Koalas, kangaroos on the lawns and a glittering limestone cave. Here's how to plan a day at Yanchep National Park, under an hour north of Perth.
Koalas, caves and kangaroos
When my nieces and nephews ask where they can see a koala, I take them to Yanchep National Park. It’s about 42 km north of Perth, under an hour’s drive, and it packs koalas, kangaroos, caves and bushwalks into one easy day out.
It’s one of the few places near Perth where you can see koalas outside a zoo, and the kangaroos on the lawns are almost guaranteed.
Quick facts
- Where: Yanchep National Park, about 42 km north of Perth, under an hour’s drive.
- Koalas: Boardwalk through a eucalyptus enclosure near the main picnic areas.
- Crystal Cave: Guided tours only, from the McNess House Visitor Centre.
- Kangaroos: Western grey kangaroos around Loch McNess, especially late afternoon.
- Cost: Vehicle entry fee, or use a WA parks pass.
- Food: Barbecue areas for a picnic, or the Yanchep Inn, open seven days.
“The koalas here are fantastic with a nice boardwalk and great views.”
Maritime Historian, Tripadvisor review
The koala boardwalk
The koalas live in a eucalyptus enclosure near the main picnic areas. A raised boardwalk takes you up into the trees, so you’re often at eye level with them. They sleep a lot, so look up into the forks of the branches. Keeper talks are held during the day, so check the times when you arrive.
Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is the park’s big highlight for older kids. It’s a limestone cave full of stalactites, stalagmites and still pools, and you can only visit on a guided tour. Tours leave from the McNess House Visitor Centre several times a day, and they’re popular in school holidays, so book or arrive early. See Explore Parks WA for tour details.
“There is a koala enclosure and an abundance of kangaroos roaming freely around the park.”
69Caz, Tripadvisor review
Kangaroos, lakes and walks
Western grey kangaroos graze on the lawns around Loch McNess, especially in the late afternoon. Please don’t feed them.
The park has walk trails for every age, from short loops of around 500 metres to long hikes. The lakeside walks are flat and good for small legs. On Sundays and public holidays, you can also join the Wangi Mia Aboriginal experience to learn about the area’s Noongar culture.
“lots of kangaroos that come out around 4 pm and bounce around.”
Carina N, Tripadvisor review
Planning your visit
- Park entry: a vehicle entry fee applies, or use a WA parks pass. Check current fees on the Yanchep National Park page.
- Food: pack a picnic for the barbecue areas, or eat at the Yanchep Inn, which serves meals seven days a week.
- Timing: come in the morning for the koalas and caves, then stay for the late-afternoon kangaroos.
It’s an easy drive up Wanneroo Road, and on the bike it’s a relaxed ride through the bush once you’re past the northern suburbs.
Featured image: AggieNie, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Yanchep has a koala enclosure with a raised boardwalk, so you can see the koalas up in the trees.
