Coolup

Coolup, WA — we’re not sure if it’s a suburb or a state of mind, but we’re here for it.

An hour from Perth and 20 minutes from leafy, charming Dwellingup, Coolup is the kind of place urbanites drive through on the way to somewhere else and go, “oh, that’s cute,” before immediately forgetting it exists. But that’s exactly how we like it.

The headline act around here is Timpano's Farm — an off-grid-reset with a twist worth driving for. We’re not sure if the twist is that there’s no signal, or that the twist is that you actually *want* no signal. With two thoughtfully designed cabins plus plenty to keep grown-ups, little humans and pups of all energy levels satisfied, this is where Perth people come to pretend they’re country for a weekend. They rock up, take 47 photos of the paddocks, and then get back in the car and head to Dwellingup for a coffee they could have gotten at home.

But look, if the Urban List keeps crowbarring us into their “Best Farm Stays” and “Best WA Airbnbs” lists every year, we know what we are: the cosy bit. The “it doesn’t get much cosier when it comes to a winter stay” bit. The ultimate option for those short on time who still want to escape the city without the winding roadtrip. We’re not the destination. We’re the *almost* destination — the warm-up act for Dwellingup, the pub-with-a-paddock for people who don’t want to drive all the way to Margaret River.

You’d hate it here if you need things to *happen*. If your idea of a good weekend involves a 1500-bottle wine list (looking at you, 22 Agnes) or a hyperbaric chamber (yes, Wellness Social Club, we see you), Coolup will feel like a punishment. There’s no late-night diner. No mahjong nights. Just the farm, the quiet, and possibly a very confused koala.

But if your idea of a good time is an off-grid reset with your dog, a fire pit, and the sound of absolutely nothing — welcome. We’ve been here the whole time. Now please don’t tell too many people. The whole point is that it’s quiet.