Unofficial guide · verify with Explore Parks WA / DBCA

Yanchep National ParkUnofficial operator’s manual

Wetlands Walk Trail

Area: Loch McNess wetlands

Guide updated · verify live track status with Explore Parks WA / DBCA

Relaxed loop around Loch McNess — paperbarks, yanget (bulrush), waterbirds. This is the wetland product. Mosquitoes are real. Stay on the path.

Do not pair: Do not skip this in favour of a rushed Ghost House if the group is mixed-ability.

Turnaround: Any point back to McNess on the signed loop.

  • Feeding waterbirds
  • Leaving the path for a photo in reeds
  • Short easy loop around Loch McNess [VERIFY class on Trails WA]
  • About 45–75 minutes
  • About 2.7 km loop [VERIFY]
  • Effort: easy
  • Best for: Families, birding, first-timers who still want a real walk without Ghost House sand

Distance, grade, time, vehicle rules, hours and open/closed status change — always verify with Explore Parks WA / DBCA (exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au) and alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au before you go.

Official DBCA info (verify status)
Loch McNess shoreline, yanget and paperbark wetland, Yanchep National Park
Wetlands Walk — Loch McNess wetlandsPhoto: Calistemon · CC BY-SA 4.0

Where you start

McNess House / Loch McNess

Start from the visitor precinct. Do not launch unofficial boats or leave the signed edges.

How to get there

  1. Same 2WD park entry. Toilets at McNess when open.

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Walk the loop clockwise or as signed. Look, do not crash through reeds.
  2. Ghost House uses this wetland as a join — stay on Wetlands markers if that is all you wanted.

The lake is the park’s other icon

Yanchep is not only a cave and a koala. Loch McNess is the wetland heart — paperbark, yanget, birds. A 2.7 km loop is a complete visit for many families.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on Explore Parks WA / DBCA before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google MapsGet directions

Extra tips

  • Repellent near paperbarks.
  • Early/late light for birds and kangaroos on nearby ovals.
  • This is not a swimming lake as a default plan.

Often paired with Koala boardwalk— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Loch McNess wetlands

Nearby stays (optional)

After the walk plan is solid: Yanchep / Two Rocks / Perth beds if you still need them. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Official Henry White Park Stay, park fees, Crystal Cave tickets and government bookings are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub.

Nearby stays

Yanchep (primary) · Two Rocks · Joondalup · Wanneroo · Perth

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Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees, Parks Passes, Crystal Cave tickets and official Park Stay bookings are never affiliated. Disclosure · Tours hub