Access and Inclusion Statement

At Paronella Park, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of our gardens, history and story, and to feel safe, respected and welcome while they are here.

We are committed to creating an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible for all visitors and team members, regardless of age, ability, cultural or linguistic background, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, family structure or individual needs.

We recognise that accessibility and inclusion mean different things to different people. We are continually working to improve the visitor experience, remove barriers where possible and provide practical assistance when the unique heritage and landscape of Paronella Park present accessibility challenges.

Physical Access and Mobility

Paronella Park was built in the 1920s, long before today's accessibility standards. Its historic structures, natural landscape and five hectares of tropical gardens include steep terrain, stairs and some gravel pathways.

While this means not every area of the Park can be independently accessed by every visitor, we work hard to make as much of the experience accessible as possible and to find practical solutions for individual needs.

• Wheelchair and mobility access: We have widened and resurfaced pathways throughout the Park to improve wheelchair and mobility access. Some areas remain steep or have gravel surfaces, so we encourage visitors with specific mobility requirements to speak with our team.
• Grand Staircase and lower grounds: There is a 47-step Grand Staircase, with a handrail, leading to the lower grounds. Visitors who are able to transfer into and out of a vehicle independently or with the assistance of a companion or carer may be transported by our team in our vehicle to bypass the staircase. Where appropriate, we can also transport wheelchairs or mobility equipment.
• Accessible viewing: An accessible lookout provides an alternative way for visitors with limited mobility to enjoy views of the lower grounds.
• Accessible toilets: Accessible toilet facilities are located near the Café.
• Ramp access: Ramp access is available to the main entrance and Café.
• Accessible parking and drop-off: Accessible parking is located close to the entrance. Visitors can also be dropped directly at the front entrance if this is more convenient.
• Assistance during your visit: Our team is happy to discuss the best way for you to experience the Park and provide reasonable assistance where possible.

Because everyone's mobility needs are different, we encourage you to contact us before your visit if you have questions about a particular mobility aid, pathway or area of the Park. Our team can talk you through the property and help you plan your visit.

Sensory and Communication Accessibility

We recognise that accessibility extends beyond physical access and that some visitors may experience sensory, communication, vision, hearing or other barriers.

• A free audio guide app is available to visitors.
• Large-print information is available on request.
• Visitors are welcome to ask our team for information or assistance in a way that best suits their communication needs.
• Quieter areas are available throughout the property for visitors who may need time away from busy or stimulating environments.
• We continue to review ways we can make information and experiences more accessible for visitors with different sensory and communication needs.

If you or someone you are visiting with has particular requirements, please contact us before your visit. We are happy to discuss what is available and how we may be able to assist.

LGBTIQ+ Inclusion

Paronella Park proudly welcomes LGBTIQ+ visitors, couples, families and team members.

We believe everyone should be able to visit, work and spend time at Paronella Park while feeling safe, respected and comfortable being themselves. We welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Discrimination, harassment or exclusion on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression is not accepted at Paronella Park.

Cultural and Linguistic Inclusion

Paronella Park welcomes visitors from across Australia and around the world. We value the different cultures, languages, traditions, experiences and perspectives our visitors and team members bring to the Park.

We provide multilingual visitor information and aim to communicate respectfully and inclusively with people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

We also recognise the importance of the cultural heritage of the region and are committed to respectful engagement with the stories, people and communities connected to the place in which we operate.

Education and Community

We believe Paronella Park's history, natural environment and stories should be available to as many people as possible.

Through educational programs, community engagement and accessible visitor experiences, we aim to provide opportunities for people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds to learn about and experience the Park.

Where possible, we can work with schools, community organisations and other groups to discuss individual requirements and tailor their visit.

Our Team

Creating an inclusive visitor experience starts with our people.

We are committed to building a workplace where team members and visitors are treated with dignity, respect and consideration. Our team is encouraged to listen to individual needs, communicate respectfully and provide practical assistance rather than assume what a visitor may or may not require.

We want visitors to feel comfortable approaching our team and asking for assistance at any point during their visit.

Continuing to Improve

Accessibility and inclusion are ongoing commitments, not a finished project.

We know there will always be more we can do. We actively welcome feedback from our visitors and community and regularly review our facilities, information and practices to identify opportunities to improve.

If you have an accessibility requirement, a question about visiting Paronella Park, or a suggestion about how we could make the experience more inclusive, we would genuinely like to hear from you.

Our Access and Inclusion Plan is also available to view here: Access-and-Inclusion-Plan-for-Paronella-Park.docx

Whoever you are, whoever you love, wherever you come from and whatever your individual needs, you are welcome at Paronella Park.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mark and Judy Evans
Paronella Park