Etty Bay Caravan Park in Tropical North Queensland has completed a significant accessibility upgrade, enhancing its facilities to welcome visitors with diverse needs.
The project, funded by the Accessible Tourism Infrastructure Grant, was driven by a personal motivation to create inclusive experiences for all guests.
Douglas Tait, director of 1 Eight Parks Pty Ltd, shared the inspiration behind the project. “A very close friend’s daughter was impacted by a viral infection after having her tonsils removed, which led to a rare neurological condition. I wanted to give every little person a chance to visit the region, as it is one of the only places in Australia where wild cassowaries roam freely,” Tait explained.
The renovation faced challenges, including two tropical cyclones during a difficult wet season, but the team completed the project on schedule.
The upgrade involved converting an existing module into accessible accommodation, featuring wheelchair-friendly layouts, accessible bathrooms with grab bars and shower chairs, and clear pathways from parking to the cabin.
Tait emphasized Etty Bay Caravan Park’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment. “Our mission was to create an inclusive accommodation solution for guests of all abilities. We aimed to ensure comfort for everyone, which is why we chose the highest quality finishes for the bathrooms,” he said.
The project also embraces sustainability and circular economy principles. Tait noted, “1 Eight pushes the circular economy in all facets of the business, so we designed a full refurbishment of an older structure and had to work hand-in-hand with the modular builder to adopt this approach.”
This initiative contributes to broader efforts in Tropical North Queensland to promote accessible tourism, enhancing the region’s commitment to inclusive travel experiences. The successful completion of this project at Etty Bay Caravan Park demonstrates the potential for campgrounds and RV parks to create more welcoming environments for all visitors.
Featured image by Etty Bay Caravan Park via facebook.com/ettybaycaravanpark
