Yanchep Lagoon

Statement of Significance

Yanchep Lagoon and Fisherman's Hollow are of historic significance for associations with Mary Lindsay, original owner of the Yanchep Estate who settled in the area in 1926 and who was actively involved in protecting the natural environment and assisting the fishing community in the area. Yanchep Lagoon has social significance for associations with the fishing and crayfishing industries intil the 1970s and for its use for continued use for recreational pursuits. Yanchep Lagoon is of aesthetic significance as an example of the natural coastal landscape of Wanneroo.

Physical Description

Yanchep Lagoon iis located at Reserve 12439 Yanchep, and is within the City of Wanneroo's North Ward. The lagoon comprises an area of coast parallel to Brazier Road with Fisherman's Hollow located nearby on the eastern side of Brazier Road. Yanchep Lagoon is a natural beach site comprising a portion of Yanchep Beach and is approached from the east via Brazier Road. A protected lagoon is formed within the curve of the coastline and there is a reef enclosing a calm swimming spot. There is painted timber signage 'Yanchep Lagoon' with safety warnings and regulations situated at the road level just north of the access to the beach.

History

Although used prior to European occupation by Aboriginal people as a swimming and fishing hole, Fisherman's Hollow together with Yanchep Lagoon have been frequented by holiday makers and fishermen since the early 1900s.The Two Rocks Yanchep Residents Association noted in the 'Wanneroo Times (North Coastal) July 30, 2003 , 'Aboriginal elder Cedric Jacobs says there is no doubt that the lagoon would had been used as a swimming and fishing hole and for foraging on the reef for centuries.'...' The lagoon became an anchorage for the crayfishing fleet in the late 1950s and 1960s before the Two Rocks Marina was built.' ..." Twelve drownings due to rip over past 40 years.'... 'Lagoon has now begun to silt up'. In 1926 Mary Lindsay purchased approximately 23,000 acres of land along the coast in the approximate location of Two Rocks. This became known as Yanchep Estate. Mrs Lindsay built a hostel and a store for campers and fishermen (not extant) which supplied water, food and fishing tackle. During the 1950s and 60s the area was frequented by crayfishermen who anchored their boats in the Yanchep Lagoon until the Two Rocks Marina opened and they relocated there. Alan Bond purchased 1,800 acres of land at Yanchep in 1971 with the intention of developing Yanchep Sun City as a residential and tourism development. Development began in close proximity to Fisherman's Hollow and Yanchep Lagoon with the first subdivision being released near the lagoon beach and kiosk. The Two Rocks Marina and Two Rocks Tavern were completed by 1974. These were developed as a base for the America's Cup Challenge. Fisherman's Hollow and Yanchep Lagoon are vested in the City of Wanneroo. Although boats now anchor at the nearby marina the area is still (2005) used as a popular picnic and swimming place by locals and tourists.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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