Feature by Max Brearley

In Western Australia the journey is often as enticing as the destination. 

A road trip from Perth (Boorloo) through the south west of the state takes in a region famed for its coastal landscapes, wine, food and adventure. Margaret River (Wooditup), world-renowned as a wine region, isn’t the only wine hot spot on this journey. You’ll find the Southern Forests and Great Southern to its east producing their own distinct cooler climate wines, with a chance to witness towering native forests and the coastlines of the mighty Indian and Southern Oceans. 

COMO The Treasury, Perth (Boorloo)

One of Australia’s most celebrated hotels of the last decade, COMO The Treasury is part of the heritage listed State Buildings redevelopment. One of the jewels of Perth’s hotel scene, the restaurants and bars of the State Buildings are some of Western Australia’s best. At the heart of the city, the quality and extent of the restoration won huge praise when it opened in 2015. The property’s accessible rooms benefit from a second bathroom, are spacious, and to the same interior design standard. It’s perhaps no secret that accessible rooms are sometimes not given the same aesthetic thought, but COMO The Treasury have accessible rooms across their room categories, including the Heritage Rooms.

_{Como The Treasury, Perth}

Heyscape, Perth

A small West Australian company that has pushed the message that small is beautiful with their tiny cabin style accommodation. Hosted on country properties like working vineyards and farms, they’re an experience as much as somewhere to lay your head. Many of Heyscape’s getaways are off-grid, and their “Jana” cabin in Serpentine, just one hour south of Perth, is one of their first wheelchair accessible cabins (they have another in the Avon Valley), designed to be spacious and integrate parking needs. While there’s lots to explore in and around the location, cabins are designed to be something of a retreat.

Quest, Bunbury (Goomburrup)

Bunbury, just under 2 hours south of Perth, is home to the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Koombana Bay, where conservation, education and research of the bottlenose dolphin has brought global attention. The waterside centre is designed around wheelchair accessibility and has beach wheelchairs available for visitor use. Quest Apartment Hotel is situated across from the Koombana Bay Foreshore, and just minutes from the city centre. As with much of their wider portfolio, the Bunbury property offers accessible options across their room types.

Southcamp, Dunsborough (Quedjinup)

The collection of cabins at Southcamp are perfect for soaking up the coastal vibe of Dunsborough, a laid-back beach community that has long been known for not just its beach life but also its collection of independent bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Southcamp, which opened in 2023 combines accommodation with an onsite brewery, café, and continental deli-come-wine-bar.

_{South Camp, Dunsborough}

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Margaret River

Nestled in this iconic coastal landscape, with beach access and Indian Ocean views, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is a favourite destination in the region for those looking for both luxury and nature hand in hand. Just minutes from Eagle Bay Brewing Co. and Bunkers Beach House, it’s less than 15 minutes drive to the bustling coastal town of Dunsborough (Quedjinup). Beyond accessible car bays and rooms, the resort team are on hand to assist travellers who may have mobility issues, travel with a carer or a guide dog. A buggy service is available from the main building to guest villas.

_{Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Margaret River}

Eight Willows Retreat, Margaret River

Set in 75 acres of native bushland, Eight Willows Retreat is an ideal base for exploring the Margaret River region. Just 20 minutes’ drive to Margaret River town itself, and close to many of the founding wineries of the region – Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines, Leeuwin Estate - and their stellar restaurants. The property offers a one bed accessible king chalet. 

Hilton Garden Inn, Albany (Kinjarling)

Opened in 2023, the Hilton Garden Inn (like its oceanside sibling at Busselton) is located on the waterfront overlooking Shoal Bay and has king accessible rooms. The property has pedestrian access to the nearby Albany Entertainment Centre and waterside pub, Due South, which is a local favourite that excels in its selection of wines of the Great Southern, craft beer, and views over the bay. 

_{Hilton Garden Inn, Albany (Kinjarling)}

Published May 2024.