Why Perth is the perfect inclusive getaway

With accessible beaches, beautiful weather and a laid-back attitude, Perth welcomes everyone for a cheeky weekender or a week-long adventure.

From accessible nature trails and extensive parklands to stunning beaches with access matting and wheelchair-friendly public facilities, Perth is fast becoming one of the country’s most inclusive destinations. Many of Perth’s attractions also focus on making themselves accessible, with reserved parking, ramped entryways and more.

In addition, the Western Australian capital of cool also offers a range of accessible accommodation with Quest Apartment Hotels, located in some of the most sought-after suburbs throughout the city. As a result, a holiday to Perth is now easier than ever before, for everyone.

Take the accessible ferries. (Image: Tourism WA)

Getting around Perth

Travelling on public transport is easy and affordable in and around the city. Not only do all of Perth’s public train stations offer accessible toilets, phones and water bubblers, but every form of public transport offers accessible access. Trains have marked spaces for wheelchairs near the doors, and all Perth buses are able to lower to road level for passengers, offering wheelchair spaces and reserved seating.

Perth’s ferries are also accessible, making water transport safe and enjoyable. For those in need of private transport, wheelchair taxis can be ordered through 13cabs.

Settle in at Cottesloe Beach for the famous sunsets. (Image: Tourism WA)

Where to stay

To be right near the action, book a room at one of the five accessible Quest Apartment Hotels that prioritise functionality and comfort for all guests. With raised toilet options, bathroom grab rails, walk-in showers with non-slip mats, wide doorways, step-free room access and kitchens with appliances that can be reached from any height, staying at a Quest Apartment Hotel is functional luxury at its best.

Quest South Perth Foreshore is great for city views across the glimmering Swan River. Right near Perth Zoo (which is accessible as well), it’s also close to the riverside and ferry stops.

Find functional, stylish spaces at Quest Apartment Hotels.

Across the river and right in the CBD, Quest East Perth is perfect for city stays, with accessible fine dining nearby. For those wanting a little greenery, Quest on Rheola is just a short distance from Kings Park and Botanic Garden, which displays over 3000 species of Western Australian plants that can be admired from the wide, flat pathways throughout.

Just 20 minutes north of the city, a stay at Quest Joondalup will make you feel like a local, especially as the accessible Hillarys Boat Harbour and Sorrento Quay boardwalk are close by. Racing lovers will want to stay at Quest Perth Ascot as it’s a stone’s throw from Ascot Racecourse, offering accessible parking and experiences.

Take in the views from Quest Joondalup.

Where to eat

For breakfast, grab a freshly cooked pastry and coffee at Miller + Baker in Perth’s CBD. The family-owned business sources its flour from Western Australian farmers, serves up strong brews, and is accessible.

For lunch, pull up a seat overlooking the ocean at Clancy’s Fish Bar City Beach for fresh fish, chips and cold drinks. They offer ramp access and accessible toilets.

At dinnertime, enjoy sunset views of the Perth skyline while dining on the river’s edge at Mister Walker. Located on the Mends Street Jetty, this modern eatery serves everything from smoked coconut beef curry to 100-day, grain-fed reserve sirloin beef. Don’t forget to order a glass of Margaret River wine, too.

Enjoy delicious pastries at Miller + Baker. (Image: Kelly Bucksey and Tori Lil)

Feel like a late-night drink? Drop into Bar Lafayette, found on the ground floor of the 1910 heritage-listed Old Perth Technical School. Order a range of share plates and dive into their cocktail menu until late. Try their signature Pear of Delicacy cocktail, which mixes Archie Rose Straight Dry Gin, manzanilla sherry, red shiso and fresh pear.

What to do

With beach wheelchairs available for free hire at several beaches, including Mullaloo Beach, Hillarys Boat Harbour and the famous Cottesloe Beach, and accessible coastal trails, everyone can explore Perth’s stunning coastline.

The most inclusive is City Beach, which is only a 15-minute drive from the CBD. The wide, fine-sand beach has 60 metres of access matting, universal toilets and shower facilities. When you’re done with the amazing views, head inside to the accessible Odyssea City Beach for a freshly cooked seafood lunch.

Enjoy fresh seafood on City Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

For an art fix, spend a morning at The Art Gallery of Western Australia to discover their extensive permanent collection, as well as their popular travelling exhibitions. The gallery caters for everyone, with two internal lifts, accessible toilets and large labels, as well as a walking frame, manual wheelchairs and an electric buggy available for free hire.

Fauna lovers can’t miss Caversham Wildlife Park, just 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD. This family-run park is home to around 2000 native mammals, birds and reptiles, and is the largest of its kind in the state. There’s reserved parking at the entrance and accessible toilets in the park. Leave enough time to hand-feed the kangaroos, pat a lizard at the farm show, and watch the penguins get fed.

Meet the animals at Caversham Wildlife Park.

To understand a little about the maritime history of the area, plan a visit to the internationally renowned and accessible WA Shipwrecks Museum. Housed inside Fremantle’s historic Commissariat buildings, which were built in 1852, a highlight of this museum is the hull of the famous Batavia shipwreck from 1629. Visitors can also see artefacts from other 17th-century wrecks that went down along the rugged Western Australian coastline.