After hearing many positive reviews from our readers about Byron Bay Rainforest Resort I was keen to check it out. So when we were in the area at the end of last year I popped in to take a look at the accessible facilities. I literally ran in to take photos while leaving the family in the car with the air conditioning on. It was a fleeting visit but I hope the photos will help you decide if the facilities will meet your needs.
The resort is located in Suffolk Park, only 5 minutes from Byron Bay. It’s set on approximately 12 hectares (30 acres) of landscaped rainforest gardens and untouched wetlands. The accommodation consists of 5 one bedroom cabins and 4 two bedroom cottages, all nestled within the coastal rainforest and positioned for privacy and seclusion. Out every window there’s a lovely view of the gardens and rainforest. This is a pet-friendly property too.
TWO-BEDROOM COTTAGE
The entrance to the cottages is via a paved footpath and step-free doorway.
Screened patios allow guests to enjoy a sense of outdoor living in the rainforest without the mozzies and flies for company.
The two bedroom cottage can sleep from 2-6 people with a single bed and double-bed in one room and a single and queen size bed in the other.
The two bedrooms are separated by a walk-through bathroom and kitchen which are accessible to guests in both bedrooms via sliding doors.
ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM
The bathroom has a step-free shower, accessible sink and grab rails throughout.
Please note there isn’t a lot of circulation space to move around or to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet but I know many of our readers have stayed here and managed. The taps are not lever taps. A shower chair can be borrowed from the resort. Please enquire about this when making a booking.
KITCHENETTE
The kitchenette allows guests to do some self-catering while staying at the Bryon Bay Rainforest Resort.
It’s equipped with a microwave, small stove-top and an accessible sink. Please note the taps are not lever taps and for a wheelchair user, much of the crockery is not accessible. I’d ask on booking to have it lowered if you need it at bench height.
The two bedroom cottage has a full size fridge.
There’s a two-seater lounge in the outdoor living area allowing guests to relax while enjoying the rainforest surrounds.
Mosquito coils are provided for guest use.
ONE BEDROOM CABIN
The one bedroom cabin I inspected had a paved footpath leading to the step-free entrance.
As with the two-bedroom cottage, the one bedroom has a screened outdoor living area with dining table and lounge.
There’s a queen bed and a single bed with a lounge in the open-plan design.
KITCHENETTE
The kitchenette is equipped with a microwave, mini-fridge and small stove-top.
ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM
The accessible bathroom has a step-free shower, hand-held height adjustable shower head and an accessible sink. There are no grab rails.
A shower chair is available to borrow but please enquire about this when making a booking.
Please note each cottage and cabin is unique with differing features. I only had time to check out two of the options.
All are fully equipped with remote control TV, reverse cycle air conditioner Eco-inverter and screened patio with lounge, coffee table and dining setting. A high chair is also available on request for children.
FACILITIES
The 15 metre saltwater swimming pool is the jewel in Bryon Bay Rainforest Resort’s crown.
A ramp and pool chair allow guests with mobility restrictions or a disability easy entry into the pool.
An accessible bathroom and plenty of seating around the pool area make this a good spot to spend a couple of hours or a day relaxing poolside.
THE CABANA ROOM
The Cabana Room, offers a spacious indoor area with full communal kitchen, lounge and chairs around a centrepiece fireplace, 8 ball pool table and table tennis table, for a cosy day indoors when the weather isn’t co-operating.
BJ would absolutely love the option of the games in the Cabana Room and there’s plenty of circulation space for a wheelchair user.
The indoor barbecue is a great option for wet weather cooking.
You can read more about Byron Bay Rainforest Resort on their website.
If you’ve stayed at the property and have anything to add we’d love you to pop it in comments below.
I stayed at the Rainforest resort years ago, perhaps 2010 but it still looks just as well maintained. When we stayed we had the one bedroom cabin and they were kind enough to shift out the furniture from the enclosed patio and make it into another sleeping area. It gave me the unique experience of camping and being being right next to all of the nocturnal creatures activities without the discomfort of camping or the exposure to unwanted creepy crawlies. There are also a number of paths around the complex which wind through the bush and one goes down to the beach but I am unsure how much of that particular path is paved or wheelchair accessible. I also remember that when we visited they had a massage service that could be booked at their relaxation office near the main office. I am not sure if that is still available but it would be wonderful to enjoy if they do still over this service.
Hi Tegan,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and how lovely you had the opportunity to experience camping without the discomforts of the real deal.
It’s always lovely to hear from our readers and particularly to add to the information for others.
Julie