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

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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.