Drakesbrook Hotel in Waroona has lodged a development application proposing a new caravan park along the South Western Highway, signaling a potential increase in regional accommodation options for travelers heading south.
The proposal, submitted last month, was open for public consultation until May 27 and is expected to go before the Waroona Shire Council for consideration in the coming months.
Prepared by Dallywater Consulting, the development application outlines plans for a mixed-use accommodation facility behind the existing hotel.
The proposal includes 42 caravan bays, nine tent camping sites, and 11 permanent units, according to an article published by the Harvey-Waroona Reporter.
These additions would supplement the existing 16 hotel rooms and 16 external units currently operating on the site, significantly expanding capacity.
The permanent units would comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom configurations. Five of the two-bedroom cabins are planned as standalone structures and would feature a living area, kitchen, main bedroom, and bunk room.
The remaining six units would be arranged as two one-bedroom buildings, each containing three self-contained units with bathrooms and porches. A new amenities block with toilets and showers is also included in the design to support the park’s guests.
The proposed expansion reflects a growing interest in regional tourism and could serve as a new rest stop for tourists and caravanners exploring Western Australia’s South West.
For local businesses and operators in the outdoor hospitality, RV, and caravan sectors, this development represents an example of how regional hotels are diversifying to meet traveler demand.
The integration of amenities such as tent sites, caravan bays, and fixed lodgings could offer insight into hybrid accommodation models that appeal to a wider range of guests.
Pending council review and approval, the development could create new business opportunities in the surrounding area and contribute to Waroona’s tourism economy.