Mt Warning Estate is a gem of a property. I have the opportunity to stay in, or inspect, a wide range of accessible accommodation and I can’t think of another place that has excited me as much in the last couple of years. While I see many hotels that tick the access boxes, I don’t often see mainstream accommodation that provides access for those with higher support needs.
Mt Warning Estate offers two bedroom accessible accommodation in Murwillumbah, NSW, and has been designed to offer access for all. The story behind how it came to be so accessible is also quite the yarn.
Mt Warning Estate – two bedroom accessible accommodation Murwillumbah
Murwillumbah is a town located in The Tweed region of NSW. Enviably situated in between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, this region should not be overlooked. In fact, the accessible accommodation at Mt Warning Estate makes this a destination you should put on your must-visit list. Graham and his wife, owners of Mt Warning Estate, have an eye for design, detail and a willing ear when it comes to accessibility. The creation of such wonderfully accessible accommodation comes from a conversation Graham overheard in a local café. Graham was seated near a gentleman wheelchair user and heard him saying he would have liked to stay in Murwillumbah, but he had found a lack of accessible accommodation. At the time Graham was planning on building two cottages on his property so he took the opportunity to ask more. Graham took that information away with him and designed one of the cottages to be accessible. In doing so he has created a sanctuary that can be enjoyed by all.
Mt Warning Estate is a 300-acre property nestled in the foothills of Wollumbin National Park. This is the perfect place to escape city life while enjoying incredible views and exploring all that’s on offer in The Tweed Region and beyond. One of Mt Warning Estate’s two cabins offers exceptional accessible accommodation and I was lucky enough to experience it on an overnight stay.
The open plan dining and living room, free of clutter, ensures easy circulation for wheelchair users while still providing all you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay.
The primary bedroom offers a queen size bed with good circulation space on either side for transferring from a wheelchair. Stunning views from the bedroom make it hard to leave. A television and air-conditioner ensure comfort in all seasons.
Getting settled and feeling at home is made easier with drawers and a wardrobe for hanging clothes. A pull-down rail ensures easy access to the wardrobe.
A second bedroom offers two king single beds, an air-conditioner and gorgeous views from the large windows.
A hoist is provided for guest use and one of the beds is an electric hi-low bed.
There’s no need to fight over who uses the bathroom first as there’s two! The main bathroom offers accessible features including a sliding door for access, height-adjustable shower, rails throughout and lever taps.
A fixed shower seat is also available if you prefer.
With a wave of your hand you can flush the toilet as it’s sensor-operated. A shower/commode chair is available for guest use if desired.
Bathroom facts – Access to bathroom through sliding door 86cm, toilet seat height 44cm to pan, 45cm to seat, shower seat 44cm
Access to the sink is made easy with room underneath for a wheelchair user and the mirror is slightly tilted, making checking yourself out before leaving to explore the region that much easier. With a wave of a hand the bin lid opens thanks to it being sensor-operated too.
The second bathroom features a toilet, shower and washing machine. We always love having washing facilities and at Mt Warning Estate there is a lowered clothes line at the rear of the cottage to dry your clothes.
For cosy days, or quiet nights in, there’s a fire place, board games and a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering.
The outdoor bath had my name on it. Worried about the amount of water I’d use if I filled it I checked with Graham first. He showed me the big water tanks and assured me they had a good supply.of water. The solar panels on the roof meant that I wouldn’t be draining too much energy heating it up. Graham really has thought of everything.
Both my dips in the big bath were wonderful. In the evening I savoured the silence, the brightly shining moon overhead, while sipping my wine by candlelight. I hoped that the only moon the distantly passing motorists could see was that above them and not me doing a nudey run from inside into the bath.
In the morning the low lying mist shrouded the property in mystery and my neighbours, the cows, were yet to appear. A cuppa in the bath was the best start to the day.
As I loved the bath so much I had Graham pop the hoist out there to see if it would be possible for someone to access it using the hoist. I’m not a hoist expert because Braeden doesn’t use one so you tell me what you think.
For those that prefer, or can manage it, there’s also a shower bench for use in the bathroom or potentially the outdoor bath. Obviously, extreme care should be taken for anyone accessing the bath with the mobility equipment.
If having a bath isn’t your thing, perhaps chilling on the large daybed taking in the country views will be.
Breakfast supplies started me off well for my day exploring and just look at that view I had to enjoy.
I didn’t have time or the company to take advantage of the firepit but if we stayed as a family I can guarantee this would be a fabulous memory-making spot.
I could not resist the retro games machine and spent more time than I’d like to admit to re-acquainting myself with Pacman. I had so much fun. Like everything in this cottage, it’s at a good height for everyone, including wheelchair users.
In the kitchen, cupboards offer pull out features to make accessing plates and equipment easier.
The sink has discrete doors which slide away allowing for wheelchair access for washing up, or there’s always the easier option, the dishwasher.
The undercover carport provides parking and easy access to Mt Warning Estate’s accessible two bedroom cottage.
Videos always gives a better feel for a property’s size and access so take a tour with me below.
On the property there’s a bush tucker garden which can provide a lovely sensory experience and there’s a recreation area by the river which can be accessed by car. There are seats and an umbrella by the river but I’d suggest some mobility is required to access this spot.
The only interruption to the serenity is likely to be the cows who curiously keep an eye on guests, hopeful of some bread which is provided by your hosts.
They were really clever at positioning themselves so they got my attention.
I absolutely loved my experience at Mt Warning Estate and enjoyed my stay in The Tweed in general. The region has a range of accessible activities for visitors with beaches nearby providing beach wheelchairs, a local pool equipped with a Changing Places bathroom and water wheelchairs and the regional gallery offering excellent access. I’ll be sharing these details soon.
Thanks to Graham for hosting my stay at Mt Warning Estate in the accessible accommodation. As always, my opinions are my own and I think the photos and video are proof that this property, and the access provided, is something extra special.
For further enquiries or bookings please contact Accessible Accommodation.
When staying at Mt Warning Estate you may also like to visit
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre
Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre (pool with hoist and water wheelchairs available)
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