Accessible Tourism Guide

1. Welcome & Inclusion Statement

• Our Commitment: We welcome guests of all abilities and strive to create inclusive, seamless experiences across all our experiences.

• Open Dialogue: We encourage guests to share any specific mobility, dietary, or sensory requirements during the booking process so we can prepare tailored tours wherever possible.

2. Physical Mobility & Terrain

• Walking Distances & Pace:   Typical walking distances per stop can include:-

  • Cellar door or shop front: couple of hundred metres. Fully accessible.

  • Farm tour – 2-3km (alternative option to drive)

  • Cave tour – large amounts of steps. Mammoth Cave has full accessibility including wheelchair accessibility.

• Ground Conditions: Ground conditions can vary and change with the seasons – these can be advised precisely on request:

  • Cellar door and shop fronts:  sealed entrances with good accessible access

  • Farm Tour: compact gravel or unsealed roads and tracks. Option to do a drive tour instead of a walk.

  • Cave Tour – sealed or wooden walkways that are accessible up to a certain point.

• Ramps & Steps: Steps and ramps occur at all wineries, shop fronts and places of interest ie art gallery. Maybe limited on working farms where a driving tour option can be offered.

• Seating:  Seating is available at most places, and rest points will be indicated on any walking activities.

3. Vehicle & Transport Access

• Boarding & Steps:  The standard tour vehicle is a Kia Carnival, which has many accessible features:-

  • There are no steps required to access the vehicle, which is very low to the ground with a ground clearance of 172mm. 

  • There are handles on the sides of the vehicle to assist passengers to pull themselves in or sit up whilst in the vehicle.

  • The vehicle has wide sliding doors to access both sides of the vehicle for the middle and rear seating.

  • The middle row seats can also be pushed far back to allow for passengers to stretch out their legs. Very good for elderly passengers or people who have a problem bending their knees as they can easily access these seats.

  • The middle row seats have arm rests on each side to ensure that the passengers can easily relax.

• Assistive Equipment Storage: Passengers need to check in advance of space capacity which is dependent on the number of passengers in the car for their tour.

  • Folded wheelchairs, walking frames and walking sticks can be easily stored.

  • If a larger vehicle is required to store different equipment, the passengers are advised to discuss their options in advance of booking their tour. Alternatively, wheelchair assistance can be arranged at some of the stops on the tour.

• Mobility Transfer: The driver is available to assist all passengers in boarding and exiting vehicles. If a stepstool or any further equipment is required, the passengers are asked to contact Forage Safaris at the time of booking to make necessary arrangements.

4. Dietary, Sensory & Comfort Needs

• Dietary Accommodations: At the time of making their booking, passengers are asked to advise of any dietary or medical requirements.  This option is available through the online booking system, or when passengers book their tours directly.

• Bathroom Facilities: All locations included in the tour have accessible toilets which can be reached by wheelchairs and have assistance rails.

• Sensory Considerations: Forage Safaris will carefully create the tour with sensory and medication considerations where necessary. The passengers need to advise at the time of booking what their requirements will be.

• On board Fridge: A fridge is in the back of the vehicle which is useful to carry refreshments, medication, purchases.

5. Vision, Hearing & Assistance Animals

• Assistance Dogs: An assistance dog can be accommodated in the vehicle with prior arrangement.

• Communication Options: A wide range of communication options are available including online, phone, email, text or through whatsapp messaging.

• Written & Visual Briefings:  There is an option for written safety and itinerary briefings prior to or at the start of the tour.

6. Companion & Carer Policies

• Carer Discounts / Companion Cards: Carers including support workers, are offered complimentary transportation for the tour, and would only need to pay any entry or tasting fees.