Travel Without Limits #7 by travelwithoutlimits

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Australia’s open again! How to experience more of this amazing country

SHIP AHOY! THE FUTURE OF CRUISING AUTISM NATURE TRAIL IT’S COOL - NEW ZEALAND IN THE WINTER VOL 7 | MARCH 2022 RRP AU$14.95

Mornington Peninsula | Vanuatu | London | Hawaii | Shoalhaven

READERS PHOTOS

01 - Mel Harrison feeding the giraffes at Taronga Zoo after enjoying a glamping experience at Roar & Snore. 02 - Eamon Wood, author of A Backpack, A Chair and A Beard, off-roading in the heart of Norway. 03 - Eamon Wood enjoying the view of a beach on the west coast of Denmark. 04 - Kimberly and son Finlay on Medlands Beach, Aotea Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.

READERS PHOTOS

Hello!

How wonderful it is to be bringing you the seventh issue of Travel Without Limits. While we hoped the start of 2022 would see the end of talk of a certain pandemic, we are still unfortunately feeling the effects. Despite this, our family, like so many people, continue to take every opportunity to travel when we can. We’ve managed to fit in several hotel stays (check out my review of the stunning Wildlife Retreat at Taronga), a trip to Port Macquarie on the North Coast and Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW. We are so lucky to live in a country where our outdoor options are endless, and space is abundant. In this issue we have partnered with Tourism Australia to bring you a feature which explores every Australian state and territory. It’s jam-packed with accessible attractions and highlights regions that are doing some great work in access and inclusion. We hope it encourages you to get out and explore your own backyard, and if you live outside of Australia, we’d love to welcome you down under as soon as the time is right. We continue to strive to bring you travel tips and stories from contributors with lived experience with disability and in this issue, we have writers sharing how they have travelled with spinal cord injury, autism and as a blind traveller. If you’ve been missing cruising or wondering how the industry has adapted since Covid, you need to check out our Q&A with Cory Lee who shares his recent experience cruising. Road tripping more your style? We’ve got tips for planning and making the most of hitting the road. And we haven’t forgotten the daredevils, we’ve got a story on skydiving and how it caters to people with a disability. As always, we’re keen to keep in touch in between issues. We’d love to feature you in our reader’s pics or share your travel story. You can email me at julie@travelwithoutlimits.com.au if you have a story to share or think there is a topic you would like us to cover just let us know. And sign up to our mailing list at travelwithoutlimits.com.au and follow us on Facebook – facebook.com/travelwithoutlimits Happy travels! Julie

Published by Founders Julie Jones & Janeece Keller Executive Editor Julie Jones Sub-editor Bev Malzard

Art director Jon Wolfgang Miller Contributors Spinal Life Australia Dane Cross Clair Crowley Tony Giles

Cover image: Jaimen Hudson

Cocky Guides Kimberly Graham Cory Lee Mel Harrison Martin Heng Jaimen Hudson Julie Jones Janeece Keller

Lindsay Nott Beverly Malzard Sheree Strange Nicole Thibault Kylie Travers Eamon Wood Tiare Johnston

Travel Without Limits Pty Ltd - ABN 90 633 273 560 | PO BOX 4061, Carlingford North NSW 2118 Copyright © Travel Without Limits Pty Ltd 2022 ISSN 2652-0656. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Every endeavour has been made to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is correct at time of going to print. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Travel Without Limits Pty Ltd cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will be returned.

48 68 CONTENTS Access All Areas 6 News

14 Must read travel books 18 Road trip tips Make your road tripping accessible with these tips

Cover Story

24 Travel: on home ground Rediscover diverse and intriguing experiences around Australia that are just waiting to be explored

Travel

48 From sky to sea A wheelchair hasn’t prevented Jaimen Hudson from soaring in a career as an aerial photographer

54 Shoalhaven Let the good times roll with wine and whales 62 Southern beauty Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has a bounty of fun and fabulous offerings.

92 London Is it accessible for blind or visually impaired tourists? 96 Aloha, Accessible Hawaii Accessible and inclusive travel snapshot

68 NZ winter welcomes all Cool mountains, snow and a big warm welcome await

Tips & tricks

78 Vroom vroom in Vanuatu It’s all go for a raft of adventures and inclusive activities in Vanuatu

104 The future of cruising with Cory Lee

82 Connect to country Accessible indigenous experiences around Australia

108 We Review: Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer

90 Trail mix adventure On the Autism Nature Trail in New York state

102 Kids Picks

106 We Review: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

110 Free falling Four first time skydivers share their story 114 Directory

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NEWS: IN THE KNOW

‘REMARKABLE’ NEW HOLIDAY INN IN QUEENSTOWN A new multi-million dollar hotel in Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand has made accessibility a priority. Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park boasts eight accessible rooms, including two stunning King rooms with balcony views of The Remarkables. What better way to take in a glorious sunset over the western peaks? The hotel’s designers have made carefully considered adjustments – including lowered peepholes, towel rails, and thermostat – to make their accessible rooms comfortable for guests with additional needs.

Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility will appreciate the extra space to manoeuvre around furniture, strategicallyplaced handrails, and the roll-in showers with folding seats. The rooms also have an impressive range of adapted safety features, including strobe light alarms in bedrooms and bathrooms – just in case! Guests of the hotel are just a 30-minute drive from The Remarkables ski precinct, which makes it perfect for snow-bunnies and families looking to make the most of

their winter holidays. (Psst: kids under 12 years stay free, and receive complimentary meals!) If the cold weather’s not your thing, there are also scenic trails (with varying levels of accessibility) right at the hotel’s doorstep, as well as a high-tech indoor gym. The public areas of the hotel – including elevators and bathrooms–are accessible, and the hotel provides ramp access where needed. When it’s time to head home, you’re just a five minute drive from Queenstown airport – but we’re sure you’ll never want to leave!

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AUSTRALIAN-FIRST WEBSITE - A GAME CHANGER In an Australian-first, allied health professionals, organisations and parents can now access a ‘one stop’ national website of resources for the safe transportation of children with disabilities and medical conditions. Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA) created macahub.org to address a concerning lack of access to information that leaves many vulnerable children and their families travelling unsafely on our roads. MACA Chief Executive Helen Lindner said a recent survey of parents, health professionals and organisations undertaken with Curtin University revealed stark challenges relating to the

transport of children with disabilities and medical conditions in motor vehicles. This includes more than half of caregivers reporting that their child had gotten out of their child restraint or their seatbelt while they were driving, and more than two-thirds of caregivers reported never receiving information on safely transporting their child. “No family should have to worry about their family’s safety and wellbeing on any mode of transport. But a lack of accessible information until now has left many vulnerable children and their families travelling unsafely on our roads,” Ms Lindner said.

“Our new website of national resources is the result of almost two years of research, advocacy, policy development and importantly, the lived experience of families and the clinical perspective of allied health professionals. “It provides trustworthy, independent and evidence-based information to ensure that families, health professionals and organisations have the right information at the right time for good decision making.” MACA will also be launching online training for allied health professionals in the near future. You can register your interest in training at macahub.org.

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AMERICA’S FIRST NATIONAL PARK TURNS 150 Yellowstone National Park celebrates 150 years as the United States’ first national park in 2022. In 1872, this natural wonder attracted people from near and far away. Today, it draws visitors from all around the world. The geologic and hydrothermal gems combined with the amazing wildlife make this park one of a kind. Land Adventures: Explore the incredible natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, guided by one of the park’s knowledgeable professionals. Water Adventures: Yellowstone Lake, with 140 miles (225km) of shoreline, is home to native cutthroat trout and the nonnative lake trout. It’s also a lake with lots of beautiful scenery and interesting history, and is adjacent to some of the most remote wilderness in the lower 48 states. Winter Adventures: Winter in Yellowstone delivers a more intimate experience, fascinating snowy landscapes and frosty animals. Wild West Adventures: Experience Yellowstone the way the first pioneers did: Travel by stagecoach or horseback and enjoy a traditional cookout dinner. The park’s Accessibility Guide to Yellowstone booklet, which is available on the park website, includes the most detailed accessibility maps and information. Download the free NPS Yellowstone app, which has a park map over which you can apply a “Wheelchair Access” filter to show trailheads and facilities that are wheelchair accessible. Almost all activities and tours offered by Yellowstone National Park Lodges can accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. For more information: yellowstonenationalparklodges. com/connect/yellowstone-hot-spot/ accessibility/

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COME TO CANBERRA THIS AUTUMN Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a short-break in the national capital, so come and discover more than you expect.

JOURNEY TO ANCIENT GREECE

This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition showcases the competitive spirit of the Ancient Greek world through sports, politics, drama, music and warfare, illuminated by more than 170 objects from the British Museum. Be sure to bring headphones to listen

to the audio tour of Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes (until 1 May) at the National Museum of Australia. visitcanberra.com.au/ experiences/ancient-greeksathletes-warriors-andheroes

STROLL THROUGH THE TAPESTRY OF AUTUMN COLOURS

Autumn is an extraordinarily beautiful time to visit Canberra, when the stunning

cityscape reflects the hues of red, gold, russet, ochre and crimson as the city’s abundant trees transform. Head to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Carillon, or the National Arboretum Canberra to take in the kaleidoscope of colours first-hand. Or check out the Autumn Leaves interactive map to find Canberra’s prettiest display of autumn locations. cityservices.act.gov.au/ trees-and-nature/trees/ canberra-autumn-leaves-map

CELEBRATE TALENTED AUSTRALIANS

The National Film and Sound Archive has curated beloved cinema moments, rare behind-the-scenes footage, and costumes of Australia’s creatives in cinema. At Australians & Hollywood (until 17 July) learn the tales of craft, talent and ambition of beloved personalities including Eric Bana, Baz Luhrmann and Nicole Kidman.

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INTRODUCING BONZA, AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST BUDGET AIRLINE Bonza, Australia’s only independent lowcost carrier, has revealed its route map, airport bases, head office location and all-digital approach. Sunshine Coast Airport has been named the home base with an initial two based aircraft and Bonza’s head office. Melbourne Airport is the second airport base to welcome two of Bonza’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX. Bonza will fly 25 routes, including

only one capital city, to 16 destinations: Albury, Avalon, Bundaberg, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Mildura, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba Wellcamp, Townsville and the Whitsunday Coast. The route map accounts for the first five aircraft and Bonza plans to operate up to eight in its first year of operation. “Since announcing Bonza to the world

late last year, we’ve always said we wouldn’t just fly between Australia’s three largest cities and instead give people in the regions more choice. Today we deliver on that promise, with the largest launch announcement in Australian aviation history,” says Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza. “Aussies can look forward to enjoying more time at their destination and spending less of their hard earned cash getting there in the first place,” he added.

IT’S VGOOD FOR YOU! VGood Spreads are a new, nut-free alternative to peanut butter and chochazelnut spreads. VGood PeaNOT Butter looks, tastes and spreads just like peanut butter and HazelNOT Choc a delicious chocolate spread, but they are made from chickpeas. They are suitable for use as a spread on toast, in a sandwich or on crackers, and with most Australian and New Zealand schools and day-care centres having nutfree Policies. They are not just great for families with food allergies, they provide the perfect option for all kids who would love to take a peanut butter or Nutella sandwich to school but cannot. They also offer versatility in the kitchen

for healthier, nut-free, and vegan friendly baking, smoothies, satay sauce and more. Being made with chickpeas, VGood spreads provide a source of protein, fibre, and iron, with a low glycaemic index and less fat than standard peanut butter. HazelNOT Choc contains60% less sugar than Nutella. They are free from the 14 most common food allergens including peanuts, tree-nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy. VGood PeaNOT Butter was a top three for ‘Best Allergy Friendly Product’ at the World Food Innovation Awards 2021. VGood products are available nationally at IGA, Drakes, Go Vita and independent grocery stores.

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Grace Bay Beach - Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

TRIPADVISOR’S TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE® AWARDS 2022: THE BEST OF THE BEST BEACHES For many sun seekers, visiting the beach is the reason they go on holiday. The sight, sound or smell of the ocean is the hallmark of relaxation for many of us - especially over the past few years. If you’re one of the many looking for a relaxing getaway, Tripadvisor’s list of award-winning beaches is a good starting point for your travel planning research. The number one beach on the planet determined by travellers this year is Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. With over 7,200 reviews to date (90% of which are 5-bubble), this quintessential Caribbean paradise has travellers raving about its white sand and crystal clear water.

In the South Pacific, travellers have crowned a brand new winner for 2022: Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Western Australia. The award-winning beach is also ranked as the third best beach in the world! Also making it to the World list is Cable Beach in Broome, Australia which came in at number 11. Top 11 Beaches in the World for 2022 1. Grace Bay Beach - Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos 2. Varadero Beach - Varadero, Cuba 3. Turquoise Bay - Exmouth, Australia 4. Quarta Praia - Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil

5. Eagle Beach - Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba 6. Radhanagar Beach - Havelock Island, India 7. Baía do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil 8. Trunk Bay Beach - Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands 9. Baía dos Golfinhos - Praia da Pipa, Brazil 10. Spiaggia dei Conigli - Lampedusa, Italy 11. Cable Beach - Broome, Australia Before planning to tick these award winners off your travelling list, please check their websites for info on accessibility and inclusion.

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Lindsay has bag will travel

HOW TO FLY WITH SCI Air travel can be a bit more complicated with a spinal cord injury (SCI), but it’s doable as long as you prepare and keep an open mind. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel on more than 50 flights since my accident – and I plan on flying many more! Here are my tips and tricks to make flying with a SCI as comfortable as possible.

1. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER It’s easy to feel overwhelmed: there are a lot of variables involved in travelling with a spinal cord injury. Knowing the ins-andouts of each step, and having everything ready ahead of time, is paramount. I’ve made a checklist to help me navigate the check-in process. Everyone’s checklist will be different, but mine includes: • Equipment: power chair, gel batteries, hoist batteries • Paperwork: medications, taxi vouchers • Information: luggage allowance, accessibility advice • Personal items: incontinence products, small denominations of currency (for tips and incidentals)

2. CARRY YOUR BREAKABLES Sounds weird, right? But it’s not! I take my armrests, joystick, and anything else that could fall off my chair as hand luggage. Keeping everything on you saves you the

WORDS & IMAGES: LINDSAY NOTT

hassle of arriving at your destination to find your chair is missing an item, broken, or rendered unusable. Having to wait for a repair while interstate or overseas takes up valuable time–and trying to get by without is dangerous!

3. SKIN CARE IS A PRIORITY As a person with a spinal cord injury, I have to be conscious of pressure and the possibility of pressure sores. From my own experience, I can tell you that pressure sores have a lengthy recovery period – weeks, months, or even years. As a precaution, I sit on a ROHO low profile cushion in an airline seat, which helps prevent pressure sores. The cushion increases my overall height, which means I sit higher than the headrest. My travel buddy adjusts the cushion during the flight, as the cushion deflates as the plane ascends.

4. KEEP ESSENTIALS WITHIN REACH Passports, medications, straws, incontinence products, phone, clothing – make sure it’s all within easy reach.If you have items you frequently need, keep them within arm’s reach. This means having a backpack with all your go-to items in it, one that’s easily stored close by and conveniently on board.

5. TIME MANAGEMENT Travelling and airport transfers are difficult to manage, with or without a wheelchair. Proper preparation helps me streamline these - at times - complicated processes for stress-free travel. Plan the following carefully: travel to the airport, connecting flights, airport transfers, domestic/international time zone differences, and currency exchange. I always allow extra time to transfer between domestic and international airports. I have also learned to schedule my bowel and bladder routines around flight times. I need to make sure I’m hydrated without overdoing it! Before any short flight, I will have a bathroom break to avoid needing to do so during transit if possible. For longer flights, bathroom visits can be a challenge, but with assistance and a can-do attitude they can be managed. Once that’s taken care of, I always make sure I allow enough time to board the aircraft first. This gives me privacy, and room for the crew to transfer me to my allocated seat (always an aisle seat). Of course, you can’t plan for everything. Be willing to improvise, adapt, and overcome – it’s a motto that has helped me have incredible travel experiences, and I hope it can do the same for you!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

On-the-go custom seating at its best: introducing the Stabilo Multiseat Achieving positive seating and positioning client outcomes has always been at the forefront of what we do at Specialised Wheelchair Company. We are fortunate enough to offer the Stabilo Vacuum positioning range in Australia, and these highly flexible products offer a large range of secondary seating, positioning, and sleep ideas only limited by your imagination.

WHY WE LOVE THE STABILO MULTISEAT

Over the years we have met a lot of families with children with special needs, and one of their biggest challenges was to transfer their child from their daily seating equipment (eg wheelchair) into a secondary activity be that a beach chair, car seat or other daily activity while maintaining posture and comfort.

One stand out in the Stabilo range has been the Stabilo Multiseat. The Multiseat is a car seat, orthopaedic seat, and swing, all in one. From the outdoors to the indoors and even in the car this system can be used as a unique solution to allow children with complex postures to be positioned well during activities. With the Multiseat you can maintain a correct position while driving, preventing deformation. It also provides a safe head support and secures and stabilises the head and neck of spine of people with reduced or no head control.

HOW IT WORKS

The Multiseat` is three separate cushions allow for individual adjustment to the user̀ s body shape. Each element of the padding - the seat, the backrest, the headrest - can be moulded individually. The aluminium

frame strengthens the cushions' stiffness and at the same time provides adjustment. Vacuum positioning enables support and stabilisation to accommodate asymmetries. The cushions are water resistant and easy to maintain which is a bonus.

WHO IT IS FOR

The Stabilo Multiseat is available in a medium (for users up to 1.25m) and large (for users up to 1.7m). Ideal for people with reduced muscle tension, as it provides support while sitting. The Stabilo Multiseat is tested to European standards, and currently pending AuSAP assessment and is available to purchase. For more options and information, please call our Product specialists on 02 9905 5333, or visit at4kids.com.au

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Travelling with a disability has it challenges but these authors have done it and share their experiences.

A BACKPACK, A CHAIR, AND A BEARD BY EAMON WOOD Daredevils and dreamers will love A Backpack, A Chair, And A Beard. Eamon Wood has travelled the world as a wheelchair sports star, on the Kiwi men’s basketball team and as the number oneseeded tennis player, but near the end of his 20s he decided he was tired of “playing it safe”. He packed a bag and wheeled away, hitchhiking and odd-jobbing around New Zealand’s southern island, the U.S., and among the fjords of Europe. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world with no more than you can carry, you’ll love Eamon’s tale of epic adventure.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY BY KEN HALEY Most of us spent 2020 safe at home, but an accident of timing saw wheelchair traveller Ken Haley take one of the most exhilarating, dangerous adventures of his life. A pre-planned trip to the Caribbean islands and Central America was interrupted by the emergence of COVID-19. After an unplanned detour to Florida, Haley continued with a makeshift itinerary, facing obstacles such as hurricanes, volcanoes, and health crises head on. He tells his story in The One That Got Away, a unique travel memoir for our times

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE CRUISING BY SYLVIA LONGMIRE TWL contributor Sylvia Longmire has put Everything You Need To Know About Wheelchair Accessible Cruising into one handy book! Whether you’re wondering whether a cruise would be the right choice for your next holiday, or you’re a seasoned cruiser looking to get more out of your next trip, this book has the answers. Get all the ins-and-outs on all the major cruise lines, all around the world, and everything else you need to know before you go.

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? ALSO BY SYLVIA LONGMIRE Every person with a visible disability has faced the question: What Happened To You? Sylvia Longmire has answered it in more countries than most. Over the course of six years, she visited 176 cities in 48 different countries, flying 444,714 miles (more than 718km), all while using her electric wheelchair for mobility. In her fascinating memoir, she shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of travelling the world (mostly solo!) as a wheelchair user.

SEEING THE WORLD MY WAY BY TONY GILES Tony Giles has “seen” the world in more ways than one. His memoir Seeing The World My Way details many of his heart-pumping adventures, from bungee jumping in New Zealand to boozy nights out in New Orleans. Fellow adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of this no-holdsbarred account of a blind thrill-seeker’s life lived to the fullest, following Tony across North America, Oceania, and South East Asia. Plus, check out Tony’s travel tips for London on page 92 of this issue!

MUSTREAD TRAVEL BOOKS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Top Tips for Pet Friendly Road Trips Whether pets or assistance dogs, our furry family members show us unconditional love and support. Through the darkest hours of lockdown, they've stayed by our side and now restrictions are lifting. What could be a better reward than taking a pet-friendly accessible road trip together? Our research shows 12% of Australians road trip with pets, with dogs and cats topping the list. Of course, if you’ve an Assistance Dog then them joining your driving holiday is a given. So, how to make sure everyone stays safe, happy and frustration-free on the road...? With pet insurance now part of Blue Badge Insurance’s offering, we thought we’d share our top tips.

PET-PROOFING

Your first must-do is pet proofing your car, to keep it (fairly) mess free and all travellers safe. Pack a pet travel harness or crate that can be secured down so animals can’t roam the car and distract or become missiles in an accident. Also pack a spill-proof water bowl to prevent dehydration and its friend the waterproof seat cover. Keep them calm in the car with a favourite toy, worn t-shirt or by spraying a pet pheromone. Perhaps even speak to your vet about being prepared with car

sickness remedies. A towel and first aid kit are also valuable additions, for both of you.

KEEPING YOUR ANIMAL SAFE AND HEALTHY

Stop at least every two hours to let your companion out for a wander so they’re comfortable and well stimulated. However, remember they can get scared in unfamiliar settings. Keep them close, use a lead/ harness whenever possible and ensure they’re microchipped. With heatstroke a big risk, have water readily accessible and never lock animals inside the car. Even if it’s just a couple of minutes. Vehicles heat up fast and consequences can be dire. So too with walking surfaces. If your feet wouldn’t touch it without curling up in fright, the same goes for paws. We also suggest mapping vet clinics along your travel path, in case of emergency, and to have pet insurance safe in hand. Safeguarding your travel companion will not only bring you peace of mind - but with their finely tuned senses, they'll tap into this and be happier, calmer, and safer too.

APPROPRIATE ACCOMMODATION

From cottages to houseboats and forest

getaways, Australia has some of the most scenic pet-friendly accessible accommodation. Our top choices for 2022 include the Byron Bay Rainforest Resort (NSW), 'Inclusion' houseboat in Riverland (SA), ranch-style Igloo cottage in Bambra (VIC), Citadines on Bourke apartments in Melbourne, Mercure hotel in Perth's CBD and Seafarers beach house at Diamond Beach (NSW). Contact them well ahead of time to explore what’s on offer and whether there's room for pets on your planned travel dates. Remember the best accommodation always goes fast!

PROTECT YOUR MOBILITY

Your vehicle, mobility equipment and furry companion are key to an enjoyable road trip, so ensure they’re all well-protected before heading off. With Blue Badge Insurance, if you have an Assistance Dog you’ll get a 25% discount on insurance for them, while all disability parking permit holders are eligible for a 15% discount on pet insurance plus up to 25% off comprehensive car insurance. Not to mention access to our quality wheelchair insurance and mobility scooter insurance. Contact Blue Badge Insurance on 1300 304 802 or via www.bluebadgeinsurance.com.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ATSA Independent Living Expo back in Brisbane and Sydney in 2022 after a 3-year break After a disrupted couple of years and delays for all ATSA Independent Living Expo’s, planning is now well underway for the 2022 events with Brisbane all but sold out and Sydney more than 85% sold at the time of writing. There are many new exhibitors involved with both events and a number of presentations submitted from presenters who have not previously been involved with the event. The program will have a few surprises when it is released early in 2022 and bookings for the sessions will be in demand.

WHY SHOULD YOU PUT ATSA INDEPENDENT LIVING EXPO DATES IN YOUR MUST DO FOR 2022?

If you haven’t attended previously take a look at some recent feedback: ‘Thanks for an absolutely fabulous two days. As a consumer I learnt lots and now have some great new pieces of AT on order. I was also able to gain wonderful information that I’m now going to collate and share with members in the support group I volunteer with for my disability, FND (functional neurological disorder).’ ‘So glad I made the 3.5hr trip to Canberra to attend. I first attended in 2019 and found it to be an invaluable experience, just as I did this year. I am almost certain I will be back to attend many more expos in the future. Thank you again to all involved in making these expos happen, especially

during these challenging times.’ ‘It was terrific and so nice to get our AT community together.’ ‘Loved it all as usual. Good variety of stands. EASY to navigate in 3-wheel (small) electric scooter’ ‘Was really great to see all the new stuff that is out there in one place especially as a new grad and felt really comfortable being able to ask all the questions I wanted about different products.’ ‘The ATSA expo was definitely worthwhile to gain knowledge about new AT products and I found all the seminars I attended very informative to improve clinical OT practices.’ ‘Thank you for continuing to provide this expo, I thoroughly enjoy attending and have done so for many years’ ‘Always look forward to going to ATSA, wealth of info, products, education and networking. It was a great event loved every minute I was there’ ‘Thank you again-love ATSA! Am an OT of 35+ years and it’s my favourite event’

SAVE THE DATES AND REGISTER EARLY

• ATSA Independent Living Expo Brisbane - 11-12 May 2022 • ATSA Independent Living Expo Sydney – 25-26 May 2022 Visit www.atsaindependent livingexpo.com.au for more details and to register Interested in volunteering? Email events@atsa.org.au Follow us on Facebook and Instagram – ATSAexpo to stay up-to-date.

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ROAD TRIP TIPS! WORDS: JULIE JONES

There’s never been a better time to choose road tripping as a travel option. The flexibility and safety (Covid times) of using your own vehicle are two of the reasons it’s proving such a popular way to travel. Enjoy these tips to help plan for the road ahead. Airline luggage limits and timetables often make it tricky for those who need a more flexible way of travelling. Your only luggage limit on a road trip is what you can squeeze into the car and any last-minute delays aren’t a problem. One last bathroom visit doesn’t need to be stressful when you are keeping to your own timetable. Various equipment solutions are available for travelling with lots of mobility gear, but a roof pod is a quick and easy mainstream solution which can increase storage. Everyone is more comfortable with extra room in the car and a lockable roof pod can store everything from a dismantled beach wheelchair to essential

smaller items that you can’t leave home without. A roof pod can even be a benefit for day tripping. Just double-check your vehicle’s roof load limit. Breaking up a trip with frequent stops when, or if needed, is a bonus to road tripping. A stretch and change of position is always appreciated. Planning stops in advance is advised especially if you need specific bathroom facilities. Check the Changing Places Australia website for facilities with an adult-sized change table and hoist. The National Toilet Map can also assist with information about accessible bathrooms on the way. And if all else fails, McDonalds usually have an accessible bathroom, and they are typically well maintained. Wheelchairs cause wear and tear on vehicles so take some precautions to protect your vehicle when on the road. A thick plastic sheet or matting can help maintain the carpet in the boot or rear of

the car. Travel with a dish brush to clean off wheelchair tyres if they are muddy, sandy, or dirty. A medium sized portable car fridge assists with travelling with medication which needs to remain cool and also if you like to travel with your own food. Some portable options come with a dual function that allows you to keep food cool or hot with the flick of a switch. Ensure you have car insurance or insurance which will cover your mobility equipment in case you should have a car accident. If you are road tripping with a van, it’s good to check the height restrictions of any undercover car parks for your accommodation or attractions you will visit along the way. Like any travel, the more effort you put into research and planning the smoother your travels are likely to be. Happy road tripping!

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Transport Harnesses: Where do you start? The situation created by a child escaping their seat is a familiar one. When this happens the danger to that person and others is very real and can prevent the vehicle safety features from working effectively. Transport harnesses provide an essential solution to help avoid this situation and maintain safe travel when required. One of the most frequently asked questions is; “Which harness would be the best for my situation?” There are many things to consider when answering this question. Medifab has compiled a handy guide which gives an overview the options that are available and provides an honest review of each of the Houdini harnesses on offer. Whilst it may feel like there is never a perfect solution, this article will help to narrow down selection from our range of harnesses to find the best solution for any individual situation, bearing in mind these key considerations:

• • • •

Behavioural or postural needs Buckle types Attachment points Sizing

BEHAVIOURAL OR POSTURAL?

The first thing to consider is the harness application itself. All Houdini harnesses support occupants with behavioural needs where securing them to the seat is necessary to ensure vehicle safety features can operate correctly. For some occupants, additional support to maintain their orientation in the seat may also be required which is provided by some of the harnesses, these have been outlined in the article online.

TYPES OF BUCKLES

With all the Houdini harness models, there are three types of buckles available.

STANDARD RELEASE Operates similarly to a seat belt, press the red release button and the harness will disengage. This option is suitable for occupants that have the awareness not to take their harness off themselves and just require the harness for extra support to remain upright within the seat.

ANTI-ESCAPE/ATTENDANT RELEASE When a trickier release mechanism is required, this two-handed operation helps to keep occupants secure. This option is beneficial for occupants who would otherwise undo the standard release during travel but don’t have the fine motor skills to operate the anti-escape release.

PEN-KEY RELEASE The most secure buckle option available. This works by covering the release button leaving a small hole in the centre that can only be disengaged with a pen, key, or similar pointy object.

Continue reading the full guide which is available online at medifab.com.au/harnesses For further details visit medifab.com.au, or reach out to our team on 1300 543 343 or solutions@medifab.com

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Making Birthdays Better Finding the perfect gift for someone can be a daunting task. Trying to think of something you’re sure they’ll love, that they’ll find useful, or that they don’t already have can be difficult! But what happens when mainstream products aren’t necessarily suited to the person you're buying for? This already tricky task can become even trickier. That’s where Starfish can step in. We don’t believe it has to be this challenging to find what you’re looking for. Every child should have the opportunity to receive a gift they’ll love regardless of their age, ability, ethnicity or gender. It can be disheartening when looking at mainstream toys and your child’s inability to play with them or use them to their full potential. Choices are often limited, and it can become a real struggle to find toys, games and resources for children that may not be working to the usual milestones. At Starfish, we’ve combined our years of industry experience, knowledge and expertise to carefully select products that we know will bring a smile to their faces. When choosing a gift for someone with a disability or learning difficulty, it’s important to think about how that item can also help motivate them towards their learning goals as well as giving them the joy of being able to play! Our friendly team of experts can help guide and assist you through your journey to finding that perfect product. Rest assured, we spend a lot of time trying and testing everything that comes through the Starfish door, allowing us to provide you with the right advice and service you need to find exactly what you are looking for! We stock a wide range of products suited to babies, children, teenagers and adults, and for those with or without disabilities. From fidgets and chews to sensory swings and board games, we’ve got you covered. And what’s more, you can be sure that everything in our store has the Starfish seal of approval! Can’t make it to us? That’s not a problem either. Benefit from our dedicated online virtual shopping service that provides a unique and personalised shopping experience, wherever you are! Our Virtual shopping sessions allow you to explore new products, watch demonstrations and receive expert advice from a helpful member of our Starfish team all from the comfort of your own home! • Website - starfishstore.com.au • Email - info@starfishstore.com.au • Address - shop 4/5 Burra pl, Shellharbour City Centre, 2529 • Phone - 0490 515 957

Be a part of the most inclusive travel magazine around. Contact us to find out how you can showcase your accessible and inclusive offering. travelwithoutlimits.com.au/advertise

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Life as a Walking Quadriplegic Sarah Wise is a young woman living with a visible and invisible disability and a regular writer for the inclusive brand EveryHuman’s blog, a platform where we share different perspectives and elevate disabled voices. Here, she shares her journey of navigating life post disability and the nuances that come with it. I refer to myself as a “walking quadriplegic”. People scoff, “oh, you’re not a quadriplegic!” Quadriplegics can’t walk, right? Many have a presumption about what a quadriplegic looks like -but they don’t understand that a quadriplegic can also look like me. Friends have often congratulated me for making a full recovery, which can be deflating. I know I’ll never be the person I was before my accident, no matter how hard I try or how many hours I put into therapy. Full recoveries from spinal cord injuries are rare, and for me, it is not a possibility, and I will always have some loss of function. It is now just shy of two years past my accident,

On good days my disability is invisible. By the end of the day, fatigue has set in, my feet aren’t picking up as well as they did in the morning, so I start to trip every fourth step, my balance isn’t as good as it was earlier, my pain is increasing, and energy is escaping me. This is the point where I think, “I should have bought my walking stick”, as I feel awkward asking for a seat. EveryHuman allows me to choose clothing, footwear, and lifestyle products that fits in with me both functionally and fashionably. Its adaptability is discreet; I don’t have to compromise my style. It fits my needs and makes my life easier. It’s a win-win. Disability affects 1 in 6 Australians. Disability doesn’t have one ‘look. With more representation, I believe disability will become less ‘foreign’ to those not exposed to this demographic within their circles. Visit everyhuman.com.au for a range of sensoryfriendly finds, all NDIS approved. Have a question? Contact us at info@everyhuman.com.au or call us on 02 8437 1799.

SARAH’S TOP PICKS FOR EASIER TRAVEL, FAR AND WIDE: Handsfree reusable bottles, the perfect dexterity-friendly companion. Wide leather comfort sneakers have a wraparound zipper means you no longer have to tie laces making them easy to put on and off. Sensory-friendly finds include noisecancelling headphones, earplugs, and more.

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Leak-proof underwear for every body Introducing the Adaptive Range from Modibodi. Designed to give you confidence and control, every time you get dressed. Our Adaptive Collection comes in three styles and has easy side openings to make changing simple and stress-free. The functional fastenings can accommodate medical devices along with an inclusive range of body types and shapes. They’re also super soft, reliable and sit on the hips for a snug, comfy fit. The Adaptive Collection can be put on sitting or lying down, giving anyone the independence to easily dress and change your underwear without assistance. For carers, the super soft fabric and simple designs make dressing a dignified and streamlined experience. The Detachable Bikini and Luxe Clasp Bikini make changing easy and both can absorb up to 15ml, or two to three tampons’ worth of liquid. The hook and eye side fastening will hold you securely in place no matter what you have planned. For a very heavy flow or to give you complete security overnight, you’ll love our Adaptive Boyleg designed to hold up to 20ml, or three to four tampons of liquid. The soft yet secure hook and loop tape fastenings are easy to grasp and help with stress-free removal and changing. Emily J Prior, model, actor and

disability advocate put this innovative product to the test and her feedback speaks for itself. "Sometimes buttons, hooks and zippers can be tricky when you have a disability. So, when I got my hands on Modibodi's NEW adaptive period underwear I was so excited. The Velcro closures and loop pulls on either side, make it easy for someone to put on or take off their underwear whether they are standing, sitting, (in a wheelchair) or laying down. Being independent and maintaining a level of privacy and dignity is really important for me. These adaptive period pants are awesome!" We’ve also received great feedback from other Modibodi customers. “I used the detachable bikini during my recent hospital stay and recovery from excision surgery last month,” Mady “Love how practical they are. I’ve loved trying them, they’re so comfy and they have loads of other styles and colours too… go check them out! It’s time to ditch the disposables and switch to these sustainable pants,” Sophie If you have a disability, limited mobility, or care for someone who does, why not try our Adaptive Collection today? Shop the Adaptive Collection at modibodi.com

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Image: Cocky Guides

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TOURISM AUSTRALIA

Image: Spinal Life Aus

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Image: Spinal Life Aus

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TRAVEL: ON HOME GROUND Now is the time to rediscover the diverse and intriguing experiences Australia has to offer. Wherever you visit, check out these activities and natural wonders that are just waiting to be explored. Start planning with our Aussie hit-list and tick off as you go. Happy travels. COMPILED BY: BEV MALZARD

MAIN: Australian Centre for Moving Images STRIP: Uluru - travellers who are blind doing camel tour, Australia Zoo, Daintree National Park, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

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NEW SOUTH WALES

SYDNEY In Sydney, find SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, an indoor aquatic maze home to boundless sea-dwelling creatures and a peaceful atmosphere. As you explore, look up and watch as giant stingrays tumble and turn or see a toothy smile from one of the resident sharks, with more than 700 species on display here. Take the experience to the next level and enjoy the private dining option at the end of day. The tables are a decent height to accommodate a wheelchair and while a set meal here can push the budget a little, the underwater ambiance is bound to make anyone feel calm and collected – and that’s worth a fortune. Check ticket availability at visitsealife.com

You don’t have to mingle with large crowds of theatre goers to explore the beauty of the Sydney Opera House. During the day, duck under the mighty sails for the Sydney Opera House Mobility Access Tour which has been designed for guests with limited mobility, with Australian Sign Language Interpreters also available on request. In a new immersive state-of-the-art digital experience, watch

unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances and learn about the history and future of this world-famous building. From the sweeping sails, to the soaring cathedral interiors, a tour here will change your perspective on the iconic venue. Don’t forget to look up! Check ticket availability at sydneyoperahouse.com

Catch the ferry from Sydney’s Circular Quay across the harbour to Manly where it’s a leisurely roll through the concourse to Manly Beach. From here there is an accessible coastal walk (no stairs) that leads you to Shelly Beach. Half-way along this walk there is a stand-alone spacious and modern accessible bathroom with plenty of cafes to refuel at too. Voted one of Australia’s best beaches, there are two electric barbecues at the grassy reserve adjacent to the beach which are free to use, and perfect for a family picnic. Dotted around Manly you’ll also find drinking stations where you can refill your own drinking bottles with filtered water. Find more information at Have Wheelchair Will Travel havewheelchairwilltravel. net/manly-beach-wheelchairaccessible-sydney

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

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BLUE MOUNTAINS

Image: Jack At

ley 2012

The Blue Mountains, just a 90-minute drive west of Sydney, has a string of quaint villages that wind to the top of the mountains, before dropping gently to lush valleys and sleepy rural towns. Tread Lightly Eco Tours offer accessible experiences for travellers with with limited mobility and a foldable wheelchair. Vision and hearing disabilities can also be catered to with a wheelie walk and there are vehicle accessible lookouts. Tread Lightly Eco Tours specialises in interpretive ecological experiences in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area which include fully guided bush walks and 4WD eco tours. The professional interpretive guides have extensive knowledge of geology, native fauna and flora, Indigenous culture, astronomy and venomous creatures. As you explore the ancient rainforests, waterfalls and deep canyons in the World Heritage area there are great photo opportunities. Enjoy the fresh air and beauty of this special place. For more information visit treadlightly.com.au

Sydney Opera Hous e Mobility Access To ur, designed for guests with limited mobilit y

Tread Lightly Eco Tours

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Close to a three-hour drive north of Sydney, Port Stephens is renowned for crystal clear ocean waters, pristine beaches and a laidback lifestyle. The port is much larger than Sydney Harbour and from the still waters to the ocean, the ambience of the little coves, inlets and wide-open spaces are joyful to visit for those with wheelchairs and low mobility. In season, this is where whale watching has become a favourite national pastime. There are ramps on the sightseeing boats so getting onboard for a whale of a time is easy. Still in the Newcastle Shire region near Stockton Beach there are amazing sand dunes that curve and dip to the sea. Explore the Stockton Beach sand dunes with Sand Dune Adventures, a company that provides safety and comfort to visitors with low mobility. This is quite an adventure and a wild way to get some sand under your feet. Accessible quad biking can be enjoyed as the experience is inclusive and with a few minor adjustments to the rig and safety equipment. For more information and ticket availability visit sandduneadventures.com.au

Cuddly koalas can be found at home among the gum trees at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Following the devastating bushfires of 2019/20, Port Stephens Council opened a new koala sanctuary to rehabilitate and protect these precious animals. The sanctuary’s Sky Walk is accessible and great for those with wheelchairs (just a little ramp that might need to be assisted with, then it’s free wheelin’). Look up into the trees and see koalas in their habitats. The Story Walk has good paths for visitors to observe a selection of brilliant sculptures that tell the story of koalas. Through artistic sculptural representation this immersive educational experience tells the story of the koala and its habitat, the regions they are prevalent in and their behaviours. There’s also the option to stay overnight, as there are four glamping tents, of which two are accessible. Both have plenty of space with a ramp to enter and a roll-in bathroom, and a verandah to view the lush greenery and wildlife. For more information and availability visit porstephens.nsw.gov.au Tilligerry Habitat Walkway

PORT STEPHENS 28

Finally, while you’re in the region, the accessible Tilligerry Habitat Walkway, a flora and fauna reserve, along the foreshore of Tanilba Bay makes for easy walking with gravel paths and boardwalks. For more information visit tilligerryhabitat.org.au

VICTORIA Melbourne is as well known for its world-class restaurants and captivating museums, as for its edgy street art and live music scene. A city that is brimming with vibrancy, throughout its history, Melbourne has been home to its fair share of colourful characters, including a few infamous villains and criminals. Those interested in delving into the city’s checkered past can visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, which is centrally located on Russell Street. As with all institutions of this kind, the experience can be confronting for some and it is encouraged to do some research and check the contents before a

visit. The Gaol itself is partially wheelchair accessible. Spread over three levels, about 80% of the museum information signage can be found on the ground floor and is displayed on the walls and in the cells (entry the cells can be quite narrow and may not accommodate some wheelchairs), but unfortunately its heritage status does not allow for lifts or ramps. Guests are encouraged to ask about the Virtual Reality goggles so they can experience the other levels (available again when Covid restrictions lift). For more information visit oldmelbournegaol.com.au

MELBOURNE

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Image: Zoos Vic

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Werribee Open Ran wheelchair-acce ge Zoo has four ssible Safari bu ses

In the city centre, the Australian Centre for Moving Images (ACMI) has inclusivity in its DNA! This institution was created to celebrate film, television and gaming exhibits, screenings and special events. Its centerpiece exhibition The Story of the Moving Image is suitable for all kinds of visitors with needs. Offering Relaxed Visits, a time set aside for visitors before the venue opens, those with ASD, sensory sensitivities or anyone who would benefit from a quieter experience, can explore the exhibition in a less busy environment. There’s a meltdown and a quiet room too. Hearing loops are available and guide companion animals are welcome. For more information and to book a session visit acmi.net.au

Australian Centre for Moving Images

Werribee Open Range Zoo is around a 30-minute drive south-west from Melbourne. Inclusive and accessible, the zoo has an easy-to-follow pathway system perfect for wheelchairs and strollers. There’s also a Changing Places facility equipped with extra features such as a tracking hoist, full-sized change table, larger than standard accessible toilets and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability. There are four wheelchair-accessible Safari buses, and each bus can accommodate two standard wheelchairs, or one electric wheelchair per bus. The Off Road Safaris use a 12-seater vehicle that can accommodate a person in a wheelchair who can transfer across to a seat and ramp access to the buses is available. With the plethora of accessible offerings here, visitors with disabilities will enjoy a comfortable experience on site. Now, where is my pith helmet and where are those hippos? For more information and current ticket availability visit zoo.org.au

Image: ©Parks Victoria

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PHILLIP ISLAND Packed with native wildlife, coastal trails and sandy beaches, Phillip Island is an awesome escape from Melbourne, just a 2-hour drive from the city. The popularity of this island has a lot to do with its residents, the world’s smallest penguins. These locals waddle home from the ocean to their burrows every evening just after sunset. There are plenty of tours each night and penguins can be spotted from the boardwalks

and viewing platforms along Summerland Beach. On the organisation’s website you’ll find plenty of information on what’s accessible including mobility maps, locations where Changing Places are and where you can hire All-Terrain wheelchairs. There are many tracks and trails with accessible paths for rolling or walking. For more information visitphillipisland.com.au

YARRA RANGES NATIONAL PARK There’s a rather lovely time to be had looking at a forest of lush rainforest plants at Yarra Ranges National Park, approximately 2.5 3-hour drive from Melbourne. The park is vast and best appreciated via a scenic car journey, and to access the best spots it’s recommended to download the Yarra Ranges National Park visitor guide. The Rainforest Gallery canopy walk is only short and there are two walkways. One is not accessible but the other one can be accessed easily and a wheelchair can present at a lookout and breathe in the pure, fresh air. See the link below for info on many parks in Victoria plus the Rainforest Gallery. For more information visit • parks.vic.gov.au • dotheyarravalley.com.au

QUEENSLAND

CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF Fitzroy Island is a 45-minute scoot across the water from Cairns by boat. While the accommodation on the island is easily accessible with boardwalks and a lift to access rooms, it’s worth noting the island has large areas of rough terrain which aren’t always wheelchair friendly. Fitzroy Island’s biggest drawcard is the beach, with calm, silky water and the accessible turtle rehabilitation centre is a joy. However, beware of the soft, gritty sand. For more information visit fitzroyisland.com

The natural glamourpuss island of the tropical north, Green Island is a 45-minute ‘fast’ catamaran ride from Cairns, making it great for daytrips or an overnight stay. Go crazy and take a helicopter ride and look at the stunning environment from on high. Green Island has a wheelchair friendly jetty and a boardwalk that extends from the resort through the rainforest-centre of the island to the beach on the southern side. For the more mobile there is snorkelling and reef walking. For more information visit greenislandcairns.com

The world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest is so beautiful and lush that it was the inspiration for the visually stunning film Avatar. World Heritage-listed for its biodiversity, it's home to 663 species of animal, 230 butterfly species, and more than 2,800 different types of plants – most of which are not found anywhere else. The gateway to the Daintree Rainforest is Mossman Gorge. Walk with an Aboriginal guide and learn how they have utilised and cared for the forest’s riches for thousands of

years. A "must do" for every visitor, the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, conducted by the local Indigenous Kuku Yalanji people, takes visitors on a guided walk along private, gentle tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams. While this is not a wheelchair accessible experience, tours can be adapted for blind or partially sighted visitors. For more information visit mossmangorge.com.au

About a 4-hour drive south-west of Cairns via the Atherton Tableland, find the Undara Experience, a property that sits within the Undara Volcanic National Park, on the lands of the Ewamian People. Here you’ll find the world’s oldest and longest lava tubes, as well as restored train carriages which double as accommodation for visitors. There’s an accessible train carriage that features ramp access and an open plan bathroom with a shower chair, and ramp access is provided to the common areas where guests can enjoy a drink from the bar, dinner or an outdoor movie by the fire. The Undara Lava Tubes were formed 190,000 years ago, when lava flowed for 160km across the landscape and the outside cooled while the molten centre continued moving. The result is a series of tubes and caverns, containing pockets of lush rainforest growth. You can only enjoy this precious ecosystem on a tour. If you have a mobility restriction, contact Undara Experience prior to your arrival to arrange a guided tour of Road Cave which has ramp and chair lift access. For more information and current ticket availability visit undara.com.au

Image: Cross Family Adventures & Spinal Life Australia

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MAIN: Mossman Gorge STRIP: Fitzroy Island, Undara Volcanic National Park, Mossman Gorge, Undara Volcanic National Park

Image: Tourism Aus

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Burleigh Beach

GOLD COAST

Head for the hills to experience the refreshing sights, sounds and tastes of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Here, the eco-friendly family-run O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has sat for over 100 years. This enduring retreat still offers up the same fresh and natural experience but now with better amenities. For nature lovers there are two accessible walks. The Treetop Walk which crosses nine suspension bridges is totally squeal worthy, but also low sensory with the sounds of bird songs and the scent of the natural elements – making it great for the blind or autistic. There are two accessible accommodation rooms available. Given the property is located in the glorious and deliciously named Lamington National Park, it would be rude not to scoff down a big fluffy lamington for afternoon tea here. For more information visit oreillys.com.au

Image: Cross Family Adventures

Australia’s golden playground, the Gold Coast, has upped the ante in recent years making significant changes to its accessibility and inclusiveness capabilities. For beach access there are accessible viewing platforms, beach matting and beach wheelchairs. There’s also convenient mobility maps which provide accessibility info around the city including where you can find Changing Places toilets and power points to recharge an electric mobility device around the city. Head beyond the sand and discover vibrant beachside neighbourhoods, booming culinary and arts scenes and lots of shopping opportunities. Plenty of activities, parks and playgrounds ensure people of all needs can safely enjoy themselves! For more information destinationgoldcoast.com

Australia Zoo

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BRISBANE

SUNSHINE COAST Home to the Irwin Family, Queensland’s Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast is where to go to seek out an abundance of native animals. The zoo is at Beerwah, on the Steve Irwin Way, approximately a 60-minute drive from Brisbane. Families can feed animals, watch a crocodile feeding show and see birds of prey interact with their keepers. Getting around in a chair is easy with good paths and most enclosures are made of glass at a good height. There is a Changing Places bathroom on the property too. The more adventurous can also get up close and personal for photos with some of the smaller animals as their carers rove throughout the day. Don’t forget to also stop into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital which can be found just adjacent to the park entry. This world class facility treats on average 5,500 animals a year. For more information visit australiazoo.com.au There are so many amazing beaches along the Sunshine Coast to explore. One of the best ways to take them all in is via a 4WD experience, like that run by Great Beach Drive 4WD tours. These tours explore the sandy stretches of Rainbow Beach from Noosa in an exhilarating experience. Choose between full day or private tours which are suitable for guests with sufficient mobility to climb two or three steps, however, will benefit from fittings and fixates to aid balance. They are also suitable for wheelchair users. For more information and tour availability visit greatbeachdrive4wdtours.com

The capital of the sunshine state, Brisbane, is another Queensland destination that comes up trumps in the inclusive and accessibility stakes. Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) offers much to assist patrons with individual needs. All theatres here are equipped with Sennheiser Infra-Red Sound reinforcement which can assist patrons with all levels of hearing impairment including hearing aids and can be obtained free of charge from any cloakroom. There are audiodescribed performances for patrons who are blind or have low vision, and there are Relaxed Performances for anyone who would benefit from a less busy environment. This can include but is not limited to people with ASD, sensory sensitivities, learning disabilities, dementia as well as those living with anxiety or who have experienced trauma. Information on wheelchair accessibility and seating is available on their comprehensive website. Frozen the musical will run until 19 April, and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 musical will open on 22 May run for a limited time. Due to Covid many plays, and cultural events will have been moved around, so make sure you check the most up to date information online. For information on what’s on and the current availability of tickets visit qpac.com.au/visiting/accessibility

For some Brisbane glamour, a stay at Vincent Crystalbrook offers comfort and convenience. Sitting on the Brisbane waterfront the hotel is sustainably led with a hint of modern sophistication. Formerly The Fantauzzo, this five-star hotel features 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo and multiple on-site dining offerings. On request there are eight accessible rooms which offer an accessible route from public entrance to accessible guest rooms, extra space around the beds and a roll-in shower, adjustable shower wand and transfer shower. The hotel itself features a chair hoist to the rooftop pool deck and service animals are welcomed. For more information visit crystalbrookcollection.com/vincent

Queensland Performing Arts Centre

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NORTHERN TERRITORY

ULURU

For the wild ones, there are fun Trike Tours and for something slower but at a greater height there are camel rides at sunrise. Trike rides require someone to be able to transfer from a wheelchair to the trike and the rider must be able to tolerate wearing a helmet.

Image: Uluru Camel Tours

Other extraordinary experiences include the Sounds of Silence Dinner

under the stars and an installation that will light up your life: The Field of Light. This is 50,000 slender stems ‘of light’ planted in the earth. The installation, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku by the local community, means ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language.

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Rich in both culture and beauty, Australia’s Red Centre is the spiritual heart of Australia. No visit to this region is complete without experiencing Aboriginal culture, the majesty of Kings Canyon (Watarrka), Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges and the awe-inspiring Uluru. There are many activities around the culturally significant site to enjoy. You can wheel around the base of Uluru as the paths are compacted; there are viewing platforms that have ramp access along the way. A visit to Uluru is also a great sensory experience with bird song, aromatic scents from the native plants and ancient rock art to discover.

The dot painting workshops at Voyages suit many abilities, before you start the workshop, the process is demonstrated by a local Indigenous woman who also gives you an insight to the art. And the icing on the cake near Uluru is a helicopter ride – splurge for this experience, it’s amazing. To book the variety of tours and experiences in and around Uluru including camel rides, dinners, painting workshops etc, book through voyages.com.au For more information visit • havewheelchairwilltravel.net/ uluru-accessible-experiences • voyages.com.au

You can wheel around the base of Uluru as the paths are compacted

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DARWIN The Top End’s capital, Darwin is flat and the footpaths here are excellent. With balmy nights and colourful characters, you’ll find everything from Asian food markets and crocodile encounters to open-air movies and sunset cruises in Darwin. Don’t leave without visiting the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets to enjoy a market-stall dinner on the beach while catching a spectacular tropical sunset. Or make your way to the Parap & Nightcliff Markets for a breakfast laksa to mix it with the locals.

Image: Tourism Australia

The Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory is a splendid place to soak in the best of Indigenous art, the history of the multi-cultural population and learn more about the infamous bombing of Darwin.

If you’re game, there is the Cage of Death experience at Crocosaurus Cove. This crocodile dive is the ultimate urban wildlife experience. There really is an activity or experience for everyone in Darwin. Make sure you check with individual operators for information on how they can help. And remember – never smile at a crocodile. For more information, tours and tips visit havewheelchairwilltravel.net/topwheelchair-accessible-activities-in-thenorthern-territory For ticket availability visit crocosauruscove.com

Crocosaurus Cove

Image: Tourism Australia

Image: Clair Crowley

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Adelaide Central Market

Adelaide Zoo

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE Adelaide is a compact city that is easy to get around and jam packed with interesting experiences and hidden gems. With its world-class festivals, easy access to beaches and nature, and more than 200 cellar doors all within an hour’s drive from the city, it’s easy to see why Adelaide is quickly becoming the lifestyle capital of Australia.

The Adelaide Central Market is brimming with local produce to take home and marvellous food to munch on. You can wheel around and take delight as your sensory experience is enhanced by BindiMaps, the essential App for indoor stimulation. The Market was the first retail environment in South Australia to offer this technology. It’s a simple audio system to describe where users are and what’s around them. This improves accessibility, independence, and safe travel for customers. Want to get lost? Two hours’ drive out of Adelaide in the

Clare Valley is the Mintaro Maze, made up of manicured hedges with wide space and solid ground, for a wheelchair to navigate. While still in the great outdoors, but still close to the city centre, the Adelaide Zoo has an excellent reputation for providing care and facilities for accessibility and inclusiveness. For more information and current ticket availability visit adelaidezoo.com.au The Ghan which travels from the top to bottom of Australia, from Adelaide to Darwin is one of the great train journeys of the world. Train travel opens up a world of magnificent scenery and for travellers with various disabilities this is an ideal way to travel, but not always for a wheelchair user or those with limited mobility. On The Ghan, the accessible cabin is suited for highly mobile wheelchair users and

going between carriages is only possible using attendant-pushed push chairs. Gold Access cabins are the best for those with limited movement and there are attendants to help along the way once the trip has been planned out. It’s also worth noting that most of the complimentary tours are not wheelchair accessible. Excursions may suit guests with some mobility and the ability to transfer from a wheelchair, such as Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise out of Katherine; Alice Springs Desert Park and barbecue dinner; and a couple of the stops offer helicopter rides which are optional and pricey. All excursions need to be researched to see if they will suit. If visitors are mobile, there are more options. That said, the food in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant is delicious and the staff exceptional. For more information and current ticket availability visit journeybeyondrail.com.au/ journeys/the-ghan

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BAROSSA VALLEY The Barossa Valley is home of fine wines, historical villages, great food and charming accommodation. And while you are in the neck of the woods, book a cooking demo at The Farm Eatery and Experience Centre, or visit the Farmshop for exquisite ‘Maggie Beer made’ goodies. There are day tours from Adelaide, or you can drop in for lunch, but it’s encouraged to book in advance. To plan you visit head to • thefarmeatery.com • visitadelaidehills.com.au/inclusive • havewheelchairwilltravel.net/adelaide-zoo-wheelchairaccess

Adelaide Zoo

Image: Tourism Australia

LIMESTONE COAST Peppered with geological wonders and home to celebrated wineries and sumptuous produce, the Limestone Coast is ripe for an indulgent adventure. Stretching along the state’s south-eastern coast, it’s an ideal destination for a road trip from Adelaide, taking in coastal scenery, shiraz, and sinkholes along the way. On the Limestone Coast, make time to explore the Naracoorte Caves. Above ground, the park has some facilities accessible by wheelchair including the Wonambi Fossil Centre and Bat Observation Centre. There’s also the Caves Café, Wirreanda Bunkhouse and campground which all have wheelchair accessible facilities. The Roof Top Loop Walk at the Naracoorte Caves provides access for people of all ages and abilities, with an opportunity to experience the underground world of the Caves. It is suitable for wheelchairs and users’ mobility aids and the visually impaired. For more information on the various locations on the coast visit visitlimestonecoast.com.au

Image: South Australian Tourism Commission

Naracoorte Caves

Image: TMAG

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ningina tunapri gallery, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), Hobart

Port Arthur Historic Site

Bridestowe Estate Lavendar Farm

TASMANIA Reconnect and recharge on the island state of Tasmania. Appreciate the history, untouched wilderness, spectacular mountains, meetings with friendly locals and artisanal food, wine and spirits. Home to just half a million people, Tasmania’s air is fresh, water clear and wildlife curious. Better still, the island’s culture gives you space to pause, take a breath, and reconnect.

HOBART

Image: Alastair Bett

Museum of Old and New Art

Image: Tourism Australia

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Exploring Hobart is fun but for some disabilities it is rather hilly, so getting out and about requires some planning. Hobart has disabled access to major attractions and many restaurants and accommodation to choose from. In and around town explore the delights of the architecture of Battery Point, a tour of Cascade Brewery, the wonderful collection of fine art in Tasmania Museum & Art Gallery, the amazing views from the summit of Mt Wellington, the aromatic scents of the Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens and the fastidious recreation of Old Hobart Town Model Village in Richmond, 27km from Hobart. For opening times and ticket availability visit • cascadebreweryco.com.au • tmag.tas.gov.au • oldhobarttown.com For more information and current ticket availability and destination opening days or hours visit hobarttravelcentre.com.au

PORT ARTHUR

One of Australia’s most infamous penal colonies, the Port Arthur Historic Site is about a 90-minute drive from Hobart. Around 12,000 convicts were transported and confined to this morbid historical site in 1830. Today some of the site

remains, including 30 crumbling sandstone buildings including the four-story penitentiary and the imposing, if rather spooky church. Not all buildings are wheelchair accessible, and the extensive site covers a range of terrain, some of which will not suit visitors with a vision impairment.. The Visitor Centre, café, 1830 restaurant and the Port Arthur Gallery are all accessible and there are accessible bathrooms at the Visitor’s Centre. Courtesy vehicle buggies provide a regular pick-up and drop-off service between 10.30am and 3.30pm daily. Plan your visit at portarthur.org.au

MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art, known as MONA, is one of Australia’s most exciting and thoughtprovoking museums. Unusual pieces, confronting exhibits and things of bold beauty are housed here. Most of the building is wheelchair accessible and you can either bring your own or there are some for use on site, but they can’t be booked. The ferry is a wonderful journey up the Derwent River but not so for wheelchair users or those with low mobility as there are 99 steps up from the ferry to the museum and no lift. If you’re travelling with a wheelchair, it is best to drive or there’s a wheelchair accessible bus that departs from Brooke St Pier in Hobart, daily. And again, must be pre-booked. For more information and tickets visit mona.net.au

BRIDESTOWE

In the scenic north-east of Tassie, an hour’s drive from Launceston, step into the gorgeous Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm. Established

100 years ago, Bridestowe is one of the world’s largest commercial lavender farms. To see vast swathes of lavender growing in curved rows is a mighty sight. For visitors with low vision the pure fresh air suffused with the aromatic scent of lavender is a sensory sensation. Some of the paths between the plantings are ok for wheelchair access, as is the café and the shop – lots of goodies to buy here. Plan your visit bridestowelavender.com.au

MOUNT FIELD NATIONAL PARK

Mount Field National Park, about a 1.5hr drive from Hobart is home to natural diversity including rainforest communities of cool mossy forests, fairy-like fern glens and primal stands of beech trees, bogs and more lands featuring glacial lakes and rocky tarns, where stunted shrubs and conifers seem impervious to the cold weather. Tough little critters! The nearby Russell Falls is arguably the most majestic waterfall in the state. There are excellent facilities in the park with picnic spots and ample parking. The walk to the Falls is a cruisey 25-min return trip but allow time for stopping to wander at the boundless natural beauty. This is the starting point for more challenging tracks, but if you have a mobility restriction this one is just perfect.There’s a standalone disabled toilet, a restaurant, and a kiosk with ample souvenirs to collect. Keep your eyes peeled for pademelons, small, compact, shorttailed wallabies, and seriously cute. Plan your visit at • parks.tas.gov.au • agfg.com.au/attractions/ hobart/disabled-category

It’s important to note that all attractions and experiences in every state need to be pre booked. Check websites for any changes and for updates on Covid restrictions and rules and check for ticket or space availability.

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The National Gallery Australia

ACT

CANBERRA Another (almost) flat city, one of the best ways to experience Canberra is along one of the many great paths, perfect for walking and rolling. The paths around the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in the centre of the nation’s capital wind past grand institutions, outdoor artwork, beautiful parks and gardens. Make sure you factor in time to visit the national institutions along the way.

The National Gallery Australia (NGA) is a beautiful space to lose yourself in. The revolving exhibitions make going back to the NGA time after time a must. The building is accessible and inclusive. The Sensory Sunday experience offers guests a quieter time where they kick back and relax participating in art and craft making activities. This year, see a major exhibition of the works of Australian artist Jeffrey Smart (until 15 May 2022), or the National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony (until 31 Jul 2022), which will see more than 35 artists from around Australia showcase the centrality of ceremony in their work. Plan your visit and book tickets at nga.gov.au

Image: Tourism Australia

For a unique wildlife stay look no further than Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Here, animal conservation comes first and the Lodge provides sanctuary to some of the world's most endangered

animals, alongside a range of five-star accommodation experiences for travellers. Sleep in a luxurious African-inspired timber-clad room with nothing but a glass wall separating you from the lion's den. Or book into the Giraffe Treehouse and feed carrots over the balcony to the resident giraffe, named Skye. There are also accessible African inspired Lemur rooms which sleep two people. Check availability at jamalawildlifelodge.com.au Celebrate Australians in Hollywood at the National Film & Sound Archive Australia (NFSA), Australia's audiovisual archive, responsible for developing and preserving a national collection of film, television, sound, radio, video games, new media, and related artefacts. Until 17 July 2022, delve into the world of talented Australian actors and filmmakers from Rebel Wilson to Baz Luhrmann at the Australians & Hollywood exhibit. Exclusive to Canberra, this exhibition features neverbefore seen costumes, original documents, and footage as it tells tales of craft, talent and ambition. There are T switch loops available in Arc cinema and the theatrette, and all areas of the NFSA are wheelchair accessible. Recognised assistance animals are also welcomed into the building. For more information and current ticket availability visit nfsa.gov.au

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Image: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SHARK BAY

World Heritage listed Shark Bay is a sunny paradise of bays, inlets, and shallow waters, blessed with many wonderful features. It’s mainly known for the bottlenose dolphins that visit and are world famous for their daily, morning ritual of swimming into the shallows to be hand-fed with fish in Monkey Mia. Here, the Department of

Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions offers a wheelchair with large inflatable wheels for visitors to use during the dolphin feeding. As well as the dolphins, Monkey Mia is home to around 14,000 dugongs, humpback whales and green and loggerhead turtles. Plan your visit at sharkbayvisit.com.au

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MARGARET RIVER

A 3.5-hour drive south of Perth, the Margaret River region is spectacular. On the way here, you pass through such a diversity of landscapes, from flat pastureland to coastal views and swathes of vineyards producing amazing wine. Enjoy luxury hospitality at Voyager Estate Winery & Restaurant. Just south of Margaret River town, the luxury estate produces organically farmed wine with immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences. There’s a designated

Voyager Estate Winery & Restaurant

‘drop off point’ alongside the Cellar Door providing entry to the building less than 50m distance. While there are some cobble stone paths to the Cellar Door and around the Estate grounds, the venue is still accessible by wheelchair. The Estate can provide full service of wine tastings and platters from table settings, plus full service of the restaurant dining and Terroir menu experience – accessible and inclusive. Plan your visit at voyagerestate.com.au

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ROTTNEST ISLAND

Image: Jaimen Hudson

Try thinking of Rottnest Island (Rotto to the locals) without conjuring up the gorgeous face of a Quokka. The famous marsupial can be spotted around the island, and during the autumn and winter months (March to August) young joeys can be spotted from their mother’s pouches. There are lots of ferry services from three different locations in Fremantle and Perth, which are all accessible. There are also accessible accommodation options on the island. Furthermore, the number of boardwalks for wheelchairs and mobile guests will keep you on the go all day long. Lovely beaches with calm waters await you and there is a Changing Places facility on the island too. Animal lovers can book a nature walk and be introduced to other animals and birds who call this island home. Plan your visit at rottnestisland.com

PERTH & SURROUNDS Whiteman Park offers fun for all. A fabulous recreation and conservation reserve 22km north of Perth in the Swan Valley the park is known for its biodiversity. The Park is home to 450 endemic plants and 120 vertebrate animals.

Image: Voyager Estate

Aside from the natural elements to explore and discover there’s Pia’s Place, the all-abilities play space at Mussel Pool East. If you want to enjoy a tram ride, you can catch a heritage electric tram from the Village, as both the tram stops at the Visitor Information Centre and at Pia's Place, and have accessible platforms. Not all the vintage trams in the fleet are accessible by wheelchair due to their historical nature. Plan your visit at whitemanpark.com.au The only World Heritage listed building in the state, Fremantle Gaol is a popular attraction for history buffs and thrill seekers. Learn about the

Pia's Place Whiteman Park

Gaol’s dark history is from the 1850s, including the convict era of incarceration. Fascinating as it is, some of the tours such as the tunnels are not accessible. Visitors with hearing disabilities have free access to AUSLAN handheld guides. For more information and current ticket availability visit fremantleprison.com.au

plan your trip at australia.com 45

FROM SKY TO SEA

Image: Sea Dog TV International

48 From sky to sea A wheelchair hasn’t prevented Jaimen Hudson from soaring in a career as an aerial photographer 54 Shoalhaven Let the good times roll with wine and whales 62 Southern beauty Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has a bounty of fun and fabulous offerings. 68 NZ winter welcomes all Cool mountains, snow and a big warm welcome await 78 Vroom vroom in Vanuatu It’s all go for a raft of adventures and inclusive activities in Vanuatu 82 Connect to country Accessible indigenous experiences around Australia 90 Trail mix adventure On the Autism Nature Trail in New York state 92 London Is it accessible for blind or visually impaired tourists? 96 Aloha, Accessible Hawaii Accessible and inclusive travel snapshot

Image: Jaimen Hudson

FROM SKY TO SEA

Jaimen Hudson Image: Sea Dog TV International

} A motorbike accident in his teens left Jaimen Hudson a quadriplegic but a wheelchair hasn’t prevented him from soaring in a career as an aerial photographer. WORDS: JULIE JONES | IMAGES: JAIMEN HUDSON

aimen Hudson’s stunning aerial photography fills Instagram feeds of his many admirers around the world. Daydreamers, wildlife lovers and those with a wanderlust spirit enthusiastically comment in awe of his photos and videos. Western Australia has never had a better (unofficial) tourism ambassador with the majority of Jaimen’s drone photography and videos captured in his coastal hometown of Esperance. White sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and plentiful wildlife makes Esperance a photographer’s playground and has seen Jaimen’s video

Image: Sea Dog TV International

Jaimen exudes posifivity

Image: Jaimen Hudson

footage used in documentaries and films globally. Looking at his success you could be mistaken in thinking that this is the career he had always dreamed about and pursued. In fact, Jaimen only took up drone photography as a hobby when a motorbike accident, at the age of 17, left him a quadriplegic and dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. Jaimen exudes positivity and this has no doubt helped him adapt and combine his love of the ocean with his limitations. His younger years were filled with sporting activities which included riding dirt bikes, skateboarding and scuba diving. Growing up in an ocean-loving family, where diving was a way of life, Jaimen learned to scuba dive when he was ten years old. His love of the ocean meant if he wasn’t immersed in the water, he was near it. After his accident he experienced a huge void left by his inability to be in the ocean. Jaimen says, “drone photography is the next best thing to getting into the water” and through his photography he says he has again “developed a connection with the sea from the sky”. Fortunate to have always travelled with his family, Jaimen has been lucky to continue to travel extensively since his accident too. He says he’s travelled “far more than I dreamed was possible” in those early days post diagnosis. He credits his mother with encouraging him to do so by booking him a holiday to Bali a year after his motorbike accident. Jaimen didn’t share his mother’s confidence and wouldn’t let her book more than a week’s stay. Travelling into town from the airport on his arrival into Bali he continued to feel uneasy. As he looked out the window at the uneven pavements and surrounds and wondered, even with the help of his accompanying friends, how he’d manage in his wheelchair. By the end of his holiday, he wished he could have stayed longer and the following year he returned to Bali for two weeks. Since then, he’s travelled to Las Vegas, Canada, Dubai, England and many other overseas destinations. Again, Jaimen credits the support of his mother and her partner Colin for making this possible due to his care needs. That’s not to say that travel has been without its hiccups. Jaimen remembers a hotel in Vancouver where the 

To book with con-idence

Image: Jaimen Hudson

# JAIMEN’S ESPERANCE TRAVEL TIPS

• Take a cruise on the wheelchair accessible Esperance Island Cruise (Jaimen’s family business). • The foreshore of Esperance and the jetty are wheelchair accessible. • Beach matting and a beach wheelchair are available at Esperance foreshore (free to use).

“accessible room” he had booked had a bath located in front of the shower he needed to use. There has also been the challenge of booking an accessible room only to turn up at check-in to find that hotel staff had changed his room and looked upon his booking as a request only, not a necessity.

WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE

Image: Jaimen Hudson

Now married to Jess and with a two and a half year old son, Captain, Jaimen enjoys travelling as a family in his hometown state of Western Australia, usually to Perth and Denmark (WA). Like many people with a disability, Jaimen has found returning to the same destination has allowed him to use a familiar care service (At Home Care Perth) which has always provided welltrained and reliable support staff to assist in his care needs. When asked what he feels needs changing in the tourism industry to make it easier for travellers with a disability, Jaimen has a good list of suggestions. He feels a greater conformity to accessible standards and “a uniform set of rules for accommodation providers” is important “so people can book with confidence”. Jaimen has learnt through his travels not to rely on booking accommodation through online platforms but to phone and book direct and then to follow up a few days before arriving to reiterate his accommodation needs. He also shares a few other travel tips including keeping a packing checklist on his phone, hiring a hoist and shower chair at his destination rather than lugging his own and organising local support staff. Jaimen’s persistence and tenacity will no doubt see him continue to succeed in his drone photography and in his personal pursuits. Jaimen’s story has been made into a fantastic documentary, From Sky to Sea which is currently available to rent on iTunes and Google movies/YouTube or free to watch on ABC iView. You can also follow Jaimen on Instagram @Jaimenhudson. Jaimen also sells a calendar and his prints of his photos online jaimen.com.au/ printstore

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LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL WITH

WINE AND WHALES

Cambewarra Estate

Image: Destination NSW

Longing for fun, family activities, comfy accommodation and great Aussie experiences with accessible amenities and all access reliability? The Shoalhaven shire, just a two-hour drive south of Sydney is your go-to holiday destination for all the boxes to be ticked.

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The Woods farm

This expansive region has the welcome mat out for you to discover and explore, so read on for instant inspiration.

Check in Let’s start with accessible accommodation, somewhere to park the bags, check the beds for comfort and to use as your base for all the area has the offer. The Woods Farm at Tomerong is a selection of quirkily named (The Henhouse, The Stables, The Treehouse, The Birdhouse) charming cottages. The Flowerhouse Cottage is accessible and if you want a little rustic ambience there’s a glamping tent that offers a ramp and accessible bathroom with shower. Extra effort here has gone into accessible parking and access to the shop. There are also ramps to the pool house and chapel. And . . .keep your eye out for alpacas. thewoodsfarm.com.au/cottages

Banksia Cottages

Bangalay Luxury Villas

Kangaroo Valley (between Berry and Bowral) is a lush, green destination for a family holiday and Banksia Park Cottages has an accessible standard room with ensuite in the Wombat Cottage. On the property you’ll likely meet up with wombats and goannas and some friendly pigs, donkeys and lambs. The website has a comprehensive list of all the features that Wombat Cottage has on offer. itsheaven.org/banksia-park-cottages And there’s more. Just opened in December Wildes Boutique Hotel has one accessible room that is wheelchair compliant, has a private verandah – and is pet friendly. facebook.com/wildeshotel

Bangalay Luxury Villas

The name Bangalay Luxury Villas – reflects the name exactly. Coastal luxe all the way! The two-bedroom villas are accessible accommodation for those with limited mobility to have easy access for an enjoyable stay. The Bangalay Beach House here is top shelf living and only footsteps away to Seven Mile Beach. The house is accessible and has four bedrooms. There’s a fab restaurant onsite too. Bangalay Dining was awarded 15/20 in the 2021 Good Food Guide and new hatted chefs. bangalayvillas.com.au

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Kangaroo Valley Trike Tours

Out and about

No time to hang about – get moving. . . there’s lots to do. Free wheelin’ with the wind in your hair! For an exhilarating tour in and around various locations in Kangaroo Valley, climb aboard for the Kangaroo Valley Trike Tours. These beautiful beasts were built for pleasure and safety. Talk to Mark Price (see contact on website) for suggestions to suit abilities. Tours can be tailored to your taste for adventure. Mark is continually exploring local roads for safety and accessibility. Vroom Vroom! kvtt.com.au

Jervis Bay Whale Watching

Have a whale of a time with Whale Tours Jervis Bay Wild’s Port Venture catamaran is a gentle cruise experience with a level ramp for embarkation. From May to November every year, the mighty Humpback Whales migrate the east coast of Australia. With Jervis Bay pointing so far out of the coast, it means getting up close and personal as they come and investigate the vessels. itsheaven.org/whale-watching dolphinwatch.com.au/jervis-bay-whalewatching-cruise

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And for landlubbers there’s Shoalhaven Heads Surf Club Beach Wheelchair. You’ll find free beach wheelchairs at the surf clubs of Shoalhaven Heads, Culburra Beach, Sussex Inlet Beach and Mollymook Beach as well as the holiday parks of Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach and Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie. shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/ Community-Facilities/BeachWheelchairs

Shoalhaven Heads Surf Club Beach Wheelchair

For a holiday experience of elegance and quality, Wine Knot tours cover the beautiful local wineries in Berry, Shoalhaven Heads and Cambewarra where you can sip and taste and enjoy local providores’ treats as well. The tours are accessible and for a family group there’s a 23-seater coach with a wheelchair lift to accommodate one wheelchair. wineknottours.com.au

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Eat, drink and be merry

Finding an accessible dining location where the food and service is good is like winning the lottery. First stop down the coast should be Berry to explore The Treat Factory and Dairy Bar. This historic creamery is where hundreds of flavours are created for jams and sauces from secret family recipes that have been kept covert for 60 years. And an extra treat in Berry is to pull up outside the Berry Donut Van. Grab a freshly made dozen, tossed in sugar and eat them hot! With accessibility and accessible amenities Ponte Bar & Dining on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, Nowra is the place to share your plates (or don’t) and have a cruisey lunch or dinner. And we hear the wine list is pretty extensive too. Still in Nowra if you’re feeling peckish The Treat Factory and Dairy Bar

Cambewarra Estate

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Coolangatta Estate

Cambewarra lookout

for lunch, head to Peckish on the Park for lunch or dinner; sometimes it’s great to leave your accommodation and home cooking for some outside menu perusing and a family feeding frenzy. Perched on the summit of Cambewarra Range, The Lookout plays eye spy with the view of Shoalhaven which stretches from Coolangatta Mountain in the north to Pigeon House Mountain inland from Ulladulla . . .and further. Order the scones with jam and cream, too divine. The Lookout Cambewarra is fully accessible. Well, that’s some of the best food in the region to seek out. Now let’s think about a tipple of something nice to compliment the experience. Raise your glasses to the (all accessible) local wineries, Cheers! Cambewarra Estate is located at the foothills of majestic Cambewarra Mountain. The tasting area has a rustic and intimate atmosphere and the view from the cellar door is delightful as it takes in Cambewarra Mountain and overlooks the vineyard and dams. High Tea is served too. Mountain Ridge Wines and the Broughton on the Ridge restaurant are located 8km from Berry on top of Coolangatta Mountain. Wine tasting . . .and drinking with a view plus monthly garden dinners and weekend music events. There’s the Coolangatta Estate for wine and dessert – a happy combo – and a firepit for chilly nights and warm hospitality. Try their highly acclaimed Wollstonecraft Semillon. Another fine establishment is the boutique winery and vineyard that’s 12km from Berry - Two Figs winery. The winery sits on top of one of Mount Coolangatta’s foothills with more stunning views of the Shoalhaven River. Two Figs cellar door selection includes cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and verdelho. Your go-to information treasure chest for the Shoalhaven shire is Shoalhaven.com/ inclusive. Happy holidays.

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Rowing on the Yarra River

r, I have a much “With a support worke all around" ce en eri exp healthier

When 37-year-old Shaun planned a trip to Melbourne to be with his partner, they had hoped to do a range of fun things. The pandemic interrupted his plans, however, with a strict lockdown commencing the day after his arrival! Fortunately, before his trip, he had connected with Jarrod, an independent support worker who lives in Melbourne, and this made all the difference. Shaun is diagnosed with Level 2 Autism and requires assistance in a variety of areas, particularly with executive function. At home in Brisbane, he receives support around organising his activities, cooking and cleaning, running errands and participating in a gym program. Knowing he would need similar assistance during his trip to

Shaun’s infamous Melbourne lockdown trip of 2020 … made better with local support Melbourne, Shaun posted a job on Mable. com.au, a website that connects people who need support with independent support workers who provide it. This was how he met Jarrod. “The great thing about Mable,” Shaun says, “is that you can meet with a potential independent support worker, either in person or over video chat, before you decide to work with them. I found with other support companies that there’s no transparency and you get no choice as to who comes to you. With Mable, I was able to find someone who was a really excellent match.” Shaun says that being able to choose his support worker has been tremendously empowering because he can choose

his support on his own terms. “I don’t necessarily choose a support worker based on their credentials,” he says. “Most of the people I like best don’t have a lot of training but if they can support me and make me feel good then that’s more important to me. I felt very relaxed and calm with Jarrod.” With lockdown in full swing, Shaun says that without his support sessions with Jarrod, he would have felt closed in, watching TV alone all day while his partner, an essential worker, was at work. “I was pretty well occupied,” Shaun explains. “Jarrod kept me entertained. We played board games together and went outside for various activities every day we had a support session. I felt very safe with

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Webb Bridge, Docklands

Vintage Melbourne W-Class Tram

him, so we were able to work out in the parks because the gyms were closed. Jarrod was able to show me my whole routine using a Theraband.” Additionally, Shaun received support around meal preparation. “My cooking skills are pretty limited to basic foods,” he admits. “With a support worker, I have a much healthier experience all around. I eat better, I get out to exercise and don’t get bored.” Shaun recommends planning ahead to get the most out of any trip, though he does require help with packing from his independent support workers and to compile an itinerary and make bookings such as for flights. “I’m not really good at doing things in advance,” Shaun says. “Having this support makes more things possible for me.” When packing, Shaun’s luggage must contain his medications, laptop, mobile phone and associated chargers. Then there are the essential items he considers

The street sign for AC/DC Lane

‘non-negotiables’. These include his noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds, sunglasses and an eye mask for sleeping. The infamous ‘Melbourne lockdown trip of 2020’ left Shaun with very few options in terms of seeing the sights. “I was happy though. I always feel better when I’ve had regular exercise as opposed to when I do nothing,” he explains. “Even though what we did was not Melbourne-specific, we did all my exercises like the Theraband activities, walking and so on in new surroundings for me.” Asked if he has any advice for others who live with disability that can help them travel without limits, Shaun says the key is to arrange support at your destination. “Knowing that, inherently, we’re going to need support, finding the right supports is really key to making sure we get what we need so we can travel without limitations.” He recommends applying good effort to screening support workers to ensure they

are the right fit. “Don’t just go by emails or messages,” he says. “Have a video chat so you can get a sense of the other person and they can get a sense of you. With Mable, if you choose not to work with them, that’s perfectly ok. You can then keep searching so you can find the right person.” Since the ill-fated lockdown trip, Shaun has returned to Melbourne and visited the National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Museum, places he had previously missed out on seeing. As well as connecting with Jarrod again, another independent support worker also took him rowing on the Yarra River. “Melbourne has much more of a big city vibe than Brisbane does. It’s kind of cool just to go around the city and explore.” Are you looking forward to an overnight stay, a weekend getaway or a longer trip away? Find the ideal support worker for you – with matching interests and desirable skills – by searching the profiles on Mable.com.au.

An excursion to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria has a bounty of fun and fabulous offerings.

SOUTHERN BEAUTY WORDS: MARTIN HENG | IMAGES: KAREN FANKHAUSER

Point Nepean

Mills Beach

MORNINGTON PENINSULA EXCURSION

ONE OF MELBOURNE’S SUMMER PLAYGROUNDS, AND ALMOST CERTAINLY ITS MOST INCLUSIVE

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Melbourne’s summer playgrounds, and almost certainly its most inclusive. The progressive local council believes so much in disability access and inclusion that it provides local businesses with up to $5000 to improve the accessibility of their business. Their Disability Access and Inclusion webpage has heaps of information about accessibility on the peninsula, including five downloadable township mobility maps, the location of four Changing Places toilets, and a list of businesses where you can recharge your scooter/wheelchair. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend away, with or without children, this has to be a top pick for an excursion from Melbourne. mornpen.vic.gov.au/CommunityServices/Disability-Access-andInclusion

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale makes a great first stop from Melbourne to the Peninsula. With a strong focus on education, you’ll learn a lot about Australia’s

iconic mammals, as well as Australia’s most-loved birds and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Check out the range of animal experiences it offers, including “close encounters” with wallabies, koalas, dingoes, owls, pythons and wombats. Its commitment to accessibility is clear as soon as you log onto its homepage: there is an accessibility tool to assist with website accessibility, as well as a dedicated Accessibility tab under the Visit menu that has all the information you need to plan your visit – and it makes for a nice change to see photos of wheelchair-using visitors. There’s accessible car parking, and level access throughout, with compressed gravel paths linking the various enclosures and accessible toilet facilities. There are also wheelchairs available for loan free of charge. While assistance dogs are welcome, there are areas in which they are not allowed. moonlitsanctuary.com.au (03) 5978 7935

ALL ABOARD!

If heritage railways are your thing the Mornington Railway runs steam- and diesel-engine services on Sundays. All three services have wheelchair-accessible 

to 80cm wide) and walking frames, as well as strollers. There’s ramped access at both Summit and Base Stations, giving access to the observation decks, and there’s even a Changing Places facility as well as a regular accessible bathroom. aseagle.com.au (03) 5987 0600

LIGHTING THE WAY FOR 80 YEARS

carriages, but phone ahead to ensure that there are enough wheelchair spaces available. Due to Covid restrictions, passenger numbers are limited and prices may be higher than usual. morningtonrailway.org.au 0409811616 Arthurs Seat Eagle

FLYING HIGH

The gondola ride at Arthurs Seat Eagle in Dromana, with its fabulous views over the treetops and Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne’s CBD skyline, is the Peninsula’s signature attraction. There is accessible car parking at both stations and parking is available for mobility scooters at the Base Station (mobility scooters are not permitted inside the gondolas). Slow-moving gondolas and level access are great for wheelchairs (up

Right at the tip of the Peninsula – naturally – the classic Australian white-and-red Cape Schanck Lighthouse has guided boats and ships into Port Phillip Bay since 1859. The Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve is managed by Parks Victoria, which has put a huge focus on accessibility in recent years. Under the Need to Know menu, apart from information on access, there’s a fabulous orientation video produced by wheelchair user, Ryan Smith (one of several produced for Parks Victoria), so you’ll know exactly what to expect. While wheelchair users won’t be able to ascend to the top of the lighthouse, the grounds, museum and the main lookout, with incredible views over The Bass Strait, all have level access. A second lookout, with views over the eastern side of the Victorian mainland, is accessible via the first section of the Two Bays Walking track. parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/ cape-schanck-lighthouse-reserve

SEA AND SAND

A trip to the Mornington Peninsula during summer would not be complete without dipping your toes into the sea. Happily for wheelchair users, the Mornington Peninsula Shire has installed beach matting (until April) at the following beaches: Mt Martha, Rosebud, Mothers Beach, Rye front beach and Sorrento front beach. There is limited access (rails and ramps), but no beach matting at Point Leo and Mills beaches.

FOR THE KIDS

Arthurs Seat Eagle

The Shire Council has installed pictorial communication boards at three playgrounds: Civic Reserve, Mornington, Rosebud foreshore and Pelican Park, Hastings. Download the boards from the link below for use anywhere, and there’s a

Cape Schanck Lighthouse National Park

Flinders - Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie

STAYING OVERNIGHT?

handy video explaining how to use them. It has also invested in Liberty Swings, specifically designed for wheelchair users, at Marine Parade (Hastings) and Lawson Park (Rosebud) playgrounds, for which you’ll need a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). These can be borrowed from Pelican Park Recreation Centre or the library (Hastings) or the Shire customer service desks in Hastings, Rosebud and Mornington, or call 1800 810 698. mornpen.vic.gov.au/CommunityServices/Disability-Access-andInclusion/Accessible-Recreation

INDULGE YOURSELF

As a premium holiday destination, there are obviously countless places to eat and drink, but a couple of places stand out if you’re looking for a treat. Formerly a stables, St Andrews

Beach Brewery is now a state-of-theart brewhouse. There are three separate entertainment areas, all of which serve food and drink and are wheelchair-accessible – you can check out the menus online. Beer aficionados can stock up in the shop! There’s an accessible toilet and disabled parking bay directly out front. Right on the main drag in Flinders, duck into the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to indulge your sweet tooth. Gourmet Tasting Sessions are held every day at 11 AM, noon and 1 PM and cost $3 per person (no booking is required). For connoisseurs and the hopelessly addicted, there are also bookable tastings and workshops. standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au (03) 5988 6854 mpchoc.com.au (03) 5989 0040

If you’re looking for accommodation, there are a few options with accessible rooms: Our top pick is SeaWise Apartments in Blairgowrie. Their commitment to and understanding of the needs of people with disability is shown by the prominent Disability menu on their website that leads you to detailed disability-specific information, not only about its three disability-friendly units, but also about nearby services and activities. There are photos and floor plans to help you plan your visit. The 4-star Flinders Hotel has 40 rooms, two of which are accessible. If you want to splurge, choose the luxury 184-room Cape Schanck Resort, with its own spa, tennis courts, golf course, pool (with hoist), gym, games room and a broad range of accommodation options, including eight fully DDA-compliant rooms and one partially accessible ocean villa. seawise.com.au (03) 5985 9011 flindershotel.com.au (03) 5989 0201 racv.com.au/travel-leisure/ racv-resorts/our-destinations/ cape-schanck-resort (03) 5950 8000

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Adam's Story Adam has cooked food all over the world. From restaurants in England to eateries in India. He’s used to pressure. Catching a few lazy trout by Lake Mulwala is certainly a change of pace. That’s where he took his family last year, to the town of Yarrawonga on the New South Wales/Victoria border. It was a nice break from the ups and downs of Melbourne under Covid. The family of five spent their days exploring the mountains, the country pubs, and of course the gorgeous reservoir. He rode along the top of the 100 year old weir on his small portable scooter. The kids spent hours by the pool, while he and his wife relaxed. The weather was beautiful, and the food hearty. In short, it was the quintessential Australian family holiday. ‘Everyone needs to eat, so you can go everywhere,’ Adam reflects on his working life. He’s done stints just about

everywhere, cooking in just about every style. His favourites are the flavours of the subcontinent and South-East Asia, coconut curries and dals. These days he’s left behind the heat of the kitchen and works 30 hours a week at a childcare centre. He incrementally introduces the children there to the big wide world of cuisine. He also helps them manage a modest veggie garden of cucumbers, zuccinnis, spinach - all the usual suspects that kids would otherwise be terrified of. His own kids are his passion. ‘Their dreams are my dreams,’ he says simply. Just like he did at their age, they throw themselves at their sport. They don't show any signs of wanting to pursue their own culinary odysseys, but Adam doesn't mind. Adam uses a walker and a portable

Adam was diag nosed with MS over a de cade ago

Luggie scooter to get around. The walker is for day-to-day things, and the scooter is for day trips and more ambitious expeditions. It lets him go 15km in a day, often outpacing his kids who can’t always keep up. It handles the terrain well footpaths, grass, even sand, plus it’s easy to get into the car. He often goes to nearby Chelsea beach and surrounding parks. The family likes to dodge the Melbourne winters, perhaps heading to Bali or to Fiji, where once they took a speedboat up the river and saw villages up in the mountains. Adam says that in the future they’ll visit Queensland again, but he doesn’t seem too fussed about the specifics of the when and the where. He just knows it’ll happen. ‘I’ve always liked to see how other people live. It’s like a shock to the mind, a good one,’ he says. To learn more visit scootersaus.com.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

My new travelling companion is pawfect! Low vision traveller Margaret Buck is a regular on Cocky Guides sensory adventures, having travelled to the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, Uluru in the Northern Territory, and Fraser Island and Cairns in Queensland. Margaret explored these destinations with group support and a white cane. Now Margaret has a new travelling companion. Ella is Margaret’s first Guide Dog. Discover how Cocky Guides helped Margaret gain confidence with Ella, her pawfect new travel companion! Margaret explains, “I was nervous as a first-time dog guide handler. Would I have everything I needed for Ella? Will Ella behaviour in new environments? These are the questions that made me anxious about travelling with a dog guide.” Cocky Guides have plenty of experience with travellers and their dog guides, having led trips with pawfect companions to diverse locations like Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Kakadu and Lightning Ridge!

SELECT THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE AND LOCATION

Cocky Guides recommends new handlers talk to them about the most appropriate experience and location. Margaret says, “I appreciated how Cocky Guides spent time to talk me through different trips so we could choose the right debut trip for Ella and me. The trip we chose was a pamper weekend with friends. I could opt-in and out of activities as I pleased. This relaxed approach saw Ella and I spend time together on a stand-up paddleboard. I even got to do some independent recall tasks, where I got Ella to return to me off the lead whenever I call her. Ella did awesomely!”

EXTEND A KNOWN JOURNEY

Margaret explains, “I first met Ella in June 2021 during a Covid lockdown. Ella and I were lucky to learn four local routes with our trainer. Gaining confidence by travelling with Cocky Guides allowed me to regularly extend these routes to join Cocky Guides day trips and social events. This outcome worked perfectly as I could now join more Cocky Guides adventures with the knowledge and confidence that Ella will get me to the meeting point!”

KNOW A BLIND OR LOW VISION TRAVELLER?

Margaret reckons, “Cocky Guides is like travelling with old friends that love our dogs as much as we do! They understand and respect that every traveller and dog guide is a unique special team.” Blind and low vision travellers can subscribe to a newsletter and search upcoming tours at www.cockyguides.com.au. Alternatively, call 1300 657 640

WINTER WELCOMES ALL 68

WINTER IS COMING . . . AND WINTER SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES ARE CALLING FROM NEW ZEALAND. COOL MOUNTAINS, SNOW, ICE, GLACIERS AND A BIG WARM WELCOME IS WHAT AWAITS THE ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLER. WORDS: BEV MALZARD

AFTER A SEVERE CANYONING ACCIDENT IN SWITZERLAND WHEN HE WAS 35 JEZZA PUSHED THROUGH TO RETURN TO THE OUTDOORS AND TO DO WHAT HE LOVED

ew Zealand the beautiful, New Zealand the peaceful . . . New Zealand the home of extreme sports and thrill seekers. And those activities are there for all who desire to live on the edge, try something new, feel the wind in their hair or be part of the global trend for travellers to push themselves to exhilarating heights. There are 4.4 million Australians with some form of disability - and thousands of those people want to be included in the wide world of accessible adventure, exploration and excitement. They just need the will and the access, and that’s what many New Zealand companies have on their innovative radar so that holidaymakers with disabilities and their carers can hop on board and enjoy the ride. More than just a holiday indulgence, adventure and experiences for those with a diverse range of disabilities, it brings lifelong empowerment, confidence and resilience.

IT’S ALL ABOUT ADAPTING

Kiwi, Jezza Williams has been pushing the envelope his entire life. After a severe canyoning accident in Switzerland when he was 35, Jezza pushed through to return to the outdoors and to do what he loved. Slowly he adapted bits and pieces including harnesses, so that his body, which is C5 tetraplegic could do various activities. There was not much in the range of inclusive, or accessible tourism activities in New Zealand and he started running small expeditions for people who inquired via his website. Then the business expanded and became a certified go-to for inclusive and accessible travel. He is founder and head of Making Trax, a successful, pioneering non-profit that connects travellers with inclusive and accessible adventure experiences in the New Zealand wilderness and ski fields. makingtrax.co.nz Following is a list of some companies that are recommended on the website that are open for winter fun:

Queenstown Skyline Luge: Vroom Vroom! The Luge is open to people of all ages and abilities. Strap in for a downhill racer experience – or a gentle ride around corners! At their discretion, the team will assist in any way to enable guests with disabilities to enjoy the experience. skyline.co.nz Shotover Canyon Swing: Yeeha! For the brave! Jump yourself or be released. Close to Queenstown, it’s a giant rope swing that swings you out over a canyon with 60m of nothing between you and the bottom of the canyon. Staff have experience swinging guests with major back, neck and limb injuries as well as those with blindness, deafness, paraplegia, amputations and paralyses. canyonswing.co.nz

SKI SENSATIONS

And for the ski crazy participants and even if you haven’t skied before, there’s the amazing Cardrona Adaptive Snow Sports Program. The program provides fantastic support for people with physical, sensory and cognitive impairments. No limits here! Enjoy the freedom of skiing and boarding with family and friends. The program ‘adapts’ both to the sport and the equipment to cater to an individual’s needs. 

Provided are modified skis and snowboards, sit-skis, frames, outriggers and more out on the Cardrona slopes with guests and instructors. Volunteers here are professional and assist the instructors for guests with higher dependencies. Cardrona Alpine Resort is between Queenstown and Wanaka. cardrona.com

PADDLE POWER

On the magnificent Lake Wanaka you can paddle and glide across the silky waters in safety. Paddle Wanaka is an inclusive company that strives to get everyone out on the water. The staff works with individual clients and adapt to their needs. There’s a whole kit of gear here that makes kayaking approachable for

many types of disability. And if there’s not a way to safely make a paddle happen there’s always the water taxi (motor boat) available to get clients out on the water via the handicap accessible marina jetty. So, grab your paddle now! paddlewanaka.co.nz Shotover Jet Boat: Want to try an experience in the Shotover Canyon outside of Queenstown for a boat ride that twists and turns and hits the rapids too? Not really accessible unless you have helpers. No accessible bus to the start but you can drive to the business office. The ground isn’t

great for rolling but the crew here will roll you to the ramp, pick you up and place you in a seat for the ride of your life. (No wheelchair accessible restroom at the terminal.) shotoverjet.com Ziptrek Ecotours: who could resist? This is featured in the top 10 best zip wire rides in the world (The Daily Telegraph, UK). This is happening all year round, but even in summer, extra layers as it gets pretty chilly. Extra, extra layers for winter. Departing from the Ziptrek Treehouse at the top of the Skyline Gondola overlooking Lake Wakatipu, you’ll zip through the forest canopy high above Queenstown – c’mon, ready or not? The company caters to many different abilities – and will work on a case by case basis, to do its best to accommodate everyone. ziptrek.co.nz

HIT THE SLOPES

Adaptive Snow Sports is about adapting equipment and lessons and providing accessible support systems, allowing for people with a range of disabilities to hit the slopes to enjoy the freedom of snow sports. Snow Sports NZ is the national advocate for adaptive snow sports, supporting programs at New Zealand’s alpine resorts. Follow this link snowsports.co.nz to sign up for adaptive ski or snowboard lessons at a local resort; come along to a snow sport event and obtain info about Have a Go Days and Adaptive Snow Sports Festivals.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Pelican hoist for access onto a horse

Pelican pool and spa hoists

Enjoy The Freedom What the last two years have surely taught us is that freedom is not just knowing what you would like to do but being able to do it. We are all keen to start getting out and about again and indulging in some outdoor activities. What better than the freedom of water? And whether you enjoy swimming, water sports, sailing, canoeing or fishing, a hoist can give you the chance to be part of the action. Para Mobility has for 39 years led the way in Australian-made-andmanufactured specialised disability equipment, including the versatile Pelican Pool & Spa Hoist. This has enabled thousands of people around Australia, New Zealand and beyond to experience that great feeling of freedom and enjoy the benefits of water & swimming, for rehabilitation, aqua therapy, for social interaction and outdoor recreation. The benefits of water activity are many and swimming has the great advantage of increasing joint flexibility and building muscle tone. So why not mix some exercise

with some fun as you are travelling around our great country and stop off at a few places where a hoist is already waiting for you: • Sailability Tin Can Bay QLD & Sailability Lilydale VIC, both have a Pelican hoist so that you can have fun and experience freedom through sailing on the open water. • St Kilda Boat Ramp SA (opening March 2022) will have 2 Pelican hoists for those with a passion for fishing to enjoy the thrill of the catch. • Parks Victoria have a Pelican hoist allowing visitors to access the Patterson River for recreation boats and canoes. • Adelaide Aquatic Centre SA – Immersion Therapy / Scuba Diving Away from the water you might want to go for a horse ride, an activity that is not only great exercise but relaxing at the same time. A Pelican hoist attached to your horse float can travel everywhere with you and assist you to get onto your horse. After your day’s activity, relax and

unwind at one of the growing number of venues placing more emphasis on facilities for all, offering accessible bathrooms, change facilities and Pelican pool and spa hoists: • SeaWorld – Gold Coast QLD • Crown Towers – Sydney NSW & Perth WA • Peninsula Hot Springs – VIC For those who prefer staying at home and enjoying the pleasures of their own backyard, deck, swimming pool or spa, the Pelican hoist can also assist you. It can be customised to suit your needs and location and comes in a variety of colours to suit the surroundings. For more product recommendations chat to the friendly Para Mobility team on: Phone: 1300 444 600 Email: sales@paramobility.com.au Website: paramobility.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/ParaMobility Instagram: Instagram.com/paramobility NDIS Registered Provider #4050001021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

My Future, My Choice Australia’s biggest disability expo program is back for 2022 Over the past seven years, our My Future, My Choice Disability Expo series has connected tens of thousands of individuals with disability services and supports that are local to their community. In 2022, we are back hosting Disability Expos in the NSW Hunter Region, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. The My Future, My Choice Disability Expo’s facilitate choice and empowerment. With FREE entry for all, the Expo’s link people with a disability with hundreds of local product and service providers and present a range of informative and interactive presentations delivered by industry experts. Excited about continuing with our faceto-face Expo format, our Disability Expo’s are delivered using COVIDSafe practices, and showcase a range of all-ability performances, engaging guest speakers, kids entertainment, café facilities and breakout areas to create a festival atmosphere. Ready to put your future into action? Want to be inspired with the options for living your best life? Come along and find everyone in the one place:

• • • •

Government and advocacy organisation Aids and equipment providers Financial and legal services Education, training, and employment providers • Social and leisure options • Transport and vehicles • Health and medical products and services • Allied health professionals • Support services including in home care providers We continue to work with representatives from the disability community to ensure each expo offers real, meaningful solutions and increases inclusion for all people in their community. "It's about positively impacting people with a disability; to not only help them navigate what choice means, but for it to make a difference." And in our experience, that looks like a (COVID safe) exhibition hall buzzing with the excitement and energy of people discovering disability services and supports that make a long-term, sustainable and positive impact. Our team can’t wait. We’d love you to join us – check out our Disability Expo sites for more information.

Melbourne Disability Expo 1st & 2nd April 2022 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au Hunter Disability Expo 13th & 14th May 2022 Newcastle Entertainment Centre Showground hunterdisabilityexpo.com.au Gold Coast Disability Expo 17th & 18th June 2022 Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre goldcoastdisabilityexpo.com.au Sydney Disability Expo 5th & 6th August 2022 Hall 4, Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park sydneydisabilityexpo.com.au Canberra Disability Expo 2nd & 3rd September 2022 EPIC - Entertainment Park In Canberra canberradisabilityexpo.com.au Brisbane Disability Expo 14th & 15th October 2022 Royal International Convention Centre brisbanedisabilityexpo.com.au Melbourne Disability Expo 25th & 26th November 2022 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Adventure awaits In February 2022 All Access Holidays celebrated its 5th anniversary. In that time, we have travelled far and wide and have literally (and metaphorically) traversed some interesting terrain. We have facilitated over 100 holidays in 63 destinations in places as varied as Spain to Japan, England to Thailand

and from inner city Melbourne to Northern Australia. More recently, due to global events, we have tailored our holidays to regional Victoria. The pandemic has brought challenges to every industry, none more so than to the travel and disability sector. The assumptions, freedoms and

landscape in which we operated in 2019 are no longer relevant in 2022. So, like many other businesses we "pivoted". To meet the new needs we socially distanced groups, implemented infection control policies, temperature checks and a myriad of procedures to ensure the safety of our travellers and staff.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

In 2017 All Access Holidays was created, and the business combines my love of travel and my ten years of experience working in the disability sector. My career involved working in high needs residential houses, assisting clients with behaviours of concern and in management settings. I particularly enjoyed the face-to-face interaction with clients, working towards a specific goal and the feeling that I was making a difference. My aim with All Access Holidays is to make travel as seamless as possible for people with disabilities. With the introduction of the NDIS I wanted to ensure that we provided a holistic holiday experience that catered to specific needs. With that concept we hit the ground running. Well not quite.... in our first six months of operation, we provided just one holiday to a lovely lady (who still holidays with us) to the Gold Coast. What I didn't fully appreciate was that it takes time for parents, guardians, support coordinators, residential house managers and people within the disability sector to gain trust in a business. We chipped away, running small group holidays that have grown over time and have successfully gained that trust. We have learnt many lessons over the last five years which have only served to make us a better company. All Access Holidays is an NDIS registered

company that provides supported holidays to people with disabilities. Our motto "Adventure Awaits" attempts to encapsulate our philosophy; those adventures await everyone. But our motto is not just some tired, cliched marketing tool. It poses a deeper existential question. The call to adventure is as old as mankind itself, the call to explore, to traverse the unknown corners of this wonderful place we call earth. It asks where are you? Which adventures would you like to take? And if not, then why not? In the coming 12 months we will be offering up to 30 different holidays in a variety of locations. Our holidays range (according to our participants) in their activities from "relaxed" to "active". We run two kinds of holidays, group and individual. Group holidays vary in size from as little as three travellers up to 12. These holidays can suit travellers who enjoy the chance to socialise with new people and who like the opportunity to make lifelong friendships. In 22/23 some of our group holidays include the following Adelaide Overlander - (August 2022) If you like trains then you will love this holiday! We will be travelling from Melbourne to Adelaide on the Overlander to experience everything the city of Churches has to offer. Sydney Home and Away - (October 2022)

Perfect for all those admirers of Home and Away. Activities include a guided tour around Summer Bay and exploring Sydney. Queenscliff Music Festival - (November 2022) - Ideal for all music lovers out there! Dance the weekend away at Victoria's premium country music event. Our individual or 1:1 trips offer a slightly different experience from our group holidays. 1:1 holidays are just that, a traveller and an All Access Holidays travel companion. These holidays are tailored to the exact needs of the traveller, from the destination to the activities. So the only thing limiting where you go and what you do is your imagination. Past experiences have included trips to Japan, England, Darwin and camel riding in Broome. All Access Holidays prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for all of your travel needs. We arrange the transport, accommodation, activities whilst on holiday and we can attend to any care needs that travellers need assistance with. All Access Holidays are there to provide the level of support that is appropriate to the travellers' needs. Learn more about All Access Holidays on our website allaccessholidays.com For all enquiries please email us at on info@allaccessholidays.com or call us -1300 585 876. You can also follow our adventures on Facebook and Instagram to see what we are doing.

Vanuatu Jungle Zipline

ROOM ROOM

U A T A U N IN VA

WORDS: KYLIE TRAVERS IMAGES: JUSTIN SAULA OF BLACK BEARD PHOTOGRAPHY

IT’S ALL GO FOR A RAFT OF ADVENTURES AND INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES IN VANUATU WHEN UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT IS ON THE ITINERARY. Being Polynesian, the South Pacific always called to my two daughters. Vanuatu was the first international destination they wanted to go as a family, even though it’s not where they are from. One of my daughters, Halia has autism and the other, Mele suffers from anxiety and PTSD. Bracing myself, I did as much pre planning and preparation I could, notifying places we wanted to go about autism and checking if it would suit us. Sensory issues, crowds, being overwhelmed and changes to plans, all these things throw a spanner in the works when travelling. However, Vanuatu was by far the easiest trip for us. As we exited the plane, we were warmly greeted by a friend and immediately relaxed. Everywhere we went, people assumed my daughters were half NiVanuatu, enthusiastically welcoming them home and guessing which island their family was from. Loving the attention, Halia and Mele decided not to correct anyone about their true Maori/Tongan heritage. Determined to make this holiday everything they dreamed of, I was relieved when both girls expressed they felt they belonged here, Vanuatu was home. The weather, lifestyle, people and amenities are far different to where we lived in Melbourne

at the time, yet within days they wanted to live in Vanuatu permanently. One of the first things they asked for was to sleep on a beach, under the stars. We needed one which was safe, not crowded with other tourists, locally owned and with amenities. Emaal Beach ticked all the boxes. A little slice of paradise tucked away on the other side of Efate, near the Blue Lagoon which we also visited later. Setting up camp on mats, they were excited to finally be experiencing island life with swimming, playing with local kids, cooking over the fire and eating off leaves. There were bungalows close by to use if my daughter wanted to sleep indoors. The owners were on hand if we needed anything. After a peaceful night and breakfast of our now favourite food, tuluk (meat wrapped in cassava dough and steamed in banana leaves) we headed off to explore a few attractions. Climbing to the top of Mele Cascades, a guide looked at my girls and assuming they were part Ni-Vanuatu asked if they spoke Bislama and what their names were. Exchanging sneaky smiles, they told him. Surprised, he gasped, “Mele, your name is Mele, as in my village here, Mele?” 

The Beach Bar Vanuatu

Hideaway Island Vanuatu

Beaming, she squealed “Yes!” before jumping into the crystal clear water. Sliding down the various natural slides, playing in numerous pools and sitting under the waterfalls was magical. The smiles on my girls' faces said it all and because you can only access the cascades with a guide, it is never overcrowded. Right across the street was Samyat’s Wildlife, the only koi ponds in Vanuatu. Run by a local Ni-Vanuatu family who live on the property, we explored the ponds while learning about different local wildlife, fruits that grow there, traditions and how this little wildlife sanctuary came to be. Down Devil’s Point Road a little further

along was the big adventure for the day. One which both terrified and excited me, the Vanuatu Jungle Zipline. Two hours of ziplining including six ziplines, one 300m long plus two suspension bridges with the most spectacular views back across Mele Bay and Hideaway Island. While the local staff didn’t know much about autism, they were keen to assist in the best way possible for my daughters. The Zipline is a business that supports the Vanuatu Society for Disabled Persons, so they will do what they can to include everyone. Halia and Mele showed no fear, zipping everywhere forwards, backwards and even

going upside down at one point with the help of staff. I, on the other hand, definitely had some fear. Mele wanted to spend her birthday at Hideaway Island the next day. A short boat ride from Mele Bay and we were lying back on lounges, sipping virgin Pina Colada’s, enjoying the peace on this tiny island. Jumping off the pontoons, freediving as long as they could and visiting the underwater post box where you can send postcards from underwater while snorkelling the reef, is an experience they will never forget. An array of fish, coral and other marine life is abundant just off the beach in the warm, clear water.

Halia and Mele enjoying Vanuatu's sunshine

WE WERE LYING BACK ON LOUNGES, SIPPING VIRGIN PINA COLADA’S, ENJOYING THE PEACE ON THIS TINY ISLAND

Getting close to sunset, we had pizza and joined the outdoor movie night at The Beach Bar. Settling into giant bean bags in front of the big screen, our drinks and gluten-free pizza brought to us, Halia and Mele were so full of joy I knew we’d come back. For our first trip overseas, Vanuatu was ideal. Full of culture, a tropical climate, crystal clear water, fun adventures and of course, extremely friendly people who both respected and wanted to understand autism to ensure we had the best possible time. Catering to our needs regarding autism as well as food allergies was easier than any other island we’ve since been to.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TOURISM AUSTRALIA

Connect to Country Dating back at least 60,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are one of the most distinct, unique and diverse aspects of the Australian story.

Image: Cocky Guides

COMPILED BY: BEV MALZARD

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TOURISM AUSTRALIA

Image: Cocky Guides

Across Australia there is a plethora of Indigenous tourism experiences that allow travellers to foster a greater awareness and connection with the world’s oldest living culture. Across the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, and the Torres Strait Islander peoples from the islands north of Queensland’s Cape York, Australia’s Indigenous population is composed of more than 250 nation/language groupings (AIATSIS). While unified by a shared connection to Country (ancestral lands) and community, each community has its own cultural practices, protocols and traditions. This results in an incredibly diverse array of tourism experiences for adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, foodies and nature lovers across the country. As Indigenous travel continues to develop and include accessibility and inclusiveness in its programs, the good times will roll for the diverse community of disabled people.

NEW SOUTH WALES WIRADJURI CULTURAL TOUR WITH A BUSH TUCKA TASTING

Orange is located in the Central Tablelands region of NSW, about a 3.5-hour drive west of Sydney. Renowned for its food and coolclimate wine, the town hosts an annual selection of food and wine festivals. Making its mark in the food scene here is Indigenous Cultural Adventure's cultural tours which include Bush Tucka tastings and is hosted and guided by local Wiradjuri Elders. The Wiradjuri culture has had a profound impact on Orange and the surrounding region for over 50,000 years. On a tour guests will explore the rich and vibrant culture of the area, while visiting ceremonial sites and other sites of cultural significance in the region. A visit to the gardens is a sensory exploration - smell, taste and touch native plants and foods. Learn how to use the fragrant herbs and flowers from the knowledgeable guides in the peaceful aromatic ambience as you stroll around the plants. There is wheelchair access to all parts of the garden including garden beds that are wicker beds for easy access for wheelchair users. indigenousculturaladventures.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA WALKING ON COUNTRY WITH KOOL TOURS

The Fleurieu Peninsula near Adelaide boasts amazing wineries, pretty towns, historical attractions and a rugged and wild coastline. Kool Tours based here will share with you the life and the history of the local tribes of southern South Australia. Two tours, the Walking on Country: Yundi Tour and Port Elliot (Ratalang) Tour, will introduce you to native bush food and medicine, dreaming stories, and include smoking ceremonies. Walk and talk and have

knowledge shared as you touch the trees and plants, and learn about how to advocate and practice environmental protection and work towards a sustainable future for everyone. kula-tind-jeri.com

STAY AT THE OTHERWORLDLY WILPENA POUND (IKARA)

Around 430-kilometres north of Adelaide, Wilpena Pound Resort in the dramatic Flinders Ranges is the only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The resort,

owned and operated by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners, offers a range of guided Aboriginal cultural tours that include 4WD tours to visit 550 million-year-old fossil sites and ancient rock engravings, walking tours to Old Wilpena Station and scenic flights over extraordinary Wilpena Pound, an 800 million-year-old natural Amphitheatre. At the resort there are four accessible bedrooms with ensuite. 4WD tours can accommodate some wheelchair users but need assistance in getting into the cabins. kooltours.com.au

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TOURISM AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND LEARN ABOUT COUNTRY AT COOYA BEACH

For an unforgettable, traditional experience, just 15 minutes north of Port Douglas on the beautiful Cooya Beach (Kuyu Kuyu), Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours shares the special lands and fishing grounds of the Kuku Yalanji people. Join one of the Kubirri Warra guides on their beach, mudflat and mangrove walk! Learn how to throw a spear (this is obviously not for all abilities) and there are spiritual walks along the coastal mangroves with brothers, Linc and Brandon Walker who follow the traditions of their ancestors by educating visitors about their traditional Country. This coastal location has three diverse ecosystems – beach, mangroves and coastal reef – that are connected to each other by the ever-changing mudflats and tidal lagoons. For the not so mobile or sighted, there’s gentle activities adapted for disabilities and there’s the art of beach sitting – and if you’re lucky, touching turtles. The rough terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs as there are many tree roots and snags. kycht.com.au

TASMANIA

Visit the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery in Hobart and learn the history of past and present members of this Aboriginal community. The ningina tunapri gallery, plays home to a permanent exhibition which explores and celebrates all Tasmanian Aboriginal generations. Be sure to make time for the permanent exhibition Our land: parrawa, parrawa! Go away!, an immersive experience that recounts the story of the invasion of lutruwita (Tasmania) focusing on the Black War. The gallery welcomes people with access needs and there’s disabled access available. tmag.tas.gov.au

Image: Tourism Australia

LEARN ABOUT TASMANIA’S INDIGENOUS CULTURE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TOURISM AUSTRALIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY NATIVE INGREDIENTS WITH A MODERN TWIST

What would a holiday be without a shopping excursion? Aboriginal Bush Traders, a café and gallery, is where the action is. There is plenty of room to move through the shop where the 100% not-for-profit company offers up splendid quality goods such as: art works, bush foods, beauty products, homewares and fashion. After splashing some cash, enjoy the café and dishes that have a unique, bush tucker twist including kangaroo burgers, chicken and lemon myrtle mayo toasties. Bush foods are the showcase of the menu. aboriginalbushtraders.com

VICTORIA ABORIGINAL HERITAGE WALK ON KULIN LAND

In Melbourne’s oasis that is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – said to be one of the world's leading botanic gardens – visitors can tour the ancestral lands of the Eastern Kulin Nation, led by an Indigenous guide on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. Beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony, visitors will deepen their understanding of Aboriginal customs by learning about traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine. The tour is guided and fully hosted, and the terrain is wheelchair accessible. And to finish off the tour there’s a fragrant cup of lemon myrtle tea to refresh you. rbg.vic.gov.au

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TOURISM AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA EXPLORE DREAMING WITH WULA GURA NYINDA

Real adventure begins amid turquoise waters and bright red sand in Western Australia’s Shark Bay. The land and the sea here is home to an array of wildlife and ancient geology, and Wula Gura Nyinda offers a range of non-strenuous ‘On Country’ activities for visitors. Explore the ancient cultural sites of the region’s first people, the Nhanda and Malgana people, with several tours for the ‘well-balanced’, including a double kayak which is stable and easy to paddle (this is a few hours on the water). The Didgeridoo Dreaming Tour would suit most capabilities and includes a welcome to Country with a smoking ceremony, sitting around the beach campfire under the night sky, learning about the deep spiritual connection between local Aboriginal people and enjoying the taste of local seafood or bush tucker cooked on the campfire. You can even learn to play the didgeridoo (for men only) and conch shell (for women). There is a short walk involved but the staff have worked with the visually impaired to attend this tour. wulagura.com.au

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Totally accessible and inclusive is the superb NGA (National Gallery of Australia) in Canberra. Enjoy the National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony, which will see more than 35 artists from around Australia explore how ceremonial acts continue to be a prevalent forum for artmaking in First Nations communities today. This extraordinary exhibition is a vital and exciting show of Indigenous art, and part of the NGA’s flagship exhibition series. Led by a First Nations curator, Hetti Perkins, Ceremony will be shown until 31 July 2022. nga.gov.au

plan your trip at australia.com

Image: Tourism Australia

4TH NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART TRIENNIAL: CEREMONY

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Beachwheels Australia proudly introduces… Delta Buggy, UK designed and constructed it will give you the freedom to consider travel options you never dreamed possible. Whether you’re planning an interstate or international adventure or simply making the most of previously unexplored territory closer to home, the Delichon Delta Buggy is a standout performer with exceptional off-road capabilities. Lightweight, compact and easily manoeuvred, Delta is a three wheeled stroller, available in six sizes and suitable for children and adults with limited mobility. It’s a rugged buggy which can provide access to areas generally considered impossible to get to in a standard wheelchair. Muddy parks, gravelly paths, rough off-road tracks and sandy beaches – Delta makes the trip not only possible but easy and at the end of the outing, the Delta Buggy collapses effortlessly and stores with no fuss in the boot of even a small car. Delta is versatile too and this means no one needs to be left behind when the family wants to cycle as the cycle conversion readily converts the buggy into a cycle trailer that can be safely towed behind an adult bike. By substituting the standard fixed front wheel with the swivel wheel option, Delta becomes even easier to manoeuvre making it a great choice for taking shopping, to school or generally using as a back up to the everyday wheelchair. Standard on all Delta Buggies are a plethora of safety and comfort features, including a generous sun canopy, mountain bike brake levers, five point

adjustable harness, and an adjustable footplate and push bar. The range of options is extensive and includes various wheel choices such as swivel wheels, double wheels and Wheeleez balloon wheels. With all the Delta Buggy has to offer, there is little wonder why it is commonly considered the ultimate in all terrain buggies. For more information or to arrange a trial, please contact Drew on 04176135666 or Tina on 0435916391.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park Lake Macquarie is home to the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, 30kms of pristine coastline and some of the most beautiful forests in New South Wales. Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park is nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie and located just 90-minutes north of Sydney and only a short drive to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley Wine Region. Lake Macquarie is the perfect coastal getaway for your next adventure.

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

With the lake on its doorstep, you won’t have to travel far to find something to do, paddle in the shallow waters of the

lake, take the boat out for some fishing or explore one of the many shared pathways located around Lake Macquarie whilst taking in the stunning lakeside views. From amazing family friendly beaches, sea caves at isolated inlets and rock pools through to surf breaks, snorkelling spots, diving locations and kayaking routes, Lake Macquarie has it all.

ACCOMMODATION

From our state-of-the-art accessible villas, and selfcontained cabins to our newly installed safari tents to powered sites for caravans and campers, there’s plenty of options to choose from and our facilities and activities will make your

trip complete. The parks’ central location ensures you are in close proximity to many clubs, cafes and restaurants making it the ideal place to sit back and relax.

MAKE A SPLASH

Cool off in our large resort-style swimming pool, while you watch the kids splash in the pool from a relaxing poolside chair or table. Our pool features ramp access and an aquatic chair available for guest use. Our action-packed splash park featuring slides, waterspouts and more will be ready for the kids by April.

PLENTY OF FUN

Let the kids' burn off some extra energy on our playground

featuring an accessible spinner, slide, swings and climbing structures or keep active with our outdoor fitness equipment located next to the playground. Enjoy some friendly competition with the kids on our tennis court, ping pong table, basketball half court or mini golf course which is a great holiday activity to spend some quality time with family and friends. Whether you want a quiet relaxing lakeside getaway or an action-packed family-friendly adventure, you’ll be well catered for at Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park. For more information or to make a booking visit lakemacholidayparks.com.au or call 1800 626 438.

ORGANISED BY

SPONSORED BY

Ground-breaking tourism conference builds on initial success Following inaugural success of the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference in Asia Pacific (AITCAP) in 2021, the event is back bigger and stronger in May 2022. “AITCAP 2021 was a massive, very well executed event,” says Ivor Ambrose, Managing Director of the European Network for Accessible Tourism. “It set the standard for all accessible tourism conferences!” With a satisfaction rate of 9.6 out of 10 from the more than 300 speakers, sponsors and attendees, the event not only filled a gap in the market, but provided exceptional value for participants.

WHAT’S AITCAP ABOUT?

AITCAP was established to help the tourism industry understand and cater to the fast-growing, under-served market of travellers with mobility, hearing, vision and other accessibility needs. As well as showcasing accessible travel

options in the region, it provides advice, resources and support for tourism business wanting to cater to the 20% of travellers with accessibility needs. Organised by GetAboutAble, an Australian social enterprise focused on improving travel and leisure options for people with disability.

HIGHLIGHTS OF AITCAP 2022

Hear from Australian and international keynote speakers, industry leaders and tourism operators on a diverse range of themes. • Discover Asia-Pacific’s accessible and inclusive travel offerings • Learn valuable traveller tips and workarounds • Discover how to achieve accessibility and inclusiveness in your travel business • Learn how to facilitate cooperation in promoting accessible tourism destinations

AN INCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT

Spread over four days, in 2-3 hour sessions, the conference mixes presentations, interviews, panel discussions and masterclasses, all of which are pre-recorded with captions and transcripts to ensure accessibility for all participants, including those who can’t attend the live event. There will be live Q&A sessions, exclusive networking events and a community platform for ongoing discussion.

EVERYONE WELCOME

needs. Come and be part of the discussion!

DETAILS

Tuesday 17th, Thursday 19th, Tuesday 24th, Thursday 26th May 2022. Tickets prices $45-$100, exclusive discount code TWL5FR. Concessions available on application. For more information, including how to register or get involved in the event, visit: getaboutable.com/aitcap or contact: aitcap@ getaboutable.com

The conference attracts a diversity of attendees, with the 2021 event made up of 40% people with disabilities or carers, and 45% of people representing the travel and tourism industry. This meeting of minds of industry professionals and end users ensures future developments in the travel and tourism sector address the specific and varied requirements of travellers with a range of

TRAIL MIX ADVENTURE

NOTHING GREATER THAN THE GREAT OUTDOORS? ONLY IF THERE IS AN ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TRAIL CREATED FOR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. WORDS & IMAGES: NICOLE THIBAULT

Sebastian takes a sensory break in one of the hanging cocoons

Emerson tries his hand at the xylophone at the Music Station

On an autumn day in October, my sons and I headed to the newly-opened Autism Nature Trail in Letchworth State Park here in New York State.The park boasts three major waterfalls, as high as 600 feet/183m in places, and 66 miles (106km) of scenic trails for hiking. It’s been called the “Grand Canyon of the East”, and won the USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best State Park in the USA. Our Autism Nature Trail (ANT) Adventure began at the Trailhead Pavilion, where we were able to pick up a laminated map of the trail and all of the Stations within the park. The Autism Nature Trail is a flat hike on a stone dust walkway, and is also wheelchair accessible, so it’s an enjoyable walk for hikers of all abilities.

From there, we headed to our first stop - the Sensory Station. Here, wooden shelves encircled a platform, where hikers can select natural materials to explore with their five senses; these natural materials include feathers, branches, rocks, bones, antlers, pinecones, pine boughs, and more. Next, we moved on to the Sunshine Slope, where three Cuddle Swings are situated along the treeline. Here, hikers can rest, swing, and enjoy the peaceful setting, as two of my sons did. At the Music Circle, hikers can create their own music on the outdoor cymbals and xylophones. A wheelchair-accessible stage also enables all guests to sing and share their musical talents. The Meadow Run and Climb Station is a place to move your body! With an accessible hill, stairs to climb, a tunnel made out of small willow trees, and several playground pieces, this stop on the trail is all about motion. And when you’re tired, there are several beautifully hand-carved benches where you can rest. Next on the trail is the Design Zone. Here hikers are encouraged to build structures and play spaces using natural materials such as branches, sticks, rocks, and more. Many previous hikers had started huts and forts, and we were able to use our imaginations to create new additions to the station. At the end of the Autism Nature Trail is the Celebration Station. We returned our laminated map of the trail here, and signed our names out and left a message on the chalkboards for our fellow hikers. The Humphrey Nature Center is located near the Celebration Station and houses many exhibits that educate visitors about local plants, animals, geology and the river ecology of the park. The Autism Nature Trail is a beautiful outdoor space that was made accessible so that ALL families can enjoy the park. This newly-created park will soon be a destination for travelers from all over the world.

The Autism Nature Trail is lovingly referred to as the ANT, and there are many ant sculptures around the trail to celebrate the nickname

Sebastian practising his gross motor skills on the balance beam

Visitor Information: The Autism Nature Trail is located in Letchworth State Park (56km southwest of Rochester), near the Castile entrance. The ANT is open year round for self-guided hikes, and also hosts programming for visitors through Camp Puzzle Peace, such as guided theme hikes and holiday programs. The Trail itself is wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms located in both the Humphrey Nature Center that have accessible stalls, a baby changing area, and lots of room for a caregiver to help, if needed. www.autismnaturetrail.com

VISITING LONDON

LONDON, CAPITAL OF THE UK, IS ONE OF THE GREAT WORLD CITIES. BUT IS IT ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE AND, IN PARTICULAR, BLINDVISUALLY IMPAIRED TOURISTS? WORDS: TONY GILES: BLIND, WORLD, SOLO TRAVELLER AND AUTHOR

“I use a lon g white can e and have visited Lon don many times"

I use a long white cane and have visited London many times. A fascinating place, with history, lively cafes and bars, plenty of shopping areas and diverse entertainment. Some, but not all of it is disabled accessible. The green spaces of Hyde Park, Regents Park, Green Park and Richmond Park, are free and have easy access with gravel trails and paths to follow for any cane or guide dog user. Many of London’s fascinating museums are free and several offer tactile audio guides, like the British Museum near Russell Square and the Imperial War Museum near Elephant & Castle underground station. For history buffs, The Tower of London and Tower Bridge are a must. The Tower of London has guided tours, an efficient audio guide and offers a basic tactile map of the complex. Whilst these attractions are best explored with a companion, they can be visited independently, as I did. If given notice, staff are willing to help. Last November I visited the Museum of London, 150 London Wall, a 5-8 minute walk from Barbican or St Paul’s underground stations. The museum's entrance is located on a pedestrian high walk which is reachable by stairs, escalators or lifts. The museum is free and if a disabled person emails them in advance, like I did, they can arrange a personal guide to help explore and explain some of the museum's many objects and galleries. Some objects can be touched. St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey both have outstanding audio guides and helpful staff. Both these historic, religious monuments are crowded with history and are personal favourites of mine as a blind tourist. St Paul’s Cathedral tactile 

Watching waterfalls in Iceland

London and “The Tower of " e are a must Tower Bridg

audio guide even gives directional instructions to each attraction within the church.

THE TOUCHABLES

Other accessible London highlights are pedestrianised Trafalgar Square, with its huge fountains and Nelson’s Column to a famous British sea Admiral. The four lion statues guarding it can just be touched! Obviously, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace are must-visits. Although Buckingham Palace is only open between JulyOctober and on selected dates. Tickets for guided tours of the State Rooms seem expensive. I also recommend visiting the Royal MEWS at Buckingham Palace. A working stable, it houses historic Royal carriages. Audio guides are available. Guided tours of the Houses of Parliament, which are located inside the Palace of Westminster, are offered in summer. The free one takes 75 minutes, whilst the paid tour lasts 90 minutes. Tickets must be booked in advance. Tours are given in other languages on set dates.

RIDING THE TUBE

Although London is a vast city, the central area is mostly walkable, and many pavements are navigable

with a cane or guide dog. I usually use the ‘Tube’ to travel around as it stops at or near most major landmarks. Nearly all tube trains announce stops and usually offer added information like nearby attractions. I.e. The King’s Cross underground stop announces exits to other tube lines, access to National Rail overground trains, and also the RNIB headquarters, which is nearby. Not all Tube stations are disabled friendly! Many have lots of steps and the tube itself is complex. However, if blind-visually impaired, you can ask underground staff for assistance down to the platform, onto the train and arrange to be met at your destination or get help changing tube trains. The assistance is free and efficient, especially during non-rush hours. Some of the newer stations now have step-free access and the tube train announcements often mention this. The London underground website also indicates what stations have disabled access. Some tube stations have braille on their ticket machines and staff can help people use these. It’s best to buy an Oyster card if using London public transport for a long time. You buy a card and load money onto it and simply tap it at the tube station barrier or near one of the doors on a bus. In General, people in London are very helpful in offering directions to destinations and help lost tourists, disabled or not. The majority of London’s pedestrian (Pelican) crossings have audio beeping signals and/or a tactile rotating knob under the push button unit that spins when the light becomes green to tell people to cross. Most Pelican crossings also have tactile bumps on the pavement by the audio crossing, notifying blind-visually impaired people they are at a pedestrian crossing. I’d recommend taking a relaxing boat ride along the River Thames. Several offer commentary and can be found at various peers along the river including; Millbank Pier, Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, and Bankside Pier. Also, try a ‘Duck’ Tour! Hop on a bus dressed as a duck for a land and river tour of London’s main sights on a fun and hilarious guided 70-minute adventure. It’s great fun and the commentary is excellent. The buses have few steps and I’m sure they could accommodate someone in a wheelchair, if booked in advance. tonythetraveller.com HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT londonxlondon.com/visit-houses-of-parliament LONDON RIVERBOAT SERVICES ON THE THAMES visitlondon.com/traveller-information

“Houses of Par liament and B uckingham Palace are mus t-visits"

EXCITING DUCK TOURS OF LONDON londonducktours.co.uk

ALOHA, ACCESSIBLE HAWAII

WORDS & IMAGES: LINDSAY NOTT

Who wants to trade the Australian winter for a Hawaiian summer? Sign me up! I was looking forward to escaping our winter for a couple of weeks of nice warm weather, sipping Pina Coladas while looking out at the idyllic waters of Waikiki, Honolulu, O’ahu Hawaii. As a super-organised person, I researched all of the accessible hotels, airport transfers, car hire, cruises, and attractions for months before I boarded the plane to take me to my tropical island getaway. (The only thing that slipped past me was taking a stock

of Aussie sunscreen – the American stuff does not hold up. That’s my first hot tip.) Here are my four favourite accessible activities to try if you’re visiting Hawaii.

1. HELICOPTER RIDE

I was thrilled to learn that Blue Hawaii (of Jurassic Park fame) had a mechanised seat for transfer. My travel buddy and I sat in the back row next to the window, which is the best position for mesmerising views of the island as the helicopter circles above. I highly recommend an aroundthe-island flight!

2. RELAXING IN THE HOTEL POOL

Before my trip to Hawaii, I hadn’t been in a pool for about 25 years. I was thrilled when Outrigger Waikiki hotel told me they had an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant pool. I consulted with my exercise physiologist and my travel buddy, and worked on an exercise routine leading up to the trip, so I could make the most of it. The pool hoist at Outrigger Waikiki is bolted to the side of the pool, and you use a remote to lower into the warm, salty water. I was nervous, but once I got comfortable there was no drama at all. I had an awesome view overlooking

the ocean, and I celebrated the moment with a Pina Colada poolside. As I have an incomplete injury, with altered sensation throughout my body, it was fantastic to try something new and to be able to feel the water over my body. The Outrigger Waikiki – with their pool hoist, helpful staff, a slide board, and my new floaty device–made it possible.

3. TAKING A DIP IN THE OCEAN

One (lucky) day at my hotel, I was waiting for an elevator when I struck up a conversation with a couple of friendly Scottish guys from Melbourne, Australia. A few days later, they were helping me and my travel

buddy transfer into a beach wheelchair for my first beach experience in 26+ years! It was a huge effort getting the beach wheelchair across the soft sand and into the water, but teamwork made it work. It was glorious feeling the waves roll in, and getting drenched in the salty sea water. It was a wonderful afternoon, one we were lucky enough to share and enjoy together. We all celebrated with cocktails and beers at the end of the day, watching a beautiful beach sunset.

4. VAN HIRE

Hiring an accessible van gave me the opportunity to visit some world-renowned locations and have once-in-a-

lifetime experiences. I got to see the Kualoa Ranch (which you might recognise from movies like Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates), visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens, enjoy a sunset dinner from local food trucks, and drive along the Waimea Bay Beach with the Beach Boys playing on the stereo. You can easily drive around the whole island in a day: and even if you don’t choose to hire a van, there are plenty of other accessible transport options, including buses, that will take you to locations like Pearl Harbour and Diamond Head. Website: myc5life.com Instagram: @myc5life

Image: MakingTrax Foundation

NUMBER OF DOMESTIC TRIPS EACH YEAR

39% 1 or 2

ACCESSIBLE & INCLUSIVE TRAVEL SNAPSHOT In November 2021 more than 270 people who travel with a disability responded to the first Travel Without Limits accessible and inclusive travel snapshot survey. Thank you to those who contributed. We are using the data we have collected to support our work advocating for better information and accessible travel infrastructure.

TRAVEL BASICS

As a community we travel domestically fairly frequently, with 67% of respondents taking between 1 and 4 trips each year. When it comes to heading

overseas, 54% of us don’t travel overseas at all, and 36% of us head off on one international trip each year. Interestingly, only 16% of us would like to be travelling significantly more than we currently are. Most frequently we travel with family members or friends - only 8% of us report travelling solo. 17% of us travel with a support worker all the time, whilst 54% of us never travel with a support worker. We research and book independently - 71% of us prefer to communicate directly with a travel provider rather than through a travel agent.

8% None

7 or more

28%

17%

3 or 4

5 or 6

3% of us would like to take as many domestic trips as possible

ANNUAL HOLIDAY BUDGET

38% $1,000 $5,000

11%

Less than $1,000

More than $20,000

26%

$15,000 $20,000

12%

$10,000 $15,000

$5,000 $10,000

Image: MakingTrax Foundation

WHO DO YOU NORMALLY TRAVEL WITH? Friends

My family, which includes kids

120

My partner/ spouse

I tend to travel solo

21 02

CHANGES FOR GOOD

100

120

DO YOU TRAVEL WITH A SUPPORT WORKER? Never

147

Occasionally

Sometimes

Most of the time

Yes, always

46 03

120

150

HOW DO YOU USUALLY BOOK YOUR TRAVEL? One of my support workers does it

HAS COVID-19 CHANGED THE WAY YOU'LL TRAVEL?

Someone else in my family does it

I use a travel agent

When considering a hotel or resort stay, these are the access and inclusion details, in order of priority, that we’d like to see more readily available. 1. Shower access 2. Photos 3. Layout / floor plans (rooms and common areas) 4. Equipment available for use 5. Included features (e.g. details of the bed, braille service menus, automatic doors etc) 6. Support available for those with sensory needs Overwhelmingly, the most common response to questions about the things that travel industry providers could do to make it easier for us to choose to book with them, was to provide more detailed and specific information. And to make that information easier to find online when we are doing our research. The second most common response was for staff to demonstrate understanding and empathy. Covid-19 has made us more hesitant about travel. We will research more, travel closer to home, and be more inclined to take out travel insurance. Covid-19 has amplified our desire to access relevant, detailed information to enable us to make the right travel choices for our personal circumstances.

17% Unsure

14% No

Myself: Online or directly with suppliers

191

None of the above

68% Yes

100

150

200

TRAVEL PREFERENCES We’re a community of road-trippers! 80% of us have it in our travel mix, with over 50% of us considering a road-trip most of the time we consider travelling. We also love a city break with 80% of us putting a city hotel stay into our holiday mix. A flop and drop resort stay is also popular, with 71% taking these sort of trips. Cruising and adrenaline fuelled travel were our least preferred types of travel, with respectively 32% and 39% of saying “no way, it’s not my thing”. Qantas was overwhelmingly the preferred airline of those tried by the community, with 44% of

respondents rating it their favourite. In order of most frequently mentioned, the airlines preferred by our community are: 1. Qantas 2. Virgin Australia 3. Jetstar 4. Emirates 5. Singapore Airlines 6. Air Canada 7. Air New Zealand 8. Delta And when it comes to flying, our most important considerations are about the handling of our equipment (e.g. wheelchair, walking frame etc), followed by access to bathrooms whilst on board.

IMPORTANT FLYING CONSIDERATIONS

19%

46%

38%

25%

Critical Impact

No Impact

10%

Critical Impact

No Impact

13%

27%

Significant Impact

16% Some Impact

Aircraft seating - you would prefer to remain in your wheelchair if it was an option

11%

No Impact

19%

Minimal Impact

13%

No Impact

Minimal Impact

26%

Significant Impact

27%

19%

Significant Impact

Some Impact

Lack of accessibility to aircraft bathrooms

22% Critical Impact

12% Some Impact

24%

20%

27%

No Impact

Critical Impact

10%

26%

Significant Impact

31% Some Impact

Challenges navigating the airports

11%

Minimal Impact

27%

Significant Impact

17% Some Impact

The cost of travelling with a support person

Minimal Impact

Concerns over handling of your equipment ie. wheelchair, walking frame

No Impact

Critical Impact

100

Minimal Impact

23%

Significant Impact

19% Some Impact

Lack of understanding of hidden disabilities

102 Kids Picks 104 The future of cruising with Cory Lee 106 We Review: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Image: Cory Lee

108 We Review: Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer 110 Free falling Four first time skydivers share their story 114 Directory

101

KIDS PICKS Tiare Johnston may travel to Russia regularly for therapy but she always makes the most of her time there travelling and seeing the sights with her parents. Tiare can you tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Tiare Johnston. I am nine years old. I love watching Frozen, Frozen 2 and Trolls. My favourite colour is pink. I enjoy books and modelling. I was recently part of the "live with us" campaign for Country Road.

with him. I went to the Museum Samara Cosmos (Space Museum). I learnt a lot about cosmonauts and saw a real rocket. Samara was really cold. We walked along the Volga River. I did not like being outside.

As a frequent traveller, what’s been your favourite holiday? Today I have sent you photos of my very first trip to Russia. I love going to Russia. I have travelled there three times. I went to Moscow for this trip. I have learnt some Russian words and phrases like "hello", "good morning", "how are you", "goodbye".

Was there anything you didn’t like about your trip? It was really tricky to get my wheelchair delivered to the aeroplane door. One stopover in the United Arab Emirates it took two hours to get my wheelchair.

Why do you like Russia so much? I like Russia because it's cold. The people are nice and I like trying Russian food. Is there a highlight from one of your trips to Russia you'd like to share? On my third trip to Russia I went to Samara. My Pa came with Mum and I. He loves me to pieces. I liked travelling

102

Do you have any problems when you travel? I need my parents to help me to access the loos. They are so small and it’s quite hard for two people to fit in the small space. What’s your top travel tip for other kids? Always be open to making new friends. Try to learn some of the local language. Take some Australian treats to give to a new friend and helpful people you meet along the way to show your gratitude.

Clockwise from top left: Samara Space Museum, Tiare at St Basil's Cathedral, Tiare enjoying the Samara Space Museum, Family time in Moscow, Samara Space Museum, Taking time to smell the flowers in Moscow

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Caption Cory onboard Scarlet Lady

THE FUTURE OF CRUISING 104

Cruise ships have been absent from Australian shores since early 2020 but the cruise industry is back up and running in other parts of the world. Keen to hear about the changes that have been implemented since the pandemic arrived, we asked intrepid traveller Cory from Curb Free with Cory Lee about his experience. He had plenty to share about the adaptations made by the cruise industry Cory can you please tell us about your recent cruise? I went on a 5-night cruise with Virgin Voyages on their brand new Scarlet Lady cruise ship. We cruised to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and then to Virgin Voyages’ private beach club, The Beach Club at Bimini, in the Bahamas. To say it was incredible would be an understatement. I had so much fun and when I wasn’t exploring the ship, I was immensely enjoying my spacious and wheelchair accessible sea terrace cabin. It had all of the accessibility amenities I needed, such as a roll-in shower, accessible balcony, and the lighting in the room could even be controlled with a provided iPad. We’d love to hear about some of the changes you noticed onboard compared to pre-pandemic cruising. There were certainly a lot of changes compared to pre-pandemic cruising, but I don’t think that it affected the quality of the cruising experience in any way. I was actually surprised by this! All crew members wore face masks throughout the cruise and masks were encouraged, but not required, for guests. During all shows though, masks were required for everyone, due to being unable to socially distance in the theatre. There was no smoking in the onboard casino as well, which was nice. Has there been any change to food service? People love a good cruise buffet so we are curious to know if the buffet is still alive and well? There was no buffet on my cruise.

Instead, we were seated and given a menu. A crew member would take our order and then bring us the food from whichever eatery we wanted. There were multiple eateries to choose from and food ranged from sushi to burgers to tacos and everything inbetween. The food was actually really delicious and I enjoyed not having to wander around a buffet and get my own food. It was quite nice to be waited on, even in the quick-service dining establishments onboard. Are there any new restrictions around the number of people in specific areas of the ships? Our cruise was at about 65 per cent capacity if I remember correctly, so it never felt overcrowded. Once onboard, we were free to meander around the ship however we liked.

Puerto Plata

Cory at The Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas

Is mask wearing, Covid tests or vaccination passports required to board? Everyone on the cruise had to be fully vaccinated (double dose). We also had to do a Covid test in the terminal and have a negative result right before we boarded the ship. Virgin Voyages provided the Covid tests and it was an easy, quick process. Did you feel safe about taking a cruise and if so, what protocols on board made you feel safe? I felt at ease throughout the cruise knowing that everyone onboard was fully vaccinated and tested negative. In the weeks leading up to the cruise, I tried to be as safe as possible, so that I could test negative and be allowed to take the cruise. Are you aware of any additional precautions the cruise lines are implementing such as enhanced medical facilities and how they handle any Covid cases onboard? We did have a medical facility onboard, which put my mind further at ease. But I’m not certain about other precautions. curbfreewithcorylee.com

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WE REVIEW: WILDLIFE RETREAT AT TARONGA WORDS & IMAGES: JULIE JONES

LOCATION

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is located on Cammeraigal country in the leafy North Shore suburb of Mosman. This awardwinning eco-retreat is nestled within Taronga Zoo and overlooks magnificent Sydney Harbour. Guests can arrive at Wildlife Retreat by car with complimentary parking provided as part of your stay. If you prefer to use public transport you can catch a ferry to the Taronga Zoo wharf and connect to a bus which has a stop near the Retreat.

FACILITIES

Guests staying at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga have access to Taronga Zoo throughout their stay with a private entrance connecting to the zoo. It certainly made it easy for us to arrive at the zoo at opening time and allowed us to see many of the animals, including the lion cubs, at their most active. A highlight of our stay was the Sanctuary

Morning tour Taronga

Tour which is exclusive to guests staying at the Wildlife Retreat. The tour can be booked on arrival for timed departures during the afternoon. We enjoyed joining our tour guide and a small group of fellow guests for the 30 minute walk/wheel through the exclusive area. Be warned, all animals have right of way, and nobody gets between an echidna and their dinner – not even a wheelchair. Our guide seamlessly directed us around the wheelchair accessible route throughout the tour. In the evening we dined in Me-Gai for dinner where we enjoyed delicious food with a side-order of stunning harbour views at sunset. The menu heroes locally sourced, quality produce which changes seasonally. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available. Child friendly meals are available and although the restaurant has five star décor the staff are down-to-earth and don’t even seem to look twice at a bit of a mess under a high chair. Having an early riser in our family we took advantage of a 7.15am tour of the zoo where a staff member educated us on various members of the zoo family. We found the birds were particularly chatty at that time of the morning – all before I’d had my first cuppa for the day! Insights into the personalities, origins and diets of the various residents really adds depth to a visit and was something we all enjoyed.

ACCOMMODATION

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers luxury accessible accommodation without compromising on the facilities that make a stay truly accessible to a wheelchair user. It’s always particularly delightful to find an accessible room with a view and as we pulled back the curtains, not only could we spy various animals meandering around the dedicated Wildlife Retreat Sanctuary, but in the distance, we could see the Sydney Harbour Bridge glistening in the afternoon sun. Being a family of four adults we appreciate any accessible accommodation

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with the option of an interconnecting room. It's also handy for those travelling with family, friends or support staff. While it’s nice to have the option of being together, it’s also sometimes handy to be able to close that interconnecting door if needed.

ACCESSIBILITY

The plush accommodation has been designed with accessibility top of mind. Entry to the room is via the simple tap of a card and once inside we were immediately wowed by the features of the spacious room and generously sized and stylish accessible bathroom. It’s proof that accessibility and sleek design can blend beautifully. The bathroom is equipped with all the necessities for ease of use including lever taps, grab rails, a backrest on the toilet and shower bench. Guests can choose between the two shower heads, one hand-held and height adjustable and one large overhead rainmaker shower. Lowered features and more than ample space for a toiletries bag ensure everything is within easy reach. An iPad in the room provides information about the Wildlife Retreat at the touch of a button. While the Retreat’s accommodation is spread out over a large area the accessible accommodation is located close to reception, the restaurant and N’Gurra Lounge which is the perfect spot for a predinner drink. Accessible parking is provided for guests in Taronga Zoo’s undercover multideck car park (maximum vehicle height 2.1m) which is approximately 400 metres from the entrance to Wildlife Retreat. Guests can leave luggage with hotel staff at the entrance prior to parking. Our family had a wonderful stay at Wildlife Retreat Taronga and appreciate that accessibility and sustainability can coexist so harmoniously in a luxury property. Whether you are looking for a staycation, a destination for a celebration or a unique Sydney accommodation option, we highly recommend a stay at the zoo.

A couple of Sanctuary residents

The Sanctuary tour at Wildlife Retreat

Accessible accommodation at Wildlife Retreat

Accessible bathroom Wildlife Retreat

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WE REVIEW: MÖVENPICK HOTEL MELBOURNE ON SPENCER

WORDS: MARTIN HENG

LOCATION

Gazing up at the 246m high Premier Tower, I was struck not only by how futuristic the Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer appeared but also by how organic it seemed, so it was no surprise to learn that its curves were inspired by the music video for Beyoncé’s “Ghost”. It’s a perfect complement to the undulating skate-park-like roof of Southern Cross Station located directly opposite the hotel, whose 172 rooms take up floors 1 to 6 of the tower. The hotel is in a fantastic location in Melbourne CBD’s southwest. Both metro and regional trains depart Southern Cross,

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as well as regional coaches and the SkyBus to Melbourne airport, while a tram stop directly outside the hotel connects you to the tram network, including the free City Circle tram. (NB All tram rides within Melbourne CBD are free.) But you may not need public transport at all because there’s so much within easy walking distance: Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Marvel Stadium, the Crown Casino complex and the Southbank promenade. Not much further afield are some of Melbourne’s iconic laneways and fabled eateries, Federation Square and Melbourne’s arts complex, as well as Queen Victoria and South Melbourne markets.

FACILITIES

The heated 25m swimming pool, hot tub and sauna are all open until 10 PM, and the compact but well-equipped gym is open 24 hours. There’s ramp access to the gym and a portable pool hoist available on request. Sadly, the Asian fusion Miss Mi restaurant was closed when we stayed, and the breakfast was à la carte rather than buffet but I thoroughly enjoyed my swimmer crab scrambled eggs topped with prawns and a side of roasted mushrooms.

ACCOMMODATION

Having opened only two months prior to my visit, the hotel is showroom pristine – the

bed linen crisp and the bathroom linen soft and lush – with its corridors lined not by conventional abstract “art” but instead by photographs of Melbourne’s street art and cafe scenes taken by noted local photographers. The TVs are stateof-the-art, controllable with your smartphone and loaded with all the streaming apps, although you need to log in with your own account; alternatively, you can connect your computer or phone and stream music or video from your own devices. With a homage to its Swiss and ice cream heritage, a small mountain of Rocky Road and two empty waffle ice cream cones – to be filled downstairs at the ice cream bar – awaited me on the table. I left them there to dash downstairs to experience the hotel’s daily Chocolate Hour, which was somewhat overhyped, although the (paid for) chocolate parfait, with macaroons, marshmallows and three different types of ice cream, was

deliciously decadent! I never did manage to eat the Rocky Road.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Superior King Accessible Room was enormous – appreciably larger than the regular rooms – with plenty of circulation space around the king-sized bed since the furniture was sensibly arranged against the walls. It was a delight not to have to insert and remove a key card to enter the room – almost impossible with my hand function – as you simply tap your card to unlock the door. The air conditioning controller was also thoughtfully placed at waist level, and the bedside table had a plug socket – both ideal for wheelchair users. Cabinets, shelves and hangers were also all lowered. The accessible bathroom was equally spacious and well designed. The tap and shower hose were conveniently situated right next to the long, fold-down shower bench, with the soap and shampoo

also within reach. With a big tick for sustainability these dispensers are refillable rather than single use. There were plenty of grab rails, a fully retractable shower curtain and no annoying lips on the bathroom floor. There’s a disabled parking spot in the car park that has space for a side entry. There are Braille buttons in the lift as well as audible announcements. The super-friendly staff were more than happy to come and collect my bags from the car park. I was most impressed by the willingness of management to take on feedback regarding accessibility: although independent pool access for wheelchair users is impossible at the moment, management is working on a solution; and Deaf guests can look forward to vibrating pillow alarms in the near future! With 10 accessible rooms, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Mövenpick Hotel to any wheelchair user who wants to stay in the heart of Melbourne.

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FREE FALLING

Four first time skydivers share their story on what makes this adrenaline sport one of the most accessible there is. WORDS: JANEECE KELLER I’ll be honest, skydiving isn’t the first activity that comes to mind when I think of accessible fun. But when I stop and think about it, maybe it should. I’ve donned a parachute and jumped out of a plane dozens of times and in some pretty spectacular places around the world. Over the beach at Byron Bay, over Uluru at sunset, next to Table Mountain in Cape Town and over the Bay Area in San

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Francisco are some of my favourites. But the jump that had the biggest impact on me was my first. I was 23 years old. I won the experience at work. A tandem jump into the main arena at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. At night. During the short flight up to the jump point, I chatted to my tandem partner about his experience. He’d been jumping 

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for more than a decade and gave me so much confidence in his capability that when it came time to strap ourselves together I wasn’t particularly nervous. The free fall made my eyes water so, to be honest, I don’t have a clear picture of what it looked like parachuting over the spectacle that is the Royal Easter Show. But the crowd loved the show as they were cheering and whistling as my tandem partner and I stood up after landing on our bottoms and dusted ourselves off. It wasn’t until I was un-hitched and turned around to say thank you to the man who’d brought me safely to the ground that I realised that he had a prosthetic leg. And he was waving it at the crowd. At that

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moment I realised that skydiving was far more accessible than I’d ever imagined.

HARRISON’S STORY

Harrrison broke his C4 vertebrae mountain biking and was instantly paralysed from his neck down. It meant he went from being an active kid to one who was unable to breathe unassisted or speak for two months in ICU. “It’s been a pretty big adjustment going in and out of rehab and hospital and keeping up with school. But I’ve got some pretty solid mates that have helped me through it,” Harrison said. After Harrison was out of ICU in January 2020, his friend Ben brought up going

skydiving for his birthday. “I thought it was a bit of a joke at first, as I still had a tracheostomy procedure to be done, so we put it on hold,” he said. Then COVID-19 delayed things a bit longer. At Royal Rehab in Sydney, Harrison brought up the idea of skydiving with the Sport and Rec Officer, Kel Smith, who got the ball rolling. After chatting with some people who’d done it before and getting clearance from his doctor (which he said was a “pretty easy process”), Harrison booked a tandem jump at Wollongong DZ. So what did Harrison think of his first tandem skydive? He Loved it! “More airtime than I got on any bike jump,” he said!

A ROLL TO THE RIGHT INTO SPACE, AND THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN RYAN’S STORY

Ryan was a healthy, fit and active 16-yearold when he became sick with what seemed like a bad cold for a couple of weeks. Ryan was later admitted to hospital where he found out that he had Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the left ventricle is enlarged and weakened. The condition was most likely caused by a virus. As a result, Ryan was in end stage heart failure and in desperate need of a new heart. After receiving a donor heart, Ryan celebrated his new chance at life by skydiving with his family. For Ryan it was “an amazing chance to appreciate all his life has to offer”.

GEOFF’S STORY

Imagine hanging from the edge of the plane, wind in your face, feet dangling into the air. How would this moment feel if you couldn’t see? Geoff, 78, is the president of Exsight Tandems Illawarra, and has been completely blind since childhood. Exsight began in 2008 and provides tandem cycling opportunities for people with vision impairment, or who for any reason cannot ride solo. One of Geoff’s tandem pilots at Exsight, Dallas, is also a tandem instructor at Skydive Australia’s Wollongong DZ. Together they decided to

take the leap over Wollongong. So how did it feel to take the leap? “Dallas instructed me to straighten the knees and we shuffled forward off the low seat with the open door becoming ever more the point of no return. And then; a roll to the right into space, and the world turned upside down,” Geoff said. “The speed was fantastic with the roar of the rushing air making anything else impossible to hear,” he continued. Geoff experienced “a strange euphoric state that I can only imagine must be something like people experience when tripping out on their favourite mood changer,” he said. It was “the experience of a lifetime.”

With state of the art equipment, a dedicated, professional and experienced crew, Skydive Australia is proud to be able to offer disability skydiving options at the following drop zones: Wollongong Byron Bay, Newcastle, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Mission Beach, Melbourne, York (Perth), Gold Coast skydive.com.au

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Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane 123

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