My AT Life!
13 April 202610-day trip to Western Australia, taking in Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, and The Pinnacles.
Early morning start in preparation for our five-hour flight from the eastern coast to the western coast of Australia. I was able to hire an accessible Kia Carnival through Hertz, this was pre-booked 5 months out, due to high demand. This trip was only possible with this car.
Accommodation was at the Pan-Pacific Perth, the Accessible room 1104 had twin bedding, a roll in shower and access for the hoist to go under the bed. Located close to coffee shops, convenience store, there was onsite parking and it was only a 15-minute walk to the city centre.
There were lots of highlights throughout the 10 days,
The Fremantle Prison night tour was fantastic, with 100% Wheelchair accessibility, including the companion card. This night tour went for 1.5 hours, and I was fortunate to be able to enter the prison in a separate group, due to the heritage maintenance program.
Perth, CBD was easy to get around, and I went to explore the waterfront with a ferry across the harbour to South Perth Island for the afternoon at the Perth Zoo. There were plenty of accessible features, where I was able to press a button to open the door to the exhibit that led us into animal enclosures. The orangutan’s swinging around was the standout for me.
On the Rottnest Island day trip, there was accessible car parking close to the Ferry terminal, and I was able to use the gangway to access the ferry. There was plenty of accessible seating area for the 25-minute journey. We were able to use a golf buggy, my support worker was able to drive the buggy, and we could explore the surrounding areas on the paved bitumen road. There were plenty of quokkas to be seen; just keep an eye out for all the tourists taking photos. Later in the day, we were able to explore with a Rottnest bus tour with a 90-minute tour around the island, all the way to West End. The next stop from here is Madagascar in South Africa.
A relaxing day was spent through Swan Valley sampling food and drinks, a great pick me up start was Koffee, they offered free coffee, tastings and chocolate coated coffee beans. Funk 2.0 for a pineapple cider and Swan Settlers Market and then return to Scarborough for fish and chips and a majestic sunset.
Loaded up the essentials and headed to Margaret River, to spend two nights and found some fascinating activities at the Margaret River chocolate factory.
Our days were roughly planned, and after seeing a very helpful tourist information staff member, the trip took a little detour I was able to experience some of the more popular activities in their local community.
Hamelin Bay and seeing stingrays up to 2 m wide at the boat ramp, particularly in the summer months.
Mammoth Caves, entering into the 1.5 million-year-old limestone cave, wheelchair access is only available for the first 30 m. You can still see the stunning stalactites and stalagmites, plus a good old echo!
Busselton jetty the longest bridge in the southern hemisphere, 1.8 km long and the longest timber piled jetty. Was built in 1865 and is heritage listed.
Higgins Lane Motel had twin bedding, bed height was good for side transfers, and bed blocks were required to allow the hoist under the bed. Offered a small roll in shower. This is an old building, and the room is manageable for my requirements, as my support worker is able to assist in all the other areas. You would need to check for your requirements.
A full day was spent in Fremantle, checking out the indoor Fremantle markets, taking in the waterfront on the very accessible boardwalk. We were able to watch the Chinese dragon dance and boat races.
Spent the afternoon enjoying a nice seafood lunch and witnessing the vista of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean off the western coast of Australia.
The pinnacles are made of thousands of natural limestone pillars, up to 3.5 m high and located roughly 200 km north of Perth, In Nambung National Park of Western Australia. Hard to believe you’re only 6 km from the ocean.
There are no special requirements for vehicles; a standard, two-wheel drive car can access the unsealed, 4 km limestone desert loop. Plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the view. There is an accessible viewing platform.
With just a 20-minute drive to the award winning Lobster Shack, for a relaxing seafood lunch and time reflecting over our 10-day Perth visit.
Overall, Perth was a fantastic holiday destination, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Stay tuned for more adventures to come.
