Vertex is the epitome of coastal living, with Yanchep home to a number of great surf spots, and options to suit all abilities from the aspiring to experienced.
Avid surfer and Vertex Estate Manager Garth Kanair is a regular visitor to the local Yanchep breaks. “‘I’m privileged to work in Yanchep… “Yanchep has some of the best beaches in the northern suburbs,”” said Garth. “I have many fond memories growing up holidaying in the area. I love the National Park, the beaches, and the coastal feel you get from Yanchep. By the time I got my car license at the age of 17, you couldn’t keep me away from the place, all I wanted to do was surf.”
Here are some of the best spots to head when the swell rolls in:
The Spot
“A secret spot for many but a favourite for locals,” Garth included, “The Spot is known for its consistent break all year round.”
Located only nine minutes’ drive from Vertex, it’s recommended for moderate to experienced surfers, partly due to the distance surfers must paddle to reach the break. It has slightly higher waves than other beaches nearby, and a left-hand break produced by the southern calcarenite reef. The Spot is frequently enjoyed by bodyboarders too.
The beach is accessible from a well-established dirt track which leads to a carpark with eco-toilets nearby.
Yanchep Beach and Lagoon
Located only five minutes’ drive from Vertex, Yanchep Beach is the convenient choice for a surf before or after work. It’s fantastic for surfers of all abilities, with swell ranging from one to four meters in size. The site delivers consistently good surf conditions with both right and left-hand waves.
Beachgoers visit Yanchep Beach for more than just the surf. Expect to find divers, snorkellers and swimmers in the area, particularly during the warmer months. The location is popular due to its easy access with a large car park, and amenities including toilets and showers.
Yanchep Lagoon offers calm, safe water, perfect for building confidence with the kids as they swim, paddle board and snorkel. They’ll love exploring the beautiful coral reefs and diverse aquatic life, home to octopus, crayfish and even manta ray!
Yanchep Life Saving Club is located at Yanchep Lagoon, a community of friendly coastal-lovers and an excellent place to pick up some surf skills. Introduce your kids to Yanchep surf through the Woodside Nippers program.
Dewars
‘Dewars’ as it’s affectionately called by the locals is located towards the mid-section of Two Rocks, close to ‘The Spot’ and only twelve minutes’ drive from Vertex. This year-round surf has proven a hit for surfers, with waves averaging just over one meter and a left-hand break. Dewars is recommended for the more experienced surfer with good swimming capability. Access to the beach is via a 4WD track which runs off Sovereign Drive.
Alkimos
Alkimos beach is a great spot for the family, stretching for 3 km with rolling dunes and large grassy open spaces. It features a Surf Life Saving Club and amenities like toilets and showers for public use.
The reef is parallel to shore allowing calm conditions for swimmers. To reach the surf you’ll need to either take a boat or paddle out, watching the reef on the inside. It’s rarely crowded and creates powerful and consistent waves, with swell ranging from one to three meters and more. Only attempt this site if you have the experience.
Mullaloo Beach
Mullaloo Beach is a tourist hotspot and popular with locals looking for some beginner surf. Mullaloo is home to Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club, a club with plenty of history dating back to 1960. The Club patrols the central-northern section of the beach. For the more challenging break, surfers usually head to the northern end of Mullaloo, with higher waves producing a right-hand surf break along Mullaloo Point. Mullaloo is just a short half hour drive south of Vertex.
Further North - Turquoise Coast
If you’re keen to try some sites further afield, then you’re spoilt for choice along the Turquoise Coast. Heard further north along the Indian Ocean Drive, and just south of Lancelin you’ll find Ledge Point.
Ledge Point
Ledge Point is an exposed reef break with consistent surf and both left and right reef breaks. Depending on the time of year It can be busy, as it offers waves for every ability.
Wedge island
Wedge Island is a great day trip from Yanchep, being only an hour or so to drive and 30 minutes’ north of Lancelin. It’s accessed through Jurien Bay Marine Park, and it’s only possible if you have a 4WD. You’ll find a break in the dunes where you can drive across the beach (at low tide) to find the site. Due to its remoteness, it is recommended for experienced surfers only, plus it has decent swell ranging from two to three meters. On the other hand, there are waves from everyone if you’re happy staying in the shallows of course! Being a bit more difficult to get there usually means you’ll have a lot more space to yourself out on the break.
Jurien Bay - Escape Island Reef
Another adventurous surf adventure awaits! To get to the break you must go by boat, launching from Jurien Bay Marina. Travel past Boullanger Island to an Island called Escape Island, it has a lighthouse which makes it easier to spot. It’s best to anchor on the south part of the island and paddle out. Swell size here increases from one meter to four meters and more. Due to the remoteness and difficulty level, this break is recommended for the very experienced. Escape Island Reef takes just under two hours to drive from Vertex, so grab your mates and take a road trip!
Jurien Bay - Whitlock Island Reef
Whitlock Island Reef is another tricky one to access unless you have a boat! Launch again from the Marina and go to Boullanger Island, Southwest of the Marine. You can anchor on the sand here. You’ll find the break on the very west point of the island, off Whitlock Island. Similarly to Escape Island Reef, this one is for the experienced surfer only.
Yanchep has a rich coastal community, evident from the number of people enjoying the area's natural playground. The pick of surf spots located near Vertex as well as a variety of other ocean and beach-based activities make living the coastal dream a reality.