Local Government
Wanneroo
Region
Metropolitan
3499 Wanneroo Rd Yanchep
50 km North of Perth Includes individually registered places - note not registered as an interim precinct but combines a number of interim registrations
McNess Recreation Area
Wanneroo
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1880, Constructed from 2001
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 07 Nov 2016 | |
| State Register | Registered | 17 Feb 2006 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Register of the National Estate | Registered | 21 Mar 1978 | ||
| Art Deco Significant Bldg Survey | Completed | 30 Jun 1994 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 25 May 1994 | Category 1A | |
Yanchep National Park Precinct has historic and aesthetic significance as a good example of a national par incorporating a resort dating from the 1930s. It is also of historic importance for its associations with Sir Charles McNess for his contribution to the development of the park, and the RAAF who used the park as a base during World War ll.The park is socially significant as a popular tourist destination.
Yanchep National Park is a recreation area comprising an open woodland park, lakes, caves, natural bushland and landscaped gardens, together with army bunkers and built structures of limestone, imitation ‘half-timbering’, and tile. The place includes; Gloucester Lodge and Pool, Yanchep Inn Hotel, McNess Ruin, Chauffeur's Room and Garage, Army Bunkers - Radar Installation, Administration Building, Yanchep War Memorial, Crystal Caves, Generator Bunkers - Radar Installation, Tram Cottage, Recreation Hall, Avenue of Trees, modified lake (Loch McNess) and surrounds, caves, bushland, other wetlands, structures and landscapes. These structures form a significant precinct characterized by a homogeneity of materials and forms established in the 1930s using local materials and motifs of the Inter-War Old English and Inter-War California Bungalow styles. Yanchep National Park is rare as a cave area developed for tourist purposes in Western Australia and as one of only six main cave areas in Western Australia.
The name Yanchep is believed to have derived from the native name Yanget a native flax which grew on the lake within the park. (Chambers) The area was first visited by Europeans in 1834, by John Butler recorded the lakes and an abundance of game while searching for stray cattle north of Perth. Four years later, Lieutenant George Grey explored the area. In the period 1899-1902, the first actual settler, Henry White, built a cottage near Lake Yanchep. In 1905, the Government vested reserve No 9868 in the Caves Board which included 5,640 acres of the district which incorporated the lake and flats approximately 8km long, for the Protection and Preservation of Caves and Flora and for a Health and Recreation Pleasure Resort. During the 1930s philanthropist Sir Charles McNess made a grant of 11,600 pounds for the alleviation of distress due to the Depression and this act of benevolence, along with the good management of the State Gardens Board, saw the commencement of major developments in the Reserve. During the 1930s Yanchep National Park was established as a recreational resort on the shores of Lake McNess. The complex included Gloucester Lodge, Yanchep Inn, McNess Guest House, Ghost House Ruin and Chauffeur's Room, Army Bunkers and Administration Buildings. In 1935 Lake Yanchep was renamed Loch McNess in honour of Sir Charles McNess's contribution to the Reserve's development. During World War two the RAAF established a radar station in the park and Gloucester Lodge and Yanchep Inn were occupied by the No 4 Convalescent Depot and the No 4 Medical Rehabilitation Unit. In 1976, the National Parks Authority of WA considered demolishing Gloucester Lodge. The Shire of Wanneroo then acquired the lease of the building and partially renovated it for use as a local museum which opened in 1979. (Australian Heritage Database). In 2005 a fire swept through the park, however the buildings were not damaged. Refer to Heritage Council of Western Australia's, Register of Heritage Places - Register and Assessment Documentation and the Australian Heritage Council's, Register of the National Estate.
Precinct
| Name | Type | Year From | Year To |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Bennett | Architect | - | - |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2060 | Yanchep National Park management plan : 1989 to 1999. | Report | 1989 |
| 8708 | Alkimos Eglinton district structure plan. | Book | 2007 |
| 6588 | McNess Recreation Area Yanchep National Park : non-indigenous cultural heritage conservation plan. | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 2003 |
Precinct or Streetscape
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other |
| Present Use | PARK\RESERVE | Park\Reserve |
| Original Use | PARK\RESERVE | Park\Reserve |
| Style |
|---|
| Inter-War California Bungalow |
| Inter-War Old English |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | STONE | Limestone |
| Wall | TIMBER | Log |
| Wall | TILE | Terracotta Tile |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | Tourism |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Sport, recreation & entertainment |
| PEOPLE | Famous & infamous people |
| OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | World Wars & other wars |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Exploration & surveying |
| OCCUPATIONS | Hospitality industry & tourism |
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.