For generations of Perth families, the names Yanchep and Atlantis Marine Park evoke powerful memories of childhood adventures and weekend escapes. In the 1970s and 80s, these northern destinations represented a world away from suburbia, a slightly exotic holiday spot for locals and visiting relatives alike.
From National Park to Nostalgic Inn
The journey north is now far easier thanks to the Mitchell Freeway extension, making Yanchep a viable and well-rounded day trip combining nature, wildlife, and coastline. A visit often begins at Yanchep National Park, where a single-day vehicle entry pass costs $17. It's worth noting this pass must be purchased at the gate, not online. Local residents of the City of Wanneroo can secure an annual pass for just $18, while RAC members have access to a half-price Annual All Parks Pass for around $66, offering tremendous value for exploring Western Australia's natural attractions.
Inside the park, life moves at a gentler pace. Birdsong fills the air as cockatoos and magpies forage on the lawns. A short stroll along an elevated boardwalk leads to the koala viewing area, where visitors can often spot dozing adults. The park is also home to Loch McNess, a freshwater lake that provides a habitat for the rakali, or Australian water rat, a species considered at risk.
For refreshment, The Tea Rooms—also known as Chocolate Drops—offers a quaint spot for a cuppa, light meal, or sweet treat. Not far away, the historic Yanchep Inn is preparing to celebrate its 90th birthday. Once known as a "honeymoon hotel," its rich history is displayed on a framed timeline. Visitors can book a room or simply stop for a drink or meal.
Lavender Fields and Coastal Views
After exploring the park's walking trails—including the easy 4.5km return walk to Crystal Cave—a change of scenery awaits at the revived Lavender Estate. Under new ownership, the estate reopened in spring. Ornamental lavender bushes line the entry, providing year-round colour at WA's largest operating lavender farm.
Eli Barlow, one of the new owners, explains the difference between these decorative plants and the oil-producing varieties—Grosso, Impress Purple, and Vera—which bloom from December to February. These are used in the estate's extensive range of body, home, and gift products. A behind-the-scenes tour reveals a European lavender picking machine and a processing area that feels like a cross between a distillery, perfumery, and olive oil factory.
The on-site cafe serves light meals alongside lavender-infused specialties like ice-cream, slushies, and scones. For $28 per person, visitors can book a Devonshire tea and distillery tour on Thursdays and Fridays. The upgraded playground now features two slides in a signature lavender hue, and future plans include installing a 100-year-old carousel formerly located at Mandurah's King Carnival.
Lagoon Swim and a Trip Down Memory Lane
No visit to Yanchep is complete without seeing its stunning coastline. Yanchep Lagoon offers clear, protected waters for swimming, with lifeguards on duty from 8am to 4pm daily. Conditions are reported on the My Beach website. For those preferring to stay dry, the Orion Cafe provides excellent beach views from its alfresco tables and is open daily until late.
The day can end with a nostalgic detour to the nearby suburb of Two Rocks to seek out the towering limestone statue of King Neptune—a lasting remnant of the beloved Atlantis Marine Park. While the iconic bakery may have changed hands, the Oven Door Bakery reportedly still bakes the gingerbread people that delighted children decades ago.
Within about 45 minutes, you can be back home in Perth, having enjoyed the feeling of a substantial getaway without the long drive south. Yanchep continues to offer that unique blend of natural beauty, history, and simple pleasures that cemented its place in the hearts of so many West Australians.
