Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Shoreham, Victoria!

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Why Visit?

Discover Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens: A Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure

Embark on an enchanting journey to Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens, a truly accessible natural haven, just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. As Australia’s oldest and largest maze, the garden offers a delightful and fully inclusive experience for those on wheels.

Getting There

Accessible transport options are aplenty. Drive down in a wheelchair-friendly vehicle or book an accessible tour bus that provides comfortable rides with necessary accommodations. On-site parking includes several accessible parking spots located near the entrance for convenience.

Start Your Adventure

Begin your visit at the welcoming visitor center where you can pick up a map specifically highlighting wheelchair-accessible paths. The friendly staff are on hand to assist with any specific needs.

Explore the Mazes

Wheel your way through the spectacular Hedge Maze, made wheelchair accessible by wide, smooth pathways that navigate through lush greenery. Marvel at the intricate layout and the floral scents that waft through the air - a testament to gardeners who maintain the beauty all year round.

Lavender Gardens

Continue to the serene Lavender Gardens, blooming vividly from November to January. The garden paths are firm and flat, ensuring a smooth glide amidst the purple splendor. The scent of lavender is not only a delight but is also known for its calming properties, enhancing the therapeutic nature of your visit.

Rose Maze

Don"t miss the stunning Rose Maze, which showcases over 1,200 rose bushes. The paths here are also designed to be accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors and the romantic ambiance.

Rest and Refresh

Take a break at the on-site café, which offers a range of delightful treats with accessible seating overlooking the gardens. The lavatory facilities are also wheelchair-friendly, ensuring a comfortable visit.

Interesting Fact

Ashcombe Maze was designed back in 1972 and has since grown into a sprawling wonderland that captivates everyone who visits, regardless of mobility.

Whether it’s the lush mazes or the tranquil lavender fields, Ashcombe provides a picturesque and inclusive day out for all. Enjoy the beauty of nature in a setting that embraces diversity and accessibility at every turn.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful journey to Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, a scenic oasis nestled in the lush landscapes of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Renowned for its accessibility, this farm is a perfect getaway for those on wheelchors and mobility scooters.

Getting There

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm is accessible by both private and public transport. If driving, it"s roughly an hour from Melbourne via the M11 freeway. Ample disabled parking spaces are available near the entrance. For those using public transport, buses run from Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula, and you may need to book a taxi or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for the final stretch.

Your Visit Begins

Start your visit at the welcoming reception area, where wheelchairs can easily navigate. Grab a map specifically highlighting the accessible paths, bathrooms, and facilities.

Strawberry Picking

Your main adventure begins in the expansive, wheelchair-friendly strawberry fields. The farm has specially designed the lower berry patches for easy reach from a seated position, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of picking their own fresh strawberries. Visit during the peak season from November to April for the best picking experience.

Tasting and Workshops

After gathering your berries, head to the farm"s café and tasting room. Here, indulge in a strawberry-inspired menu with all ingredients sourced locally. The café is well-equipped with ramps and wide doorways. Don’t miss the strawberry liqueurs and jams tasting session, where the farm"s unique strawberry wine is a must-try.

Shopping and Leisure

Conclude your tour at the onsite shop, accessible by a smooth, flat pathway. It"s a great spot to buy farm-made strawberry products like jams, syrups, and dried fruits.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Sunny Ridge is a family-owned business since the 1960s and is one of the largest producers of strawberries in Australia?

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm promises a joyful and accessible day out, filled with delicious treats and serene countryside views.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Point Nepean National Park

Why Visit?

Explore Point Nepean National Park: A Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure

Embark on a scenic and accessible journey through the historic and natural wonders of Point Nepean National Park, a captivating peninsula where nature meets history at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia.

Getting There

Easily reachable by car and public transport, the park is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne. For those using public transport, catch a train to Frankston and then switch to bus route 788, which stops at Portsea. From there, accessible taxi services or pre-booked accessible tours can help you reach the park entrance.

Start Your Tour at the Visitor Centre

Begin at the fully accessible Point Nepean Visitor Centre. Here, you can delve into the park’s rich past through interactive exhibits and pick up a map that highlights accessible trails and points of interest. The Centre also has accessible restrooms and parking.

Gunners Cottage to Fort Nepean

From the Visitor Centre, head towards Gunners Cottage using the Coles Track, a firm, mostly flat path suited for wheelchairs and scooters. The trail offers stunning coastal views and leads you to several historical sites. At Gunners Cottage, explore the quaint museum showcasing artifacts from the park"s military history.

Fort Nepean

Continue along the paved Defence Road to reach Fort Nepean. While some areas of the Fort may have access limitations, major parts, including the Parade Ground, are wheelchair accessible. Discover the fort’s role in the first and second World Wars and enjoy panoramic views of the Bass Strait.

Eagle"s Nest

On your way back, take a detour to the accessible lookout at Eagle’s Nest. It offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and is the perfect spot for a serene break.

Relax at Observatory Point

Cap your visit with a stop at Observatory Point. The lookout provides a picturesque setting to reflect on your day surrounded by nature’s beauty.

With thoughtful planning and facilities, Point Nepean National Park ensures an enriching and accessible experience for all visitors.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Why Visit?

Discover Cape Schanck Lighthouse: A Wheelchair-Friendly Exploration

Morning: Arrival at Cape Schanck

Start your day with a scenic drive to Cape Schanck, located on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, about 90 minutes from Melbourne. Parking is accessible, with dedicated spots for those with mobility limitations near the visitor center. Upon arrival, head to the visitor center where you can use accessible restrooms and gather more information about the area"s history and geography.

Late Morning: Lighthouse Tour

The iconic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, established in 1859, offers guided tours that are accessible for wheelchair users. The grounds around the lighthouse provide smooth, flat paths, allowing everyone to enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline and the historic beacon itself. The lighthouse tour includes entry to the museum where you can delve into the maritime history and the life of a lighthouse keeper.

Lunch: Picnic with a View

Adjacent to the lighthouse, find several accessible picnic areas with breathtaking ocean views. You can enjoy a pre-packed lunch or snacks from a nearby café, ensuring you have a relaxed meal with the backdrop of the Mornington Peninsula’s dramatic scenery.

Afternoon: Boardwalk Adventure

Post lunch, venture onto the accessible boardwalk that meanders through the native bushland leading to lookouts over Bass Strait. The boardwalk is well-maintained and suitable for wheelchairs and scooters, offering various viewing platforms where you can pause and perhaps catch a glimpse of migrating whales during the season.

Late Afternoon: Reflections and Departure

As the day winds down, enjoy a leisurely return to the visitor center, reflecting on the rich history and natural beauty you"ve experienced. The gift shop at the center offers unique souvenirs, ensuring you take a piece of Cape Schanck home with you.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse is not just a beacon on the coast but a gateway to exploring the accessible wonders of the Mornington Peninsula, making it an ideal day out for everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Day at Enchound Adventure Garden

Embark on an enchanting journey to the Enanted Adventure Garden, a magical place where nature and fun intertwine, perfectly accessible for those on wheels. Located in the lush hinterlands of Arthurs Seat, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this garden offers a mix of adventure and tranquility.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach the Enchanted Adventure Garden is by car. Accessible parking spaces are available close to the entrance. If you prefer public transport, buses run from Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula, though you may require a taxi for the final leg of the journey.

Start Your Adventure

Begin at the entrance where smooth pathways lead you to the captivating Garden Canopy Walk. Glide under a leafy archway and encounter whimsical sculptures and rich floral displays, all accessible through broad, well-maintained paths.

Maze Exploration

Next, test your navigation skills at the accessible hedge mazes. These have been thoughtfully designed with wide paths and gentle corners to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters seamlessly, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

Lunch Break

By noon, stop at The Big Goose Café located within the garden. It offers wheelchair-friendly tables and a delightful menu featuring fresh local produce. Don’t forget to try their signature scones!

Sculpture Trail

Post-lunch, set off on the accessible sculpture trail that winds through the woods. Each piece tells a unique story, melding art with nature, easily enjoyed from the comfort of your wheelchair or scooter.

Relax and Reflect

End your day in the sensory garden, a peaceful enclave that stimulates all five senses with its aromatic plants, tactile sculptures, and soothing sounds, all reachable via flat, navigable paths.

Interesting Fact

The Enchanted Adventure Garden was designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that the beauty of the landscape is accessible to all visitors, making it a pioneer in garden accessibility in the region.

Enjoy your visit to this marvelous garden, where adventure and accessibility meet amidst nature’s splendor!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.