“Our arms are wide open. Everyone has a space and is welcomed and catered for. You will always feel a sense of inclusion” That’s the opener on the accessibility tab on the Eagle Skylift Arthurs Seat website. Eagle Skylift Arthurs Seat reopened in December 2016 after a makeover which saw the attraction going the extra mile to ensure that it’s accessible to all. And there’s certainly a feeling of inclusion with enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff keen to share information about access. Along with the accessible gondolas, there’s a Changing Places restroom with hoist and adult change facilities making it truly accessible for all particularly if day tripping from Melbourne or for those visiting from further afield.
It has become the go-to place for a memorable experience for visitors. On the day we visited there had been an engagement (she said “Yes”. Phew!) and a ride for a lady who was celebrating her 101st birthday. Now that’s a milestone to celebrate.
Eagle Skylift is located only an hours drive from Melbourne in an area which is filled with lovely places to spend a day. For some, the highlight of a visit will be the ride in the gondola, and for others it will be the stunning views of the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. For us, it was both. I was excited to see just how accessible the gondolas are for wheelchair users, or those using a walking frame. These are the most accessible gondolas we’ve seen in our travels. Ensuring the entire attraction has the best access wasn’t cheap, with the inclusive features costing many millions of dollars, but the results are exceptional.
AJ was our model for the day, showing exactly how easy the step-free access into the gondola is for wheelchair users.
As well as a seamless entry, the bench seats can lift up to allow space for a wheelchair user to remain in their chair.
The gondola cabins are open air allowing visitors the opportunity to listen to the abundant birdlife in the forest below.
We rode the gondola from the Base Station to The Summit stopping off at the Eagle Café to have a snack and take in the view. The fruit salad is particularly good. The summit is 314 metres high and the trip takes approximately 15 minutes each way.
ACCESSIBILITY
Slow moving Gondolas in the stations allow level access for wheelchairs, walking frames, prams and strollers to board easily.
Please note that Gondola doors open to 80cm and double prams or oversized wheelchairs may not fit.
Enclosed gondolas are available for comfort in colder weather.
Level accessible parking.
Parking will be available for mobility scooters at the Base Station but mobility scooter will not be permitted inside the gondola cabins.
Ramped access throughout Summit and Base Stations.
Accessible observation decks.
Accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility are available. Please visit the Changing Places website if you require more information about this innovative facility.
TIPS
The cabins are open to the elements so wear warm clothing or take a nanna blanket on cooler days.
We parked at the Base Station and stopped at the café at The Summit to break the journey.
To read more about Eagle Skylift Arthurs Seat head to their website here.
We loved this relaxing ride with its stunning views. Why not combine a visit to Arthurs Seat with a trip to Mount Martha to try the beach matting and beach wheelchairs? You can read more about the accessible facilities at Mount Martha here.
We were guests of Eagle Skylift but as always, my enthusiastic blog is due to our experience on the day and the impressive accessible features.
Thanks for letting us all know! That is one visit I look forward to doing. I have been on several gondolas overseas which are easily accessed and I always marvel at the view. This one looks spectacular.
It’s a fabulous trip and the views are magnificent.
Enjoy!