Rhyll Inlet mangrove boardwalk

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he mangroves and mudflats of Rhyll Inlet are a significant site for the wading birds that fly thousands of kilometres to feed here during the summer months. The wetlands are recognised under the Ramsar international wetlands agreement. One of the best ways to experience this unique environment is via the Conversation Hill mangrove boardwalk where you literally walk on water through the mangroves.

The Conservation Hill carpark is located on the Cowes Rhyll Road. There is no designated disabled parking bays but the car park is large. To the right is a ramped toilet block that contains an accessible toilet facility. The mangrove boardwalk is a 1.25 kilometre return trip. The first part of the walk is a wide fine packed gravel path with a seat at the halfway point. The walk out into the mangroves and on to the channel is on a wooden boardwalk. The boardwalk ends at an observation platform into the channel through the mangroves. The entire path is flat and easy to navigate for people of all abilities.

Conservation Hill Boardwalk

Banksia Park

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Banksia Park is a park on the banks of the Yarra River in Heidelberg. It has wood barbecues, picnic shelter, playground, an off leash secure dog walking area and a toilet block.

Toilet Facilities

The toilet facilities are located at the beginning of the park, where the road divides leading to the two distinct sections of the park. There are parking areas either side of the toilet block each having one designated disabled parking space of 3.6 metres in width. The toilet block is reached via a sealed path with a gradient of less than 1 in 14. The path is 1.5 metres in width.

The toilet has a unisex accessible cubicle. The large door swings outward and is light to open. The handle is a lever “push down” type that can be operated by wrist only. The lock is an internal rotating type that does not require finger dexterity. The toilet is 450 millimeters high and has side and rear grab bars. The is room beside the toilet for a wheelchair. The hand basin is accessible and there are no exposed hot water pipes. The basin has cold water only. The tap is a rotating type with a small lever.

Outside the toilet block is a drinking fountain.

Dog Friendly Park

The Dog park is an off leash area allowing dog owners, but especially those with a disability, to allow their dogs to exercise freely without of risk of them running off or being difficult to find.

Parking

Just outside the fenced area are two accessible parking spaces either side of a clearway giving ample loading room even for side ramped vans. There is a short sealed path to the gates of the fenced area.

Facilities

Entry is through a set of two gates which are light to open and both gates open either or out. The latch is a metre off the ground and lifts upward. It can be operated without finger dexterity. Between the gates is ample room for a wheelchair with over 2 metres of clear space. Within the park there is a large circular track of compact fine gravel leading between the trees and large open grassed play areas. The entire area is level. There are seats with backrests within the area and a drinking fountain for both human and dogs.

Cherry Blossom Loop Walk.

The Cherry Blossom Loop Walk is 820 metres long and starts from the entry to the Dog Friendly Park. The entire loop is sealed and level. The path is over 2 metres in width making it ideal for wheelchair and walker users. Seats with backrests are provided around the loop and each area has provision for wheelchairs. Information signage is readable from wheelchair height with paved access. The path follows the river and returns through the Cherry Tree Grove.

Western Loop Walk

At the western end of the park is another parking area that has a 3.6 metre designated

disabled parking space. There is another full sealed loop path approximately 1.5 kilomtres

in length. This path contains gradients that exceed 1 in 14.

A drinking fountain is located at the beginning of the loop path.

Picnic Pavilion

About 500 metres from the toilet block and information board is a picnic pavilion with under cover tables.

There is a parking area that provides direct access to the pavilion via a 50 metre sealed  path. There are no designated disabled parking spaces in the car park, however there is a space either side of a marked access way for those requiring wheelchair access at the side of their vehicle. Access from the car park is level.

The pavilion has a paved floor. There is one accessible picnic table with an extended table top to allow wheelchair users to sit front facing at the table. There are wood fired BBQ’s with a working height of 800 millimetres on the lawn area around the pavilion.

Braeside Park

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Braeside Park is accessible from Lower Dandenong Road (Melway 88 D8) and Governor Road (Melway 93 F2)

Governor Road and Red Gum Picnic Area

The Governor Road end of the park gives access to the wetlands and bird hide.

Parking

There is a designated disabled parking area on the left on entering the Red Gum picnic area. The individual bays are not marked and there is a central loading area. The surface of the parking area is hard packed blue metal. There are some loose large stones on the surface.

Picnic Facilities

The picnic tables are just off the disabled parking area and are situated on a level grassed area. The surface is hard and the tables are equipped with a roll under end and level surface

Toilet Facilities

There is a single toilet block that serves the Red Gum picnic area. It is at the end of the carpark with a hard packed gravel approach path. There are male and female accessible toilet facilities located within the male and female toilet blocks that are partially accessible. There is adequate maneuvering room for a wheelchair within the cubicle however there is only a single side hand rail that does not extend the full side length of the toilet and there is no back hand rail. Seat height is 380 millimetres

Wetland Trail

The main attraction from this end of the park is the Wetland Trail. This trail is very well maintained. It is hard gravel with a fine surface. All of the paths are wide, level with no cross slopes. The wetlands are accessible via wooden viewing platforms and boardwalks. Both are accessible and the boardwalks have raised safety edges.

Bird Hide

The bird hide allows a great view of the wet lands wildlife. It is approximately a kilometre from the carpark and picnic area. The access path is wide and level throughout and the hide is fully accessible with a special wheelchair viewing position

Lower Dandenong Road Entrance

Vistors Centre

The visitors centre is accessed via the Cockatoo Carpark. There are two marked disabled parking spaces either side of the main entrance to the centre. The carpark is hard packed gravel although the surface does have some loose stones. The path to the visitors centre is concrete and relatively level. The visitor centre is a accessible.

Toilet facilities

Next to the visitor centre is a partially accessible unisex facility.

The entry door is wide and there is ample room inside to maneuverer a wheelchair. The seat height of the toilet is 38 cm. Bars are positioned both beside and behind the toilet. The hand basin is in a solid cabinet with the taps on the back wall.

Inclusive Playground

Adjacent to the visitor centre is the inclusive playground. The playground has a centre ramped spine which gives access to a variety of play features for children of all abilities. It also allows parents with a disability full access.

Self Guided Trail

The self guided trail is best done in reverse, taking the left hand fork at the trail information sign. The first 200 metres is a wide flat and hard packed gravel path leading to two ponds. Both ponds give a great view of the local water birds. Beyond the first two ponds the trail becomes narrower and the two small wooden bridges would require some assistance as both surfaces are not suitable for the standard front casters of most wheelchairs. The Self Guided Trail is best accessed from either the Robin or Magpie Carparks. Both have two disabled bays at the half way point of the carpark.

Federation Picnic area

The Federation Picnic area is a large open grassy area suitable for picnics and family play. There are no facilities in this part of the park. The surface is cut grass which can be uneven in places. The picnic area is serviced by four carparks, Swallow, Kestrel, Goshawk and Pelican. Each of these carparks has two designated bays either side of the entrance to the picnic area. Swallow has two straight bays with an access area in between that would allow for a side loading van. The other three have wide angled bays to allow easy access.

Cardinia Reservoir Park

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Cardinia Reservoir Park is the perfect setting for a picnic, barbecue or stroll along the reservoir wall or one of the tracks. The park contains three picnic areas each with its own wonderful views of the surrounding bushland and open lawns. There are two reservoir viewing areas offering spectacular views over the water and surrounding district. Whether you’ve come for a family get-together, bike ride, walk or to see kangaroos, you are sure to find a special area that meets your needs.

How to get there

Cardinia Reservoir can be accessed from Wellington Rd (Melway 126 C11) or Red Hill Rd (Melway 210 G4). A one-way road loops around the main areas of the park.

 Observation Car Park

On entering the park the road rises to the observation car park for a view over the expanse of the Cardinia Reservoir. There is a car park to the right with two disabled car parks on the right at the far end. This is a vantage point only and not worth getting out of the car with a wheelchair. There are no curb cuts and all roads from here lead down fairly steeply. The pedestrian crossing to the lower car park has deep culverts on either side of the road. If you intend on doing the dam wall walk, park in the next or lower, Lookout Car park

Lookout Car Park

Just down the hill is the lookout car park. The entrance is at the bottom and two disabled spots are available on the left near the information sign. Both of these spots are 3.8 metres in width. Access to the dam wall walk is via the car park entrance, a distance of 40 metres. There are no curb cuts and the road has a gradient of 1 in 16.

The information board is not accessible as there is no curb cut allowing access to it.

 Dam Wall Walk

The Dam Wall Walk offers a great view over the expanse of the Cardinia Reservoir. It can be accessed from the Lookout Car park at the main entrance end and by the Spillway Car park at the southern end. The path is sealed, wide, smooth and level making it an easy traverse. The entry at both ends is a metre wide. The posted time for the walk is one hour return.

Spillway Car Park

The Spillway Car park is at the southern end of the wall and affords another great view across the Cardinia Reservoir. In misty weather this car park provides great photographic opportunities. There are two disabled parking bays here nearest the wall and information sign. As with the rest of the parks these bays are 4 metres wide. Access is available here to the dam wall walk. The car park and access trails are sealed.

Kangaroo Flat Picnic Area

The park has three picnic areas all equipped with wood fired BBQs. A supply of wood is located at each picnic area. No solid fuel BBQs other than those provided may be used in the park.

There are no designated car parks at Kangaroo Flat. A rounded curb exists at the entrance to the picnic area. There are no accessible picnic tables.

There are no toilet facilities available at this picnic spot. The nearest toilets, including accessible facilities are at Crystal Brook.

Crystal Brook Picnic Area

The Crystal Brook Picnic Area is the best equipped for the disabled visitor. As you enter the car park there is one disabled parking spot near the toilet facility which is 4.6 metres wide and one more about half way down the car park, which is 3.3 metres wide.

The picnic facilities and playground are below the car park and require descent via ramps at both car park locations. Both of these ramps are wide and well surfaced. The one in the middle of the car park is asphalt, has a gradient of 1 in 13 with a level rest area half way down. The total length of the ramp is 28 metres. The ramp near the toilet block is a hard gravel surface with a gradient of approximately 1 in 14. This ramp gives access to the playground and the messmate trail. Picnic tables are available both out on the grassy areas and in the woodland setting. Wood fired BBQs are available. Both the BBQ’s and wood bins are at an accessible height. As with the tables at Kangaroo Flat there are no picnic tables that cater for a wheelchair.

There is an excellent toilet facility adjacent to the car park that has full disabled facilities. The toilet block does not require the descent into the picnic ground. The path is 25 metres in length at an approximate gradient of 1 in 50.

Messmate Trail

The Messmate Trail is accessible via the Crystal Brook Picnic Area. A kilometre or so of this trail is wide relatively flat and affords an opportunity to view Kangaroos grazing in the early morning or late afternoon. It also offers the access to the grasslands for families. Once the path turns to gravel it crossed at bridge at the end of the grassy valley and becomes steep.

Duffy’s Lookout Picnic Area

Duffy’s Lookout picnic area is accessed from a separate entrance to the park further down Duffy’s Road. This picnic area has two disabled car parking spots, both 3.6 metres in width. There is one curb cut in this park that leads down to the toilet block that has good disabled facilities and a baby change table. The path down to the toilet block, however, is steep. The path length is 45 metres with 25 metres of it at a gradient of approximately 1 in 10. The same path continues to the upper picnic ground with an equally steep ascent to the relatively level picnic area. A path leads directly to the picnic area from in front of the disabled parking bays but there is no curb cut to allow access to it and it is blocked altogether by any cars using the disabled bays.

The picnic tables in this park are concrete construction and have one chair missing to allow a wheelchair up to the table.

There are also two wooden accessible picnic tables in the lower picnic pavilion.

There is a second picnic area on the lower side of the car park. There is no curb cut to gain access from the car park and the surfaced paths in this section are extremely narrow. The path continues right through to the Crystal Brook area but is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Aura Vale Lake

Aura Vale Lake is approximately 2 kilometres further towards Emerald on Wellington Road. The main access area is the Henley Picnic Park.

Two designated disabled parking bays are available next to the toilet block and change room. Both spots are 3.6 metres wide.

There is a unisex accessible facility. It contains a toilet with side grab bars as well as a change room with a fixed seat.

The picnic tables provided are standard tables, they do not have an accessible end or side.

The paths down to the lake edge are sealed paths of a gentle gradient giving access to the waters edge. Curb cuts are not provided out of the car park onto the pathways.

Coolart Wetlands and Homestead

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Parking

There are three marked disabled parking spaces on the left of the car park nearest the entry and visitors centre. The car park surface is compacted gravel

Visitors centre

On entering the park the visitors centre is on the left. Inside the centre there are a series of brochures conveniently located on the front of the counter. There is also a lower section of benchtop for wheelchair users to read the information or make notes. Wheelchairs are also available here for use in the park.

Toilets

To the right of the visitors centre are the toilet facilities. The large swing door opens outward with light pressure required. The door handle is a horizontal type that pushes downwards. It can be operated without finger dexterity. The door has a soft self closer and the internal lock is a rotating type with a wing handle. It again can be operated without finger dexterity. The toilet seat is 420 millimetres high and has side and rear grab rails. The flush is on the back wall and the buttons are set flush with the wall. Some finger dexterity would be required to operate them.

The hand basin has clear space under it with no exposed hot water pipes. Both the hot and cold taps are rotating type with levers. They can both be operated without finger dexterity and are a light action. There is a soap dispenser with push button control next to the hand basin.

The Homestead.

The homestead is best approached by taking the path to the left behind the visitors centre. It is a fine hard packed gravel path. It is approximately 80 metres from the visitors centre to the homestead. The front entrance has two steps onto the veranda and then a single step into the front door. The veranda is approximately 150 millimeters on the ground and the front door step is approximately 75 millimetres. For those unable to negotiate the steps entry can be made through a side door off the internal courtyard. Talk to the rangers at the information centre.

Once inside the homestead it has a wide hallway on the ground floor. Large doors give access to the rooms that are open for public display.

The Observatory.

The observatory is a large theatre style complex that overlooks the wetlands lakes. A step free path leads to the observatory. It can be accessed by following the road past the homestead for approximately 80 metres and then doubling back. The maximum slope of this path is 1 in 14. The observatory is entered through a large swing door that opens outward. The door is heavy and the latch is set at approximately 1.3 metres high. It is a lever type that opens by pulling downward. The door is self closing. Once inside there is a large entry foyer. The main auditorium section is entered by wide corridors either side. Wheelchair seating is available either side of the front row. The front picture windows have bench seating. There are gaps to accommodate wheelchair users.

Crake and Antechinus Hides

30 metres back up the path to the Observatory is a path to the left to The Lagoon and Minemere Hide via the wetlands walk. This is a well formed crushed gravel path that is a gentle grade down to the lagoon. The wetlands walk branches off to the right and immediately to the left is the platform of Crake Hide. Crake Hide is an open timber platform on the edge of the lagoon. It is approximately 130 metres from the Observatory. There is a gently sloping 1 in 20 wooden ramp onto the platform which has a large viewing area over the lagoon. The path continues over the earthen wall of the lagoon and turns left on the other side to follow the far bank. The path here is still crushed gravel. The path crosses two boardwalks. They do not have handrails but both have 75 millimetre edge strips on both sides. The boards are covered with a fine chicken wire mesh for grip.

Antechinus Hide is entered straight off the approach path. There is an open entry with no door. Immediately opposite the entry is a purpose built wheelchair position that allows roll under seating at the observation slits in the hides with a bench for a camera or set of binoculars. The wheelchair position is wide enough to accommodate two wheelchairs. Antechinus Hide is approximately 415 metres from the observatory.

Minsmere Hide

From the homestead the main road continues for about 300 metres. There is a path to the right that leads to Minsmere Hide. The path to the hide is a fine crushed gravel and is approximately 115 metres in length. The hide is reached across a short boardwalk. There is a handrail on one side but there is no edging on the opposite side. The hide is two level. On the ground floor there are three doors. The best one for wheelchair users is the one straight ahead at the end of the verandah in front of the hide. That room has a straight entry and a wheelchair position at the end of the hide.

The Homestead Gardens and Picnic area.

Picnic Area

To the right of the vistors centre is the picnic and BBQ area. This is a grassed area containing picnic tables and electric BBQs. The tables are the square design with one open side allowing wheelchair users to sit front facing at the table or those who require back support to bring their own chairs. The tables are set on brick paving. The BBQ’s are set on small brick paved areas and have a working height of 900 millimetres.

Gardens

From the picnic area there is a brick paved path that leads to the main lawn and the herb garden. The path is a metre wide and a maximum slope of 1 in 14. To the left is the main lawn which is a large expanse of thick buffalo grass. There are several large shade tress and a great view of the old homestead. To the right is the herb garden which is between paved areas. From the herb garden the main gravel road to the stables can be accessed but it is across a thick grass lawn. At the end of the paved gravel path is a set of steps up the homestead. There is a second set of steps to homestead from the main lawn.

Hand Cycling at Point Nepean National Park

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Last Thursday we joined Parks Victoria for a preliminary handcycle trial at Melbourne’s Point Nepean National Park. The aim was to trial a handcycle on Coles Track and Defence Road from the Information Centre through to the bike limit at Fort Pearce.

Parks Victoria is embarking on developing a trail grading system to guide potential handcycle riders on the suitability of selected trails in a number of National Parks. The system will grade trails in a similar manner to walking and ski trails based on length, gradient and sustained climbing/descent.

The maps presented here our own interpretation if anyone wants to trial or visit Point Nepean over the summer break. It will be backed up by the comprehensive system Parks Victoria are developing.

We have used a 3 grade system:

Green – Easy, gentle gradients, wide hard surfaced trail.
Blue – Intermediate, good use of gears and braking control required
Black – Difficult, extended long climbs exceed 5oo metres. Good fitness required skilled use of gears and braking control

The cycling track extends from the Information Centre to the bike limit at Fort Pearce following Coles Track.

Coles Track passes the Quarantine Station on a wide smooth hard packed gravel surface. The slope is gradual. The distance from the Information Centre to Observatory Point is 1.2 kilometres. From Observatory Point the trail continues a further 1.1 kilometres where it joins Defence Road at the Cheviot Hill bus stop. For an easy round trip, Defence Road can then be followed back to Gunners Cottage and then past the cemetery to Observatory Point and back to the Information Centre. The total round trip is 5 km.

Beyond the Cheviot Hill bus stop, the trail follows Defence Road. The surface is bitumen.
The gradient increases significantly from the Cheviot Hill bus stop with prolonged climbing. There are two stretches of prolonged steep gradients that approach 1:6. There is a short descent followed by the last long steep climb to Fort Pearce. For those willing to make the effort the views are stunning, both over Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay. The old gun emplacement can be viewed by handcycle.

The total length of this section is 2.2 kilometres.

Accessible toilets are available at the Quarantine Station and Gunners Cottage. It should be noted that the toilets at Gunners Cottage are not accessible from a handcycle.

Vehicles are permitted as far as Gunners Cottage which could serve as an alternative starting point for anyone bringing their own handcycle to the park. Starting at Gunners Cottage reduces the overall return journey by 2.4 kilometres.

Parks Victoria is considering adding a handcycle to the bicycle fleet they have at Point Nepean and would like an expression of interest from those who would be interested in using a handcycle if it was available at the park.

If you are interested please complete the survey form on the link below.

Jells Park

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Jells Park is nestled in the Dandenong Creek Valley, Wheelers Hill, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park attracts over 900,000 visitors a year, with over nine kilometres of paths and trails, 127 hectares of wide open space and enough picnic areas for everyone to enjoy. Jells Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays, with 24‐hour pedestrian access.

The vehicle entry gate from Waverley Road opens at 8.00am and closes at dusk with 24‐hour vehicle exit.

Vehicle access is from Ferntree Gully Road or Waverley Road. Enter by foot along the Dandenong Creek Trail, the Scotchmans Creek Trail or via the Eastlink Trail on Ferntree Gully Road.

Waverly Road Entrance

Stringy Bark Picnic Area

Parking

Opposite the Stringy Bark picnic area is a series of gravel parking areas. These areas have no designated disabled parking. The surface is a hard gravel road base with stone sizes up to 19 millimetres. The area is level and side protection for wheelchair users can be obtained by parking between the trees.

Toilets

In the centre of the open grassed area is a toilet block. It is accessed via a level asphalt path from the car park. There is a unisex cubicle with ample maneuvering room and space beside the toilet for a wheelchair. The cubicle has a large swing door that opens inwards with a large lever type handle. The internal lock is a rotating type with a wing type handle. The toilet is fitted with side and rear grab rails. The seat height is 420 millimetres. The flush buttons are located to right of the toilet just above the grab rail and large light to operate push buttons.The hand basin has clear space underneath it with no exposed hot water pipes. The tap is operated through a push button self timer that is light to operate. There is a push button soap dispenser. The cubicle contains a bin. There is a large mirror that begins at 500 millimetres above the floor.

Picnic Facilities

The area is a large grassed area. The area nearest the toilet block is flat and then it slopes gently upwards past the playground to the cafe and visitors centre. There numerous picnic tables and wood fired BBQs in this area. The BBQ’s have a working height of 800 millimetres and the tables are the wooden fixed bench seat type. The table overhangs are approximately 300 millimetres. Newer electric BBQs with a working height of 900 millimetres are located near the pavilion. They are operated by a small recessed push button switch. They are located on small concrete pads which are not large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. The pavilion has tables with a large overhang at each end that would allow wheelchair users to sit at the table front facing.

Visitors Centre

At the top of the hill is the visitors centre. There are two designated disabled parking spaces in the small carpark on the southern side of the centre. The bays are 4 metres wide have an asphalt surface and are level. There are directly opposite the paved pathway to the centre.

The centre is entered through a set of self opening electrically operated doors. Immediately to the right is a disabled toilet facility. The door swings inwards and can be opened either manually with a large lever handle or electrically via a switch on the wall to the right of the door. There is ample maneuvering room inside the room and space beside the toilet for a wheelchair. The toilet is fitted with a full side grab bar and a small vertical bar on the rear wall. The seat height is 420 millimetres. It is set approximately 300 millimetres from the rear wall. The flush buttons are located directly behind the toilet and are large push buttons with a very light action. The hand basin is a vanity type with clearance underneath it. There are no exposed hot water pipes and the tap is operated through a large lever. It is light to turn both on and off. There is a bin within the room.

There is a cafe with indoor and out door seating. The entrance is level and all tables have movable chairs. Opposite the cafe is a small courtyard with picnic tables. They are the fixed side seating type with a 300 millimetre overhang at either end.

Lake Walk

A highlight of any visit to Jells Park is the lake. There are paths that lead from both Stringbark Picnic Area or from the main visitors centre. From the visitors centre there is a short 20 metre section with a slope of approximately 1 in 10. The left hand path gives a constant slope down to the lake trail. The slope of this path has a maximum gradient of 1 in 15. The path is asphalt, wide and smooth. It is 390 metres down to the lake trail. A right hand turn takes you another 240 metres to Jetty 1. Jetty 1 ia a large wooden structure giving a great view over the lake. Fishing is permitted from this jetty. The jetty is timber planted with the gap between the planks being less than 13 mimilletres. There is level access of the Lake Trail. The Jetty has a non solid edging allowing viewing from any height.

The path continues to the right to Jetty 2. Jetty 2 is a further 420 metres along the same standard asphalt path. This section is level. The path turns to gravel at Jetty 2. Jetty 2 is a small structure but still has large areas to accommodate wheelchair visitors. There is a large picnic area which is level

and grassed. It contains one large pavilion. The tables at either end of the pavilion are large with fixed seating on three sides. The fourth side is open with clearance under the table to allow wheelchair visitors to sit front facing at the tables.

The path continues as a gravel path from this point. The surface is fine hard packed gravel and the path is in excess of 2.7 metres wide. 250 metres further on is the conservation area. There is a pedestrian gate to the side of the main gate. The gate opens outward. The pressure required is light.

There is a large opening that acts as the handle. Jetty three is a further 200 metres. This is a much smaller structure and is accessed across a smooth grassed area. There is level access onto the jetty platform. There is no fishing from this jetty but it gives good views across the lake’s conservation area.

Following the left branch of the trail leads to the bird hide a further 400 metres on. Entry to the bird hide is directly off the path. It has a earthen floor. There is fixed bench seating along the front of the hide with a small 1 metre wide gap at either end.

The conservation area is exited a further 700 metres down the trail through a similar steel gate.

The circuit track is approximately 2.3 kilometres around the lake with a further 800 metre return from the visitors centre starting point.

Yabby Hill Play Area/Pines Picnic Area.

Parking.

In this area of the park there are three small parking areas. Each contains a designated disabled parking space 3 metres in width. The surface is level and is asphalt.

Picnic Facilities

There are two pavilions. One on the hill opposite the playground and one located on the far side of the playground. Both have concrete level floors and steel picnic tables with fixed side seating and 450 millimeter on overhangs on the table tops.

Toilet Facilities.

On the exit side of the playground is a toilet block. It can be reached by a short hard packed gravel path from the exit road. It has a unisex disabled cubicle located between the male and female entrances. The room is entered through an inward swinging door that simply pushes open with minimal force required. It has an internal totaling lock with a wing type handle. The room is large with space beside the toilet for a wheelchair. The toilet is set 300 millimetres foreword of the rear wall. The seat height is 420 millimetres and there are side and rear grab rails. The flush buttons are located on the rear wall 300 millimetres above the rear grab bar and are large recessed push buttons. There is a bin in the room. The hand basin has free space underneath it and all pipes and enclosed. The tap it is flick lever type with large single handle.

South Entrance off Fertree Gully Road

Oaks picnic area.

The oaks picnic area has 3 designated disabled parking spaces each 4 metres wide. One space is near the entrance to the carpark and there are two more in the centre of the parking area. The surface is asphalt and level.

There is a playground which contains a wheelchair swing.

Adjacent to the playground is a picnic area. It is a flat grassed area that contains and electric BBQ operated by a recessed push button switch. The working height is a low 600 millimetres and it has been specially designed for wheelchair users.

There is a “rollunder” drinking fountain, again specifically designed for wheelchair users.

There is a picnic pavilion with a level concrete floor and fixed seating picnic tables. There is one table with an

extended table top outside the pavilion.

Next to the car park there is a toilet block that has one unisex disabled cubicle. The door is a swing door that is fitted with a rotating internal lock. The toilet has a seat height of 420 millimetres and is fitted with side and rear grab bars. The hand basin has clear space under it, no exposed hot water pipes and a push to operate tap. The push required is light.

Karkarook

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Karkarook Park is a 15 hectare park and lake located in the Southeast of Melbourne on Warrigul Road Oakleigh. It is a good spot for canoeing, kayaking, sailing or fishing. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Redfin. There are 6km of trails to explore.

There are three parking areas at Karkarook

Dragonfly

Car Park

The Dragonfly car park gives access to the Dragonfly picnic area, the toilet block and the dragonfly lookout tower. There two designated disabled parking spaces on the left at the far end of the car park. They are 3.6 metres in width and are adjacent to the entry path leading to the toilet block and lookout tower. The car park surface is level and sealed. The path to the toilet block and lookout tower is also sealed and has a slope of approximately 1 in 20 over 50 metres.

Toilets

The toilet block contains one unisex disabled facility between the male and female entrances. The door is a swing type that opens inward with a large vertical handle. The door is light to open and is fitted with a rotating door lock. Finger dexterity is not required to operate the lock. The room is large with ample turning room. There is wheelchair space beside the toilet which has side and rear grab rails. The height of the seat is 420 millimetres. The flush buttons are directly behind the seat, are raised and require only light pressure to operate. The hand basin has clear space under it, not exposed hot water pipes and the tap is lever operated. It requires only light upward pressure to turn it on and it remains on until it is pushed back down. There is a bin in the room.

Information Centre

Beyond the toilets is a large undercover area with a concrete floor. There is an information centre with level entry and low display panels.

Observation Tower.

Opposite the information centre is the Dragonfly Observation Tower. It is entered directly on the concrete surface via two semi-circular boardwalk paths. The ramp there proceeds straight to the top at a 1 in 14 gradient with level rest areas. At the end of the ramp is a large flat observation area that over looks the park and the lake to the north.

Picnic Facilities

In this area of the park there are under cover tables adjacent to the information centre and several individual tables placed on the grass areas. The individual tables are the square design with one open side to allow wheelchair users to sit at the table or those requiring back support to bring their own chairs and sit at the table.

Access to the Lake

Below the observation tower there is a sealed path that leads down to the lake. This path is 80 metres in length and has a constant gradient of 1 in 12 without any level rest areas. The final 10 metres increases to a gradient of 1 in 10.

Butterfly

Car Park

There are four marked disabled parking spaces in the centre of this car park, two on either side. Each bay is 4 metres in width and they share a centre access/loading area. The car park surface is asphalt and level. The path leading directly from these car parks give access to the she-oaks picnic area with several tables of the square open design. The path to lake has gradients of up to 1 in 10. There is a gentler alternative at the end of the car park nearest the entrance where the path’s gradient is a consistent 1 in 14 to the lake edge.

Lake Trail

The lake trail begins at the small bridge over the inlet. The approaches to either side of the bridge are the steepest points on the trail. Both approaches are short but have a gradient of 1 in 12. From the bridge the trail circles the lake and has a total distance of 1.8 kilometres. The trail surface is smooth asphalt and is a minimum of 1.8 metres wide. Throughout its distance the trail is predominately flat. The sloping sections do not exceed a 1 in 20 gradient.

Features

Just after the bridge is a picnic area that has a pavilion and several of the square open sided tables. Down from the picnic area is a small fishing jetty that is accessed via another asphalt path. The gradient of this path is 1 in 14 The jetty is level with the path and has a large “T” section at the end. Fishing is permitted from this jetty.

Bird Hide.

The bird hide, which was wheelchair accessible, was destroyed by fire in 2016.

Jetty

Three quarters of the way around the lake is a second jetty of another short access path. This path is steep. Assistance andcaution would be needed by wheelchair and walker users to access this jetty. The slope is consistently 1 in 10 with the final 25 metres increasing to 1 in 8.

Small Boat Launching

The park contains a small boat or canoe lanching area. It has a small concrete ramp and an adjacent loading jetty Both are accessed from the lake trail with level access onto the loading jetty.

The Wetlands Walk

On the Warragul Road side of the lake is another set of walks through the wetlands which are a great place to observe the local birdlife. These paths are compacted fine gravel. The path with the least gradient is the one commencing immediately below the observation tower. The maximum slope on this trail is a short length of 1 in 14 as it climbs the rise. The path to the right crosses a boardwalk which has a handrail rail on one side and a 75 millimetres strip on the other. Following the path to the boundary road at the fence and turing right brings you back to the lack trail

She-Oak Car Park

The She-Oak car park gives access to the path to the launching facility. There are no designated disabled parking bays in this car park.

Lysterfield Lake

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Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends with a huge variety of recreational activities.

The 1,398-hectare park is situated approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. It is a haven for native birds, mammals and reptiles.

Lysterfield Park was created following the decommissioning of the Lysterfield Reservoir that was built in 1936.

Parking

There are two parking areas with designated disabled parking spaces.

The first is the main road to the jetty and launching ramp. There are three parellel parks next to the main toilet block. These parks have a loading area on the curb side that leads directly to the main path to the toilet block and picnic area. The surface is asphalt but has a slope towards the lake of approximately 1 in 20.

There are two designated disabled spaces in the parking area near the dam wall. They are midway through the parking area on the lower level. They are angle parking spaces with a width of 4 metres. They are separated by a central access way giving additional spaces for loading and un loading

wheelchairs. The nearest step free exit from the car park to the picnic area is via the toilet block pathway at the northern end of the car park.

Picnic Areas.

Between the two car parks is a large picnic area consisting of both open grassland and sheltered treed areas. All of the picnic tables are of the same design. They are a square table with fixed bench seating around three sides. The fourth side is open with clear space under the table to allow wheelchair visitors to sit at the table front facing or visitors requiring back support to bring their own chairs. The open sides all have large level areas around them.

There are electric BBQ’s throughout the picnic area. They are operated by a flush push switch that is recessed. The hotplate height is 900 millimetres.

Through the centre of the park picnic area is a level asphalt path linking both of the parking areas.

Toilet Facilities

There are two toilet facilities in the park, one on the edge of either car parking area. Both have an identical unisex toilet cubicle. Both have out swinging doors with a lever type latch and “D” handle. The doors are very light to open. They are both fitted with an internal rotating type lock with a small wing handle. The rooms have ample maneuvering room and space beside the toilet for a wheelchair. The toilet seat height is 460 millimetres. There is one sloping grab rail on the side wall in front of the toilet. The flush is on the rear wall and consists of two large recessed push buttons. The action is light requiring little effort. There is a handbasin with clear space underneath it and no exposed hot water pipes. The tap is a push type with self timer. The action to activate the tap is light and the timer period a generous length. The rooms had a automatic hot air hand dryer.

Lake Access

The lake can be accessed in three places.

From the disabled parking near the jetty there is a gravel path to the lake front and Jetty area. The surface is fine, hard packed gravel. The slope from the car park to the lake foreshore is approximately 1 in 12.

Midway along the connecting path is a gently sloping asphalt path that leads to a small bridge and direct access to the lake edge path.

From the car park near the dam wall there is a path leading from the toilet block towards the wall. There is a steep path leading directly to the foreshore or a more gently sloping, 1 in 14, path that zig zags to the lake front.

The beach near the dam wall is hard sand and gently sloping allowing wheelchairs access right to the waters edge.

The path along the edge of the lake is a fine hard gravel and level.

There is a boat ramp for the launching of small non-powered craft and there is a sailability program run at the lake.

Bird Hide

Next to the launching ramp is the tailer parking area. At the end of the car park on the left hand side is an asphalt path that leads to the bird hide. The path is gently sloping with a maximum gradient of 1 in 20. The path is over 1.2 metres wide and has a smooth surface. The distance to the bird hide is 100 metres.

Entry to the bird hide is over a short boardwalk. There are no entry doors and the corridor into the main room is wide with ample maneuvering room.

The room is large with two special wheelchair positions allowing roll under access to the viewing slots. The slots are hinged and fold down. They require the operation of a small slide bolt.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

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Situated on the wild ocean beaches of the Mornington Peninsula, and taking in some natural bushland, the Mornington Peninsula National Park includes London Bridge, Portsea, Sorento and Rye Ocean Beaches, Gunamatta,Cape Schanck, Flinders and Fingal Reserve.

London Bridge

London Bridge provides a great ocean vista and a view of the arched rocked formation. There is one disabled parking bay adjacent to the pedestrian crossing. It is 3.3 metres wide and has the width of the pedestrian crossing for loading and unloading.

The path to the lookout is sealed. The first 40 metres to the top of the cliff has a gradient of approximately 1 in 10. The path then runs along the cliff top and is relatively flat. The final 50 metres to the London Bridge lookout drops away with a gradient of approximately 1 in 8.

There is a path to the beach from the London Bridge Car Park but it is extremely steep with a gradient of approximately 1 in 4. There are no steps but a series of 3 inch wash boards for erosion protection. The path is sealed. There is a lookout point before the path drops away to the beach.

Two accessible toilet facilities are provided. Both have full side and rear grab bars, ample maneuvering room and baby change facilities. The toilet set height is 420 millimetres with wheelchair space beside the toilet. The door is a swing door that opens outward with a vertical “D” type handle. There is a rotating internal lock with a wing handle. The hand basin is on the outside of the building.

Portsea Ocean Beach

Middle Car Park

The middle car park has one 4 metre wide bay at the top end of the parking area.
Accessible toilet facilities are available.
Male and female accessible cubicles are provide within the respective toilet blocks. There is no hand basin within the cubicles. Toilet seat height is 420 millimetres. There is wheelchair space beside the toilet and side and rear grab bars are fitted. The cubicle door is fitted with an internal lock which is a rotating type with wing handle. An accessible shower facility is also available near the toilet block.
Beach access is via the steep access road to the lifesaving club. The cliffs are high here and it is a long way down to the beach below.

Lower Car Park

The lower car park has one designated disabled parking bay, 3.3 metres wide, adjacent to toilet.
The toilet contains a disabled room. The toilet height is 420 millimetres and has space for a wheelchair beside the toilet. There are side and rear grab bars. The toilet sits 300 millimetres out from the rear wall. The flush is on the rear wall and is a rotating type switch with a vertical raised strip as the handle. The hand basin has clear space beneath it and has no exposed hot water pipes.
Beach access is also available here but only via a stepped path.
A paved area adjacent to the car park area does provide a good lookout over Bass Strait.
A link path joins the middle and lower car parks but it is steep.

Upper Car Park

The best observation point at the Portsea Ocean Beach is from the upper car park. Two 2.4 metre wide bays are designated disabled parking. There is one at either end of the car park facing the ocean. The path along the ocean side of the car park is flat and compacted fine gravel giving great views.
There is no beach access from the Upper Car park.
No toilet facilities are available in the upper car park and the link path to the middle car park facilities is steep with gradients in excess of 1 in 10.

Observation Car Park

The Observation Car Park has one 3.3 metre wide disabled parking space. There are no facilities in this car park and no beach access.

Sorrento Ocean Beach

The Sorrento Ocean beach is the best place to gain access to the beach in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. There good views over Bass Straight from the car park and cafe.
Adjacent to the cafe is a short, 40 metre, access ramp to the beach. Its slope is approximately 1 in 12 for the first 14 metres then 1 in 14 for the remainder. The ramp ends with the soft fine sand of the beach.
There is a 4.0 metre wide disabled parking bay next to Cafe and another 3.6 metre wide bay next to the changing rooms. The changing rooms contain one accessible unisex cubicle. There is good maneuvering room within the cubicle and bars at the side and rear of the toilet. There is space beside the toilet for a wheelchair. The flush is operated by two large recessed buttons on the rear wall just above the grab rail. The hand basin has clear space beneath it and no exposed hot water pipes. The internal door lock is a rotating type with wing handle.
The Sorrento Ocean beach is good for a longer duration stay or a full day trip.
The cafe is accessible and has one outdoor accessible table.
There is a second picnic area in the lower car park. The lower car park has two designated disabled parking bays either side of the entry to the picnic area. The picnic area has two square picnic tables with a roll under side for wheelchair visitors. BBQs are also available.

Rye Ocean Beach

The Rye Ocean Beach gives a great view of Bass Strait but provides only stepped access to the beach below. There are two 2.4 metre designated disabled parking bays either side of the observation deck.
The observation deck is timber and fully accessible.
An accessible toilet block is located at the rear of the main car park. Access is via a crushed fine gravel path from the main Car park or from a gravel path from the gravel Car park at the toilet block.
Accessible cubicles available in the male and female toilet blocks. There is no hand basin within the cubicle. The toilet is fitted with side and rear handrails. There is space for a wheelchair beside the toilet and the seat height is 420 millimetres. The toilet is 400 millimetres out from the rear wall which may be an issue for people with little trunk control. The flush is located on the rear wall 400 millimetres above the rear grab rail and is a rotating type with a small raising vertical handle.

Gunnamatta

Gunnamatta has two separate car park areas, first and the lifesaving club. Neither of these car parks have ramped access to the beach only a long set of stairs from the top of the Dune.

1st Car Park

Two 3.6 metre wide designated parking are available either side of the access way to the beach. Both have additional loading space beside them.
Access to the top of the dune and the timber observation deck is via a gravel/sand path. It is relatively steep at approximately a 1 in 12 gradient. The observation deck gives good views over the ocean and is large and level. Access to the beach is via a long set of wooden steps.
Adjacent to the disabled parking bays is an accessible toilet/change room. The room is large inside and divided into two sections. The toilet is inside an inner room. It is equipped with side and rear grab bars and has a seat height of 420 millimetres. There is space for a wheelchair beside the toilet. The toilet is set 300 millimetres forward of the rear wall. The flush is operated by two large flush mounted buttons on the rear wall 400 millimetres above the rear grab rail. There is waste disposal bin within the room. The outer room has a hand basin with clear space under it and no exposed hot water pipes. The tap is a rotating type with a fluted handle.

2nd Car Park

At the lifesaving car park there are no designated disabled parking bays.
The car park has an accessible toilet/change room identical to the one at first car park.
The path to the observation deck and beach steps here is steeper and is more sandy and softer making the first car park the better choice.

Cape Schanck

Cape Schanck offers some great coastal vistas that are accessible as well as the history of the old lighthouse grounds and museum.

Parking

The car park has three designated disabled parking bays adjacent to the pedestrian crossing. Each bay is 3.7 metres wide. The bays give direct access to the walking trails and the ticket office souvenir shop.

Walking Trails

There are two walking track alternatives. To the right of the ticket office is the path leading to the boardwalk to Pebble Beach. This is the longer of the two trails being 350 metres to the lookout over the boardwalk. It is also the steepest with sections of the path reaching an approximate gradient of 1 in 10. It is all downhill from the car park making it a long uphill walk out. There is a good lighthouse viewing point 50 metres from the ticket office, before the path starts its steeper descent.
The path to the Eastern Lookout is shorter at 170 metres with a manageable gradient of approximately 1 in 14 at its maximum. The lookout provides stunning ocean scenery towards Flinders.
There is a path linking the Eastern lookout and the boardwalk lookout but it is narrow and stepped making the round loop not accessible.

Toilet Facilities

Accessible toilet facilities are available adjacent to the car park. It is a large unisex facility that includes a baby changing facility. The toilet is equipped with grab rails on the side and rear.
The seat height is 420 millimetres. There is room for a wheelchair beside the toilet. The flush buttons are large recessed buttons located on the rear wall just above the grab rail. The hand basin has clear space underneath it with no exposed hot water pipes. The tap is a rotating type with a round fluted handle. There is a rubbish bin within the cubicle.

Picnic Facilities

4 picnic tables with a roll under side are available in two locations around the carpark. These tables allow wheelchair users to sit front facing at the tables or allow those needing back support to bring their own chairs.

Lighthouse Grounds.

The lighthouse grounds are accessible by purchasing an entry fee from the ticket office.
There are two types of ticket, entry to the grounds and museum and a full tour which includes the lighthouse.
The path is hard earth and there is a wide entry gate next to the turnstile which will be opened if required. Once in the grounds there is a good concrete path that leads to the museum, the lighthouse and the lighthouse lookout, the latter giving perhaps the best ocean view in the park.
The museum door is standard door width but it has level entry from the outside paving. Inside the museum there is plenty of room to view the exhibits.
The lighthouse has a narrow door and a narrow staircase inside leading up to the deck and light. The area around the light is concrete paved given an excellent view of the building from ground level.
The path to the lookout leads from the lighthouse and is concrete and level. The observation deck is also concrete and a large flat area giving excellent views across to the Cape.
There is a picnic area within the lighthouse grounds that is equipped with 2 accessible picnic tables with roll under sides.

Fingal Picnic Area

The Fingal picnic area offers a secluded and sheltered spot for a day out away from the Ocean.
There are no designated disabled parking spaces within the area, however, parking is available adjacent to the smaller areas and adjacent to the main area and toilet block. Care needs to be taken when parking if loading space is required as all parking is undefined. The parking area is crushed gravel.
Two formed gravel paths lead to the toilet block at the main area. Both of these paths are a fine compacted gravel.
Within the male and female sections there is an accessible cubicle. There is ample maneuvering space within the cubicle and clear space beside the toilet. There is only one side grab bar. The seat height is 420 millimetres and the flush buttons are located on the rear wall at 1.2 metres above ground level. They are large non recessed buttons that require little effort to operate.
All of the picnic tables are the square design with one open side allowing wheelchair users to roll under the table. The main picnic area is level but the surface is natural and can be a little uneven. There is an electric BBQ with a working height of 900 millimetres that is operated with a flush, small, push button. It is located under a shelter and has a large concrete surround.
There is a large grassed area to the north of the main picnic ground. It is accessed via a level earth path making it accessible for inclusive family fun.

Flinders

West Head

The West Head at Flinders offers great ocean views.
There is no designated disabled parking spaces. The car park is road base gravel.
The lookout is accessed via a 50 metre level earthen path from the car park. The lookout platform is raised and is only accessible via three wooden steps at the eastern end or five at the western end. Adjacent to the wooden platform is a small ground level observation area that looks out over the Flinders

Ocean Beach and Mushroom Reef.

Beach access from the West Head is only available vis a steep set of steps.

Ocean Beach Car Park.

Two car parks are available at the Ocean Beach. From an accessibility standpoint the lower car park affords greater opportunities. At the far end of the car park there are two accessible picnic tables. The path to the tables from the car park is flat but consists of some soft sand. The tables are located on a level area of well grassed sand.
Access to the beach and the rocks of Mushroom Reef requires a step of the grassed area onto the beach. The drop is approximately 30 centimetres. There is a short section of soft sand before the hard sand of the beach. Good hard sand walking is available at low tide.
There are no accessible toilet facilities at the Flinders Ocean Beach or West Head. The nearest facilities are in the Flinders Town Centre.

Other Sites with Limited Facilities

Bushrangers Bay Picnic Area

There is a small gravel parking area with no designated disabled parking. This a small level grass picnic area with some shade trees. It has 3 tables of the square design with fixed bench seating on three sides and the fourth open to allow wheelchair users to roll under the table.
There are no toilets or water available.

Main Creek Picnic Area

There is a small gravel parking area with no designated disabled parking. This a small level grass picnic area with some shade trees and an open play area. It has 2 tables of the square design with fixed bench seating on three sides and the fourth open to allow wheelchair users to roll under the table.
There are no toilets or water available.

Baldrys Crossing Picnic Area

There is a small asphalt parking area with no designated disabled parking. This a small level grass picnic area with some shade trees and an open play area. It has 3 tables of the square design with fixed bench seating on three sides and the fourth open to allow wheelchair users to roll under the table.
There are no toilets or water available.

St Andrews Beach

St Andrews has a sealed carpark with no designated disabled parking spaces. There are toilets or beach access but there are good ocean views from the car park.

Koonya Ocean Beach

Koonya Ocean Beach has a sealed carpark with no designated disabled parking spaces. There are toilets or beach access but there are good ocean views from the car park. There is a lookout which is accessed via a short gravel path. The surface is hard packed fine gravel.