Yanchep National Park

The Yanchep National Park is about 46 kms north of Perth and situated off to the west of Wanneroo Road. In 1834, early European explorer John Butler was the first settler to visit the district. Others followed. In 1901 Henry White settled in the area. Mr White was something of a spelunker who discovered and explored many of the caves in the park, in particular the Crystal Cave. Mr White became caretaker and guide in 1903, probably on behalf of government

Yanchep National Park - Yanchep Inn

The Yanchep Inn viewed across its front gardens. That is the main entrance. The Inn was built in 1936. During World War II the RAAF used this and the Gloucester Lodge as services medical convalescent units. September 2009. Photos Ref: YANP001

Yanchep National Park - Yanchep Inn

A look down the front verandah of Yanchep Inn showing its fine stonework. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP002

Yanchep National Park - Yanchep Inn

This is a side view of the Yanchep Inn. The main entrance is off to the left of picture. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP003

Yanchep National Park - Yanchep Inn

The Yanchep Inn again, taking in a side and a section of the rear. At the rear (off to the right) are many tables and chairs for patrons. Food and drink are ordered from the hotel. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP004

Yanchep National Park - Yanchep Inn Trees

This magnificent gum tree grows at the front of the hotel. Many species of tree and shrub can be seen in the botanic garden which is located next to the koala reserve. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP005

Yanchep National Park - McNess House

McNess House, now the visitor centre. This was built in 1932 and was then known as the McNess Guest House. September 2009. Photos Ref: YANP006

Yanchep National Park - McNess House

Another view of McNess House. September 2009. Photos Ref: YANP007

Yanchep National Park - Chawn Mia Lakeview Tearooms

Here is the Chawn Mia Lakeview tearooms. It has table dining. There is also a takeaway section around the right side. September 2009. Photos Ref: YANP008

Yanchep National Park - Boats for Hire

Rowing boats for hire on the Yanchep National Park lake. September 2009. Photos Ref: YANP009

Yanchep National Park - Dry Lake

It is not good to see the lake, Loch McNess, in such dire need of water. Even in previous high summers, I've never seen it looking as dry as this. The boat area in the above picture is completely dry, so no boats. In the foreground of this picture is mud and sludge. Not a very pretty sight. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP010

Yanchep National Park - Wetlands Walkway

This walkway looks relatively new. This elevated section of the path extends for a couple of hundred metres above reeds and plants. After that, you can walk for ages along the ground level track, right around Loch McNess. It's very densely packed with vegetation but alas the water has disappeared. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP011

Yanchep National Park - Entrance to Crystal Cave

Entrance to Crystal Cave at Yanchep. Price is $11 for adults and $5.50 for kids (Dec 2013). You have to buy the tickets at the visitor centre, not at the cave site. Groups of 30 go on the tour which operate roughly hourly with a duration of about 45 minutes. Well worth the outlay and our tour-guide fellow was fabulous as were the caves. September 2009. Photos Ref: YANP012

Yanchep National Park - Entrance to Crystal Cave

Once the tour group has been mustered and tickets seen, descend these steps then turn left. Then another steep flight of steps leads underground to quite a large cavern, then wait for everyone to come down and gather and the tour begins. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP013

Yanchep National Park - Cabaret Cave

Another cave in the National Park is the Cabaret Cave. Here is a view although the people entrance is through a door and passageway off to the left. This cave is not open for public tours but groups can book the cave as it is apparently all decked out with meal tables and chairs etc. A restaurant in a cave, no less. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP014

Yanchep National Park - Gloucester Lodge

Gloucester Lodge is a building of substance within the Yanchep National Park. Construction commenced in 1932 and it was completed the following year. Initially this was known simply as "The Lodge" or "Yanchep Lodge". The name Gloucester was adopted in 1934 following a visit by the Duke of Gloucester. This is the front section of the centre. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP015

Yanchep National Park - Gloucester Lodge

An attractive side view of the Lodge. The facility appears to be managed by the Department of Education. It is used for school group excursions and offers dormitory or camp-style accommodation. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP016

Yanchep National Park - Gloucester Lodge

The rear of Gloucester Lodge. Everywhere I went today there were water shortage problems. The swimming pool here is empty. A hire boat lies grounded in the sand. The lakes on either side of the road to the golf course are empty as are the subterranean lakes in Crystal Cave. Not to mention the nearly dry Loch McNess. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP017

Yanchep National Park - Golf Club

To the north of the Yanchep Inn is a nine-hole golf course. Here is the clubhouse. The golf club was established in 1965 by cray fisherman Hob Hoy. This building dates back to the World War II RAAF occupation of this area. The building was donated by the RAAF to the golf club and was then relocated to its present spot. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP018

Yanchep National Park - Golf Club

At the rear of the golf course clubhouse is this semi-enclosed verandah which looks like it may cater for club member functions as they occur. December 2013. Photos Ref: YANP019

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