Some 50 kilometres north of the Western Australia capital of Perth lies the natural and cultural meeting place that is Yanchep national park.
Occupying an area of some 2800 hectares, Yanchep national park provides interesting discoveries of natural bushland, a colony of koalas, fine limestone caves, a lake, and walking tracks.
It is a family-oriented national park but, more than this, it has rediscovered itself as a natural and cultural meeting place where aspects of Aboriginal life can be experienced.
Traditional owners
The park's traditional owners are the Aboriginal Nyoongar people and you can Share the Dreaming with them on a tour of aspects of traditional Aboriginal life and culture.
Every day, in the Share the Dreaming tour, join an Aboriginal guide as you visit the Balga Mia village where you experience with the Nyoongar people their traditional Aboriginal life and culture in a variety of activities.
Aboriginal lore
In the course of your Share the Dreaming tour, you also share the Aborigines' knowledge of plants and animals, learn how they make tools, and understand the cultural protocols.
The Share the Dreaming tour is held from 1pm daily at Yanchep national park.
Learn to dance
From 2pm daily, the Nyoongar people invite you to learn Aboriginal dancing and listen to traditional music created with a didgeridoo. This is a cultural experience that many visitors from overseas totally miss when they keep to the beaten track of popular tourist attractions.
Getting there
Drive north from Perth, then follow Wanneroo Rd north about 25 kilometres past Wanneroo and you will see the Yanchep national park signs. From Perth, it should be about a 45-minute drive to Yanchep national park.
