BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park (Australia) has added an accommodation option for the disabled by constructing the specially designed three-bedroom luxurious villa.
The fully self-contained home has an extra-large master bedroom that has an extra wide entrance to make it easy for wheelchairs or mobility assistance, a king-sized bed, and a large bathroom with a walk-in or roll-in shower that has railings and handrails for assistance.
There is also a level entry from the parking lot to the entrance of the house and an area in the living space as well as on the deck to comfortably turn and maneuver with a wheelchair or other aids to mobility, according to a report by Australian Seniors News.
“The villa has been specifically designed to make it a little easier for a mobility-impaired guest to enjoy their holiday,” BIG4 Castlemaine Owner Claire Height said.
“There are often barriers to traveling and holidaying for people with a disability, and there are limited options in the region. The new villa is an important step in improving access to BIG4 Castlemaine for people with limited mobility, and I’m looking at further possibilities for the future.”
The park also has a large dedicated family and wheelchair and special needs-friendly bathrooms for guests who require them, as well as accessible bathroom facilities within its main male and female amenities blocks. Staff can also help guests with specific needs by arranging for a suitable location and proximity to amenities, said Height.
Disability-related travelers spend an average of AU$8 billion on Australian tourism, accounting for 11% of the total tourist expenditure, as per Tourism Victoria’s Accessible Tourism report.
“It’s an important market tourism operators could do more to better cater for,” Height said.
Mt Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group recently visited BIG4 Castlemaine to view the new building and provide suggestions on how that will improve accessibility at the park.
“The Group’s insights and recommendations were invaluable,” Height said.
“I know modifying a business to improve accessibility can seem daunting, but I have learned there are numerous simple, low-cost tools and options that make a huge difference to a business being more welcoming to people using a wheelchair or a walking frame. I would encourage every business in the area to draw on the wealth of information and knowledge that is available to see what they can do.”
The next project for Among Height is the creation of a sensory garden for enjoyment for all guests who have disabilities.
“BIG4 Castlemaine is especially loved for its beautiful parkland setting,” she said.
“But, of course, like much of Castlemaine, it’s a hilly area. I want to create an accessible and level area that stimulates the senses, showcases the scope of indigenous plants, and that is simply a beautiful place for guests to be in, including mobility-impaired guests.”
BIG4 Castlemaine was recently named the top mixed Use Caravan Park of the year during the 2022 VicParks Caravan Park Awards. This year it took home Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks Category at the Victorian Tourism Awards and was highly commended at the National Tourism Awards.