Andrew Drain develops accessible nature retreats at Wootton

Andrew Drain, a paraplegic who became disabled following a 1988 car accident in Margaret River, Western Australia, has spent over 30 years developing two lodges at Wootton near Bulahdelah.

Alongside his wife, Natsumi Drain, Andrew has worked to transform the property into a space for others with mobility issues. He has constructed more than 10 kilometres of wheelchair-accessible trails to facilitate nature access. The project is influenced by the Japanese concept of forest bathing, a practice introduced to him by Natsumi.

Before dedicating himself to the property, Drain operated an earthmoving business for 22 years, during which he developed custom hand controls to operate heavy machinery from his wheelchair.