Starting from the McNess House Visitor Centre, Yanchep National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit via the Rose Walking Trail. Yanchep National Park is located around 50 kilometres north of Perth and is known for its many caves, natural bushland area and large kangaroo and koala populations. Kangaroo sightings are almost a certainty in the early morning and evening, and they tend to congregate on the open grass near the park's picnic and BBQ facilities. Koalas can be seen in abundance at the Koala Viewing Area, a 240-metre boardwalk through the bushland. As well as the kangaroos and koalas, visitors may be fortunate enough to spot some of the area's native birdlife, such as the short-billed black cockatoo. The Rose Walking Trail meanders through the coastal plain vegetation, passing by historical bunkers and offering panoramic views from the sea to the scarp. In springtime, the colourful display of wildflowers and the limestone outcrops look exceptional. At the beginning of the hike, the trail passes Cabaret Cave, Perth's only 'venue cave' for hire, which was a secret dining and dancing location for the wealthy people of Perth in the 1930's. After crossing Wanneroo Road and walking through bushland for a while, the trail passes a couple of bunkers from World War II, which make for an unexpected sight in this scenery. A bit further ahead, a rocky elevation provides great views of the area. The middle of the trail meets up and briefly follows the Coastal Plains Trail through a nice grove of trees before starting to turn back towards the final section of the loop. The trail is a fairly flat bush track with some sandy and rocky sections, requiring a moderate level of fitness. The trail has markers with the native Yanchep Rose emblem and is easy to navigate. After the walk, you may choose to stay on and enjoy a cup of tea or even a late lunch at the Tea Rooms, enjoy a drink in the beer garden at the Yanchep Inn, or perhaps continue exploring the beautiful National Park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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