Travel guide Nannup

Nannup is a magical place, in the heart of the south west region of Western Australia. The name comes from the local indigenous language and means ‘stopping place’. Nannup was historically a timber town and it lies in the heart of the beautiful Blackwood Valley, around 280km south of Perth. Also known as the “Garden Village” it is famous for the beautiful flowers, thanks to its wonderful climate and there are so many glorious gardens and areas of immense natural beauty that it is easy to see how it earned the name ‘stopping place.’

When you want to stop in Nannup, look no further than the Loose Goose Chalets, an award-winning, wheelchair-friendly property that embodies the welcoming nature of the region… even pets are welcome, by prior arrangement.

There are three self-contained chalets, which nestle into the pristine jarrah forest and offer all you need to make your stay special. Each chalet features DVD/VCR, a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, crisp linen and fluffy towels, electric blankets and doonas for the cold winter nights, along with a wood burning fire … perfect for sitting beside with a cup of tea or glass of wine and contemplating the beauty of the region.

Chalet 1 has two bedrooms and sleeps up to six people. It has been modified to allow easy access for wheelchairs, zimmer frames and large prams. The bathroom is open plan with shower rails, no lips to the hob and a shower chair and commode can be provided if necessary. The grounds themselves are fairly flat, providing good access for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, as well as a fun place for children to ride their bikes. Chalets 2 and 3 both sleep up to 8 people, with two bedrooms and a loft, which kids adore!

Just when you think Loose Goose Chalets has it all covered, it offers more, with the Goose Shed function centre, a converted timber machinery shed which now seats up 150 people for a seminar or conference and 80-100 seated dinner guests. This centre is also wheelchair-friendly and has a small kitchen for those wishing to self-cater, or catering can be arranged. The Goose Shed has a dedicated bathroom with a wheelchair-friendly shower and toilet, and also a massage bed for kids who need treatment. This area is great for groups with kids with disabilities and their carers, as the ablution facilities are easily accessible, under the same roof and there is no need to transport the children elsewhere for toileting.

There is a fenced area with a kennel and well-behaved dogs are welcome – however they need to be on a lead outside the enclosure as there is a wide range of wildlife on the property. Even horses can be accommodated at certain times of the year, bring new meaning to the term ‘pet-friendly’!

And if you can drag yourself away from the Loose Goose Chalets, you are only an hour or less from the Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, Dunsborough and more. The region abounds with things to see and do, including visiting award-winning wineries, providores of fine foods, an amazing maze, mini bike riding, canoeing and more. The famous Munda Biddi bike trail loops past the back boundary.

Visit the Loose Goose Chalets and you will find the perfect place to do as much or as little as you wish. Linger on the property and enjoy the peaceful setting and resident wildlife, set off to visit the tall trees, coastal marvels and magnificent wineries or just laze in your chalet with a good book and let the world pass you by. Whatever you choose, the award-winning Loose Goose Chalets truly offer something for everyone.

About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis.  Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.

Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications.  She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons Joseph and Nicholas.