As I'm totally unable to fly at this stage (can't deal with change in pressure and annaphylaxis to some perfumes and chemicals) we recently headed down to Sydney by car. It's a 10hr drive from where we live in Briabane so decided to break up the return journey in Nambucca Heads, NSW.
Nambucca Heads is a town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia in the Nambucca Valley. It is located on a ridge, north of the estuary of the Nambucca River near the Pacific Highway so is a convenient place to stop - and although only a 4.5hr drive to Brisbane we had been driving approximately 10hrs when we arrived at 9pm in the pouring rain.
We had arranged one of the advertised accessible Beach Huts and advised upon booking of both requiring wheelchair access and late check in.
Late Check In Procedure
The actual late check in procedure was faultless. We where texted a code with detailed instructions of where to collect key from night safe. When we had instant issues the night manager Lynne was available within minutes by telephone and in person.
Accessible Parking
There was no dedicated 'Disability' indicated parking but we where advised later it was in front of unit. This would involve transferring onto what is main entryway / driveway to park. We parked in an available spot with enough room to transfer adjacent instead.
Access to Unit
The actual access to unit even in rain was quite easy up the ramp, however.....
There is no edge, safety rail or barrier so not only can you drive off the edge of ramp - you can easily launch off entire balcony at end. If you are using a rollator or other walking aid it is also painted timber so was very slippery - and without a rail at all exceptionally dangerous. The lighting was also very poor but was already on for us which was nice.
There was also a large lip at entrance to door of unit - I had to jump in manual chair to get through which I'm a little uncoordinated at due to neuralgia of right hand/arm but had no hope of getting electric chair in as doorway too narrow. Subsequently ended up with a very damaged finger as a result.
Accessibility within Unit
I think this video and the following images can describe the experience better than I.
My partner moved furniture for me to access bed which as you can see from the dust had not been done in a very long time.
The night manager Lynne was absolutely lovely, tried so hard to find a solution which at now almost 9:30pm in pouring rain on a Friday night was not really possible. We where given a complete refund though and left next morning.
Beach Access
Although there is direct beach access from a few parts of park I was unable to even get a glimpse of the sea from the park itself - not even in Whill
Reception Access
Unfortunately I couldn't even fit through the reception door to see the on site store which I believe sells snacks etc. Nor could I fit behind the cute sign for a touristy snap.
But there was an awesome ramp out front so enjoyed the trip back to the car...and the view from the local headland was great (I finally saw the beach ⛱️)
And it was a great reminder not to believe anyone other than a personal review etc. when it comes to accessibility....but thank goodness for people like Lynne (the night manager) who genuinely did care and tried her hardest.
For more info on park their website is:
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