RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort (Wurundjeri Country) - Accessibility Review
My son and I enjoying the expansive accessible grounds of RACV Healesville Resort
After 20 months of rolling lockdowns our extended family of 13 were excited to be together again, and even more so to celebrate our much-loved Grandma/Mum’s milestone birthday.
RACV Healesville is set in a naturally beautiful and serene area of Victoria with nearby Healesville Sanctuary and Maroondah Reservoir Park featuring accessible paths. The RACV Healesville has very helpful staff, lifts to each floor, and loads of accessible car parking both underground and above. We had a fabulous time.
WEBSITE | BOOKING:
Website - click here
WHAT WORKED:
A tab on the homepage for disability-friendly information which is a summary as follows:
“Accommodation rooms with facilities for people living with disability are available and can be requested when making a reservation.
All areas of the Club are fitted with a lift or ramp and toilets are designed for accessibility with sufficient space to allow walking aids and wheelchairs.
Electric scooters and wheelchairs are also available for use by Members and guests staying in-house at Healesville.
When dining, suitable seating arrangements can be made in all Club dining areas”.
Helpful, courteous assistance upon phone booking
WHAT DIDN’T WORK :
Every accommodation website should include a comprehensive description of which room types are accessible with photos and measurements. RACV Healesville Resort website lacks this fundamental information.
ACCESS TO VENUE | PARKING:
Very easy and spacious on both ground level outside and underground car parking
WHAT’S INSIDE:
WHAT WORKED:
Flat, smooth entry to the main foyer; the front door sliding, with all others being heavy, fire-retardant swing doors.
The foyer and central lounge area were large and roomy and perfect for a larger gathering meeting place.
The accessible rooms are located on the ground floor with a 95cm wide doorway and a bathroom 2.5 x 2.8m wide with a rollunder bench and adjustable shower head on a fixed wall rail.
The private courtyard features recessed sliding door tracks.
We requested bed risers to enable us to use a hoist under the bed which were provided with ease.
As restrictions were only just lifted one restaurant was open which is known as their sports bar, Riddells Green. We spent some lovely family time there and a hearty buffet breakfast upstairs.
Loading cars can be done directly out the front or underground.
Lifts, wide spaces throughout, friendly staff, beautiful views, small lip to the communal balcony which was comfortably manageable in my powerchair.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK :
Insert card entry is not accessible – a touch or wave pad system would be ideal.
No auto door opening at end of the corridor to walk around part of the grounds
WHAT’S AROUND:
Healesville Sanctuary - click here
Maroondah Reservoir Park - click here. The small section I rolled around, close to the spillway waterfall was beautifully smooth. And information here details accessibility features further.
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. Ofcourse I advise you to research to suit your individual needs but I hope this is a good start.
Happy accessible living and playing !
