7 On Merindah – Quandamooka Country – Coochiemudlo Island, QLD ~Accessibility Review
Tranquil wheelchair-accessible natural bush beauty
7 on Merindah resides with charm on Moreton Bay's residential Island, Coochiemudlo ( the indigenous name, Kutchi-mudlo, for place of redstone).
It's still quite rare to find a fully accessible house in Australia in a holiday destination. It’s great to have one located on this small residential island that exudes calm holiday vibes with views of the water from all sides and easily discovered while roll/ strolling the many accessible paths. It is accessed by a 7-minute barge ferry which feels a bit fun.
This comfortable, warmly decorated house with a choice of beds and bedding arrangements, a large fully accessible bathroom, and roll-under kitchen benchtops has all the other amenities that are important to a good quality stay. Two deck levels and a garden fire pit area in a large quiet and private front area top off the appeal.
WEBSITE | BOOKING:
I enjoyed the process of booking through Accessible Accommodation as they provided clear booking confirmation, including personal contact and the option to choose the bedding set-up and comprehensive check-in instructions.
WHAT WORKED:
All the accessible information I needed is clearly itemised on the website.
Easy process booking online through Accessible Accommodation.
Check-in instructions, including barge ferry information, were thorough.
ACCESS TO VENUE | PARKING:
7 on Merindah is set back on the block and has a wide and high, covered car parking area at the front of the house, which is accessed by a comfortably graded 1100mm wide railed ramp. The fine gravel driveway is stable and easy to roll over with a grid base laid underneath.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
WHAT WORKED:
The internal proportions were more than standard requirements in many cases and made life so much better not to have to think as much when manoeuvring between rooms.
External sliding door widths of 1859 mm and 1050 mm with smooth roll-over.
Hallway 1100 mm wide.
All bedroom door widths are 830mm, laundry 860mm.
The main bathroom is a generous open plan design 2450 x 2900mm with great shower drainage.
Under sink clearance in the bathroom is 550mm, the kitchen under bench clearance is 700 mm.
Each bedroom is very generously proportioned with an easy 1m clearance on at least one side of any bed configuration. Bed 2 is 4500mm x 3200mm, Bed 3 is 3850mm to wardrobe, and Bed 1 is 3100mm x 3100mm.
Enough power points for charging.
Under bed height clearance min. 130mm
The ensuite in bedroom one could be considered entry-level accessible (although the owners make no claims to this) as it has a 900mm wide roll-in shower and open entry 950mm wide toilet alcove and is 2450mm deep however, there are no grab rails and it is quite a lot smaller than the main accessible bathroom with no roll under basin.
SUMMARY:
7 on Merindah is the closest I have felt to a home away from home since I have been disabled. We had ample room to handle all the manoeuvering and adjustments that come with hoist transfers, dressing and other daily activities, and it was lovely to lose one travel task - setting up our travel air mattress. Coochiemudlo Island is the most unique holiday destination that I've stayed in. It was a lovely opportunity to relax to the sounds of nature and enjoy some quiet serenity*.
IMPORTANT FOOTNOTE:
* The weird nightly wails of the bush stone curlew do their best to detract from this peacefulness.
I look at how accommodation providers present an overall inclusive experience for their quests. While I focus on mobility access, I hope to get ideas from you and others to add observations relating to other disabilities. I take a comprehensive look at everything from initial website experience to staff attitudes, as well as the structural elements. All door measurements are the workable door width, considering the edge of the door or other obstacles intruding into the threshold. Finally, and importantly, I advise you to research to suit your individual needs but I hope this is a good start.
Happy accessible living and playing!
My reviews are my own and I have not received payment or entered into any contra arrangements with accommodation owners or second-tier providers.