Once a tiny crayfishing settlement, Yanchep was developed by mining tycoon Alan Bond in the 1970s. The development of the Club Capricorn holiday village and Atlantis Marine Park (especially famous for its dolphin shows) has been the making of nostalgic memories for almost anyone living in Perth in the 1980s. In later years, the redevelopment of the sites made way for residential housing, and Yanchep is a popular choice for young families and couples seeking affordable seaside living.
Situated less than an hour north of Perth and just 25 minutes from Joondalup, almost 9,000 residents have been lucky enough to call Yanchep home. Drawn to the suburb's coastal charms, amenities and efficient transport links, this idyllic enclave spans across an impressive 220 square kilometres.
The word "Yanchep" gives some insight into the natural landscape, derived from the Nyoongar word "Yandjip" or "Yanget," and named after the bulrush reed that grows abundantly in the area's wetlands.
Retaining its holiday vibe for long sandy beaches and abundant natural beauty, Yanchep falls under the dynamic City of Wanneroo and features a shopping centre, schools and sporting facilities for its residents. Yanchep Lagoon and Yanchep National Park are the main drawcards for visitors and tourists.
Approximately 29 kilometres north of Joondalup, Yanchep offers excellent transport links via Marmion Avenue and Yanchep Beach Road, and it's about a 13-minute drive from the Mitchell Freeway and Yanchep Train Station. Yanchep's compact town centre includes Yanchep Central and Yanchep Village shopping centres, plus a variety of eateries and specialty stores catering well to local residents.
Get to know Yanchep's locals
Yanchep's population of almost 9,000 consists mainly of families, couples and retirees seeking affordable living near the coast. Several schools cater well to families, including Yanchep Beach Primary School, Yanchep Lagoon Primary School, Yanchep Secondary College, Yanchep Rise Primary School and Atlantis Beach Baptist College.
Yanchep's Attractions
Yanchep National Park
Adventure, history, nature and wildlife are the makings of an incredible day out or getaway in the Yanchep National Park. You'll be greeted by western grey kangaroos on arrival, before choosing your own adventure, whether it's exploring the underground chambers of Crystal Cave, hunting for spooky relics on the Ghost House Trail, spotting cuddly koalas on the Koala Boardwalk, zipping through the canopy on the Treetops Adventure, relaxing over a picnic or treating yourself at the Chocolate Drops shop and tearooms.
Yanchep Inn
Located within the Yanchep National Park, the historic Yanchep Inn is the epitome of everything to love about a country pub. The open fireplace, leadlight doors, wooden panelling, and beer garden are the ideal setting for the hearty meals served daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Extend your stay in the national park in the lakeview and motel rooms, or in the backpacker rooms in the original building constructed from stone in 1939. With so much country charm, it's easy to see why the Yanchep Inn is such a popular venue for special occasions and weddings, especially in underground Cabaret Cave.
Yanchep Lagoon and Beach
Yanchep Lagoon's consistent waves are ideal for beginners, while the larger waves at Yanchep Beach further along the coastline present more challenging surfing conditions. Snorkellers are drawn to the warm waters that attract an abundance of marine life, and between October and May, it's a popular spot for abalone fishermen. Even if you're not a confident swimmer, 300 metres of reef and the calm conditions in the southern part of Yanchep Lagoon make it safe for most. If you don't want to get your feet wet, the lagoon is so picturesque that it's worth visiting if only to admire those turquoise waters from the snow-white shoreline.
Capricorn Beach
On the northern part of the coastline, the ocean-themed Capricorn Beach Foreshore Adventure Playground adorns the powdery sands of Capricorn Beach. Fishing, swimming or having a picnic as the sun slips into the Indian Ocean are just some of the many reasons why people move to Yanchep.
Sun City Country Club
Known as one of the country's best golf courses, Sun City Country Club is a mecca for golfing novices and professionals, as well as the enthusiasts chilling out in the clubhouse or brushing up on their skills at the Golf Academy. Nestled between the Yanchep National Park and Yanchep Lagoon foreshore, the 18-hole golf course challenges many due to the length of its holes and tee-offs requiring a perfect line.