As the community celebrated the International Day of People with Disability last week, award-winning BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park unveiled a new accessible accommodation option – a specially modified three-bedroom luxury villa.
The fully self-contained villa features an over-size master bedroom suite with extra wide entry for easy wheelchair or mobility aid access, a king-size bed and a huge bathroom featuring a walk-in or roll-in shower with handrails and grabrails for support.
There is also level access from the parking bay to the doors of the villa and space within the living area and on the deck to comfortably manoeuvre and turn a wheelchair or other mobility aids.
BIG4 Castlemaine owner Claire Height said the new villa has been specifically designed to make it a little easier for a mobility-impaired guest to enjoy their holiday.
“There are often barriers to travelling and holidaying for people with a disability and there are limited options in the region. The new villa is an important step in improving access to BIG4 Castlemaine for people with limited mobility and I’m looking at further possibilities for the future,” Ms Height said.
The park also has a large dedicated family and wheelchair and special needs-friendly bathroom for use by guests as required, and accessible bathroom cubicles within its main male and female amenity blocks.
Staff also assist mobility-impaired guests with special requirements, arranging a suitable site and proximity to amenities.
People with a disability spend $8 billion a year on Australian tourism accounting for 11 per cent of total tourism expenditure, according to Tourism Victoria’s Accessible Tourism report.
“It’s an important market tourism operators could do more to better cater for,” Ms Height said.
Mt Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group recently visited BIG4 Castlemaine to view the new villa and to provide suggestions for further actions to improve access at the park.
“The group’s insights and recommendations were invaluable,” Ms Height said.
“I know modifying a business to improve accessibility can seem daunting but I have learned there are numerous simple, low-cost tools and options that make a huge difference to a business being more welcoming to people using a wheelchair or a walking frame. I would encourage every business in the area to draw on the wealth of information and knowledge that is available to see what they can do.”
Among Ms Height’s next projects is the development of a sensory garden for the enjoyment of all guests, including those with a disability.
“BIG4 Castlemaine is especially loved for its beautiful parkland setting,” Ms Height said.
“But of course, like much of Castlemaine, it’s a hilly area. I want to create an accessible and level area that stimulates the senses, showcases the scope of indigenous plants, and that is simply a beautiful place for guests to be in, including mobility-impaired guests.”
BIG4 Castlemaine was recently named best Tourist/ Mixed Use Caravan Park of the Year at the 2022 VicParks Caravan Park Awards.
Earlier this year, it won Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks Category in the Victorian Tourism Awards, and was highly commended in the category in the National Tourism Awards.
“We’re proud and delighted with our achievements this year and the recognition we’ve gained,” Ms Height said.
“Our new accessible villa and future planned additions ensure we will continue to build on this, leading the way in providing a unique and memorable holiday experience for all in this region.”