Pavilion Geelong (Wadawurrung Country) - Accessibility Review
Pavilion Geelong - accessible entrance
A picturesque waterfront accessible roll/stroll leads to the historic promenade area and one of the most accessible restaurant/cafés I've ever been to – Pavilion. The kiosk and outdoor dining area greet us with the happy sounds of seagulls, mingling people, and bright piped music.
The entrance to Pavilion has smooth roll-in with double doors, the tables are comfy and easily accessed by a wheelchair and the staff are wonderfully friendly and attentive.
My review is on the restaurant downstairs and I'm yet to be is it the upstairs restaurant called Caledonia Shores. However, I have it on good authority that the access is from the car park at the rear of the building and there it is an accessible toilet. Stay tuned for more info and pics
WEBSITE | BOOKING:
WHAT WORKED:
· Online booking is through OpenTable where you can request accessibility requirements in the notes section
· The menus for breakfast, dinner and kiosk are available via links to the relevant PDF
WHAT DIDN’T WORK :
· Any mention at all of accessible features.
ACCESS TO VENUE | PARKING:
· Accessible parking is available in the shared public parking for all Eastern Beach visitors. Parking can be tricky when there are events but overall is an easy, smooth and safe way to visit pavilion Geelong.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
WHAT WORKED:
· Good space around and under the tables
· Completely flat surface around the dining area and into the toilet/ washroom section
· Flush double door entrance
· Fantastic staff
· A large accessible bathroom that accommodates a hoist and a wheelchair if need be
· Auto sliding door to the back corridor where all the washrooms open into
WHAT DIDN’T WORK:
· The door to the accessible toilet itself was a standard hinge opening and heavy door
WHAT’S AROUND:
· Eastern Beach promenade jetty walk
· Ferris wheel and carousel
· Children's playground
· Eastern Beach recreation reserve
· Saltwater pool
· Geelong Botanic Gardens
OTHER COMMENTS:
I just LOVE the charm and accessibility of the whole of Eastern Beach including the Geelong Bollard Trail . Curved along part of the Corio Bay Foreshore, a smooth, wide sandy coloured path, transports all manner of people in all modes of mobility. Eastern Beach Foreshore is beautiful any time of year. Sand and gently lapping water are a few steps away on one side (permanent concrete ramps lead to the water in some sections), while on the paths south side the huge wide grassy Eastern Beach Reserve begs to be picnicked and played on.
Pavilion Geelong is a superb accessible addition to a perfect historic waterfront area.
IMPORTANT FOOTNOTE:
I look at the ways in which businesses present an overall inclusive experience for their patrons. 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. I do not comment on food (except sometimes if it’s super fab I might not be able to help myself) as you can have the joy of making up your own mind on that.
Happy accessible living and playing,
