Reimagining the tourist town of old
Yanchep has always enjoyed the laid-back, coastal lifestyle. Never more so than in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. You might have heard of the story…
Yanchep Sun City
In 1970, WA entrepreneur Alan Bond had big plans to develop the area, which he renamed Yanchep Sun City. The plan was to turn the area into a modern, sophisticated tourist centre, which could house over 200,000 residents.
The first houses went up in 1972. 1974 saw the construction of the Sun City Marina (now the Two Rocks Marina), which became the focal point for WA’s bid at the America’s Cup boat race. His company ran into some money troubles in 1977, and Yanchep Sun City was sold to the Japanese organisation, Tokyu Corporation.
And while Sun City was the last of Alan Bond’s involvement with Yanchep, the suburb’s story doesn’t end there.
Atlantis Marine Park
Atlantis Marine Park was established in 1981, which became a prime tourist attraction in Perth’s north. Full of large pool areas, dolphin exhibits, and renowned for its giant King Neptune statue, the park remained an active part of WA’s northern beachside culture for many years. However, as the 1990s drew nearer, the park was gradually losing money, and it closed its gates forever in 1990.
The abandoned park remained, quickly sinking into disrepair, with nothing but the old statues, and the ever-present King Neptune head to remind people of what could have been.
Where old-fashioned values meet a new way of life
But the sun-soaked memories of that old tourist town still remain. The warm, inviting location, the idea of good old-fashioned fun, and a healthy dose of outdoor activities like fishing and surfing, have preserved the cultural legacy of the area.
And now the area is growing. Vertex is thriving. It’s a place once again for families to explore, to call home, and to grow.
