5 Access Friendly Attractions in the North West
Tasmania is quickly becoming one of Australia’s top tourist destinations, with its array of access-friendly attractions. In recent years, businesses across the North West region have also been working hard to ensure their services and experiences are wheelchair friendly and accessible to all. Here are five tourism operations we think you should add to your travel itinerary if you’re looking for an accessibility-friendly adventure in North West Tasmania!
Wings Wildlife Park
Wings Wildlife Park at Gunns Plains is the perfect outing for families and people of all ages and abilities.
An estimated 85% of the Park is accessible to wheelchairs thanks to a network of compacted gravel pathways with strategically placed ramps allowing for a seamless access-friendly attraction experience.
The Farm Walk might pose a bit of a challenge due to uneven ground in the paddocks, but the team assures us there are still plenty of other things to see and do, and with over 150 different animal species to see and learn about, we’re inclined to agree. Plus, there is an onsite café for refreshments after your adventure.
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Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy
Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy is located in Smithton, the heart of the dairy country. This state-of-the-art working dairy is also home to La Cantara Cheeses – pure, creamy artisan cheeses that are produced on-site.
They offer guided tours weekly from Monday to Saturday. The bus from the visitor centre isn’t wheelchair accessible, so instead of hopping on to start your tour, you get to drive the short 400m distance to the dairy door in the comfort of your own vehicle instead. The robotic dairy is wheelchair accessible and you will enjoy the experience from the comfort of a purpose-built observation room. Closely see how the cows get automatically and voluntarily milked, play with the scratching brushes and if you are patient and lucky, they may come to you for a head scratch.
From the same viewing area, visitors can see how the fresh milk is turned into different varieties of cheese, from fresh to aged and soft to semi-hard. People can also see the cheeses in the maturing rooms and witness the different stages of maturation and their characteristics.
Then finish up back at the Duck River Meadows Pavilions and enjoy sampling a delicious range of La Cantara Cheeses, knowing that you’ve just witnessed the entire manufacturing process from paddock to plate. How good is that? We guarantee this is an experience that everyone will enjoy.
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Pedal Buggies Tasmania
Pedal Buggies is fun for all ages and abilities and offers a great way to get out and explore Ulverstone’s scenery. The buggies are wheelchair-accessible and feature ramps and adjustable seating. There’s no need for anyone to miss out on the fun, you can also stay in your wheelchair and hop on the back to enjoy a ride! Pram trailers can also be added to a family buggy hire which means everyone else can get on board and get peddling.
The Pedal Buggies team knows the ins and outs of making sure everyone has a great time, and they’re always ready to lend a hand, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Hive Tasmania
Hive, located in Ulverstone, is an exciting space to spend a whole day. It is home to:
- The largest dome planetarium in Tasmania
- The first Tasmanian Science Centre
- The Ulverstone Visitor Information Centre
- The Ulverstone History Museum
- The Community History Archive
- An Art Gallery with regularly changing exhibitions
- Workshop spaces with local arts and woodcraft community groups, Leven Regional Arts, and the North-west Woodcraft Guild
- AND not forgetting the excellent Marion Storm café for when you need a coffee and lunch stop between activities.
The Hive is designed with accessibility in mind, and wheelchair users can easily move around the multi-level space with ramps, bathrooms and elevators in place for those with mobility issues. The friendly Hive team is also always on hand to provide help and assistance where needed.
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The Berry Patch
Who doesn’t love being let loose in a berry patch? The Berry Patch at Turners Beach is the perfect spot for a family day out. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, with plenty of flat pathways for easy maneuvering. There’s also a disabled toilet and a pram parking area. Plus, their team is always on hand to help visitors with disabilities.
The Berry Patch also offers several pick-your-own berry activities so that everyone can get involved in the fun. And once you’re done picking, you can enjoy a delicious treat from their cafe, with plenty of seating for visitors in wheelchairs.
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The Northwest is Committed to Expanding its Access Friendly Attractions
These five attractions in North West Tasmania are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to accessible outings across the region. With their commitment to making their services wheelchair friendly and accessible for all, you can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip.