For many West Australians in regional and remote communities, a cancer diagnosis often means leaving behind family, work and the familiarity of home to travel hundreds or sometimes thousands of kilometres to Perth for vital treatment. The financial strain, logistical challenges and emotional toll of long-distance travel can quickly become overwhelming.
Our Accommodation Lodges provide a comfortable, supportive and secure "home-away-from-home," giving patients and their carers a place of rest so they can focus on what matters most – their health and recovery.
What accommodation is available?
We offer two self-catering accommodation lodges in Perth to support regional and remote cancer patients with access to treatment and cancer-related appointments in the metro area.
Milroy Lodge, located in Shenton Park, is a single-storey facility set among peaceful natural bushland and within easy walking distance of public transport. It features 24 single units, three double units and two twin units, providing a calm and accessible environment for guests.
Crawford Lodge is a two-storey facility situated within the grounds of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands. It includes six single units, 49 twin units and four family units, offering convenient access to major treatment services.
Both lodges provide comfortable, clean and safe motel-style accommodation with on-site support services, helping to ease the practical and emotional challenges faced by regional cancer patients and their families.
Support available at the Lodges
Our Lodges are more than just a place to stay; they are a supportive community designed to help guests through a challenging time. While staying with us, patients and carers can access a range of essential support services, including:
- Guidance and practical support from a qualified Cancer Support Coordinator
- Access to our Wig Service, where trained volunteers help patients select and fit a wig, turban or beanie to support confidence and wellbeing during hair loss
- Weekly social support activities, including morning and afternoon teas, to foster connection and reduce isolation
- Transport to and from treatment appointments, easing stress and reducing the cost of travel in the city
- Referrals to complementary therapies such as exercise programs, meditation and mindfulness, helping patients manage treatment side effects and enhance overall wellbeing
One lodge guest noted,
Accommodation and all the other things that need to be considered can be very stressful. This place gives me one less thing to stress about.
What costs are involved?
Accommodation is charged per person, per night, with the following rates:
- Cancer patient (first person): $110.00
- Carer (second person): $15.00
- Carer while patient is hospitalised: $110.00
- Additional person (aged 16 years and over) in a family unit: $37.50
- Children aged 12-15 years: $5.00
- Children under 12 years: Free
What financial assistance is available?
If you need to come to Perth for cancer treatment and live 100kms or more from Perth, or in Northam or York, you may be eligible through the government's Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) for assistance towards the cost of your travel and accommodation.
Application for this assistance must be made in advance via the PATS Clerk at your local hospital or through your treating doctor, prior to commencing your journey.
If you are eligible for PATS cover, you may not have to incur any costs other than personal telephone charges to stay at a Cancer Council WA Lodge, as the Cancer Council will invoice PATS direct for the cost of your accommodation.
How do I make a reservation?
Crawford Lodge
