Basils Farm - Wadawurrung Country - Swan Bay, Vic ~ Accessibility Review
Overview
Basil’s farm is a place that we love to take our visitors for a special meal when they stay with us on the Bellarine Peninsula. The vista over Swan Bay is spectacular and accessible while dining inside the pavilion area through three walls of glass and clear blinds in winter which are opened to the bay air in the warmer months.
The grounds including the vegetable garden have firm reasonably flat paths and grassed areas.
Best of all, even though Basils Farm was clearly not originally built with inclusivity in mind, the owners have overcome and adapted to the original limitations.
WEBSITE | BOOKING:
WHAT WORKED:
Direct online booking through their website
Space to write down any dietary, accessibility or other requirements.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK :
No mention at all of accessibility on their website* or during the booking process
However, upon emailing them, I found out that people with mobility restrictions are also catered for.
ACCESS TO VENUE | PARKING:
Car parking is on compacted gravel ground with accessible parking right in front of the entrance
There is usually a gate attendant to usher guests through to the building or the grounds
WHAT’S INSIDE:
WHAT WORKED:
As the main cottage entrance has a few steps leading to the porch people using devices are directed through the back entry and the kitchen – and a quick peak at the dessert options in the fridge
The inside surfaces are flat and there is enough space around the tables for a wheelchair
There is an accessible toilet - the key feature that people with disability look for.
WHAT COULD WORK BETTER:
The tables are quite low for a power wheelchair so be prepared to tilt forward or get assistance with eating if necessary - as I do.
The accessible toilet is located outside.
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. 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 !
*People with disability, their families and friends can search for venues much easier if there is a description of the accessibility features either in a separate tab or integrated into the description. Images of parking areas, door thresholds, seating areas and bathrooms provide informed decision making and reduce the stress that accompanies many social outings for people with a disability.