmic sounds of the didgeridoo echoing through the night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee$3-5
🚌Public transport fare$4-7
🏖️National park entry/parking$0-15
🍺Beer or wine at venue$7-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed coastal town with easy access to Perth
  • Natural attractions like Yanchep National Park and beaches
  • Limited nightlife and dining options within Yanchep
  • Public transport outside peak hours can be infrequent

Places to Visit in Yanchep

Visit one of these nice places.

Yanchep Beach and Foreshore

Long stretches of sand, turquoise water, and dramatic sunsets—ideal for wide-angle and sunset photography.

Yanchep National Park Koala Boardwalk

A short, accessible boardwalk through eucalyptus woodland with opportunities to photograph koalas and a variety of birds.

Yanchep Lagoon Lookout

Panoramic coastal views over the lagoon, perfect for sunrise silhouettes and landscape shots.

Two Rocks Coastal Cliffs

Rugged shoreline, rock formations, and sea spray provide dramatic ocean-centric compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Yanchep

Yanchep’s cuisine reflects Western Australia’s coastal produce and casual, outdoor-friendly dining. Expect fresh seafood, simple seasonal dishes, and earthier pantry staples served in laid-back cafes and pubs in the broader coastal corridor.

Yanchep Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Barramundi with lemon and herbs

Fresh WA barramundi prepared simply and served with a citrus-herb glaze or butter sauce.

Must-Try!

Kangaroo burger

Leaner lean meat patties often featured in casual coastal eateries with WA-grown greens.

Seafood chowder

Creamy chowder loaded with prawns and local fish, a comforting option near the coast.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Coastal Markets (in nearby suburbs)

Seasonal stalls offering fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and artisanal produce in the wider coastal corridor (e.g., Clarkson/Joondalup area).

Climate Guide

Weather

Yanchep experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Coastal breezes help moderate temperatures, making outdoor activity comfortable most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Friendly greetings

Greet with a casual 'G'day' or 'Hello'; queue politely; keep noise level respectful in public spaces.

Wildlife and environment

Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife; do not feed animals; dispose of rubbish properly and follow park rules.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety tips include swimming at patrolled beaches, heeding warning signs, and sun protection. Wildlife can be unpredictable—keep a safe distance from animals and drive carefully on coastal roads; dial 000 for emergencies in Australia.

Tipping in Yanchep

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Australia; you may round up the bill or leave a small tip for good service at your discretion.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS); contactless payments and mobile wallets are common; cash is also accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, sunny days with cooling sea breezes. Seek shade, stay hydrated, and protect skin with sunscreen; beaches can be busy on weekends.

Autumn

Milder temperatures and comfortable coastal walks; occasional showers possible—great for photography and hiking without the crowds.

Winter

Cooler days with possible rain; ocean remains inviting for surfers and wildlife viewing, though some outdoor activities are best timed for dry days.

Spring

Longer daylight hours with blooming coastal flora; great time for hiking, wildlife spotting, and blue-sky photography.

Nightlife Guide

Yanchep at Night

Yanchep has a quiet nightlife scene focused on relaxed cafes and beachfront bars. For more varied options, drive to nearby suburbs such as Clarkson, Joondalup, or Perth, where bars, live music venues, and clubs are more common.

Hiking in Yanchep

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Koala Boardwalk (Yanchep National Park)

Short, accessible trail through eucalyptus forest with wildlife viewing opportunities.

Coastal Lookout Trail

Easy coastal walk along cliffs and beaches with ocean views.

Two Rocks Nature Reserve Trail

Moderate loop through coastal scrub and rock formations with sea vistas.

Airports

How to reach Yanchep by plane.

Perth Airport (PER)

Domestic and international flights; about a 40-60 minute drive from Yanchep depending on traffic; car hire and ride-sharing available.

Getting Around

Walkability

Yanchep is relatively spread out; the town center is walkable, but most trips require a car. A coastal path and village amenities are walkable within the main precinct; for exploring beaches and parks, a vehicle is more practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families move to Yanchep for a coastal lifestyle, schools, and outdoor amenities.

Retirees

Quiet neighborhoods and proximity to healthcare attract retirees.

Nature enthusiasts

People drawn to beaches, parks, and wildlife reserves.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing and swimming

Coastal breaks and safe beaches support surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.

Cricket and AFL

Common weekend sports in WA; local clubs and social leagues operate in nearby suburbs.

Golf

Several golf courses located within a short drive in the greater Perth area.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate around Yanchep, with peak times centered on routes to Perth. Public transport is improving with the Yanchep Rail Extension, but most visitors rely on a car; main connections use the Mitchell Freeway and coastal roads, with bus services in peak periods.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Yanchep.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in most cafes; look for seasonal produce, salads, and veggie mains. Request dairy-free or egg-free preparations where needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in nearby Joondalup Health Campus (major hospital), several GP clinics in Yanchep and Two Rocks, and medical services in Clarkson and Joondalup; emergency number 000; private health providers available. Appointment-based clinics and pharmacies are widely available in Joondalup and Clarkson.

Discover Australia

Read more in our Australia 2025 Travel Guide.

Australia Travel Guide