Rollers Retreat - Fully Accessible Accommodation On Phillip Island
Rollers Retreat - Fully Accessible Accommodation On Phillip Island.
There are two reasons why Rollers Retreat is so special. The first is because the owner is a wheelchair user himself. The second reason is the incredible effort the family took to make it a truly fun place to stay.
Now you too can add your name to the growing guest book, a wall feature where you can take a Polaroid with the camera provided, and post it on the guest wall, along with your own review.
At Rollers, there are plenty of games: Chess, Jenga, a Foosball Table, a Giant Connect Four, X Box 1 and Wii and plenty of board games and books. Play music on the Record Player in the cosy living room and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-considered accessible space.
Apart from a mobile hoist, there are two electric beds, making it ideal for multiple people with disabilities to stay comfortably. Sleeping up to 7 guests, Rollers Retreat has four bedrooms. In the first bedroom, there is a King Split Plega High Low Bed and accessible ensuite. You can choose either a king set up, or two single beds. In the other accessible bedroom, there is a single hospital bed and hoist. The main accessible bathroom is located opposite this bedroom. The remaining two bedrooms feature a twin room with 2 single beds and a queen bed. Both bathrooms feature a step-free shower, a shower chair and grab rails.
There are 2 living areas, the main with a leather Jason recliner (sit to stand) armchair next to the fireplace. The fully equipped accessible kitchen has lowered food prep benchtops, you can glide under and prepare meals, cook at the stove, wash the dishes, or stack the lowered dishwasher. Even the tipping kettle is well-considered, allowing you to safely pour a cuppa. Enjoy all-weather with the covered patio overlooking a lovely grassed backyard. The covered carport ensures you can comfortably get in the car for your Phillip Island experiences, of which there are many options.
Accessible Phillip Island Experiences
Penguin Parade – Watch the little penguins arrive during the nightly parade. Wheelchair access is available to the general, Penguin plus underground viewing areas. More info HERE.
Churchill Island - Enjoy the old fashioned farm activities and historical buildings and grounds. Wheelchair accessible, paths are compacted gravel, and manual wheelchair users may require assistance. More info HERE.
Koala Reserve – Explore the tree-top boardwalks and see Koalas up close in their natural habitat. Wheelchair accessible, paths are compacted gravel, and manual wheelchair users may require assistance. More info HERE.
Antarctic Journey - Experience this multimedia wildlife experience by embarking on a virtual journey to the Antarctic. A wheelchair is accessible via lift. More info HERE.
Wildlife Coast Cruises – Experience Twilight, Cape Woolamai, Whale or Seal Cruises. Limited wheelchair access via a ramp onto the boat, call to see if suitable. More info HERE.
San Remo Pelican Feeding – Watch the pelicans being fed daily at 12 noon. Wheelchair platform viewing area. More info HERE.
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory – Visit Panny’s amazing world of chocolate. Wheelchair accessible. More info HERE.
Phillip Island Helicopters – Experience a scenic flight over Phillip Island. Limited access, call to see if suitable. More info HERE.
Vietnam Veterans Museum – Remember, interpret and understand the experience of the veterans of Australia’s longest war. Wheelchair accessible, lift to the upper level. More info HERE.
Walks and Beaches -Dog-friendly areas: – In all public places on Bass Coast dogs must be on a lead at all times, unless in a designated off-leash area.
Swan Lake Trail - Enjoy bird watching from the boardwalks or bird hides. Gravel pathway to the boardwalk. More info HERE.
The Nobbies – Experience the spectacular views of the Southern Coast. Accessible coin-operated binoculars are available to view the seals. Wooden boardwalks are accessible on the upper level.
Rhyll Pier – Perfect spot for fishing, purchasing bait or hiring equipment from Phillip Island Marine. Beautiful views of Westernport Bay, boat mooring and sea birds. Concrete pathway. Accessible parking and toilets are located in the foreshore park near the boat ramp.
Rhyll Foreshore Reserve Playground – The kids will love this boat-shaped playground. BBQs are also available. Accessible paths are available.
Rhyll Mechanics Hall & Park – Enjoy one of the many events held in the Mechanics Hall and the summer markets.
Fishing Charter Boats – T-Cat Fishing Charters operates out of Rhyll providing day and night fishing trips for all ages and experience levels. The T-Cat is also wheelchair accessible.
Rhyll Inlet Boardwalk – World-renowned habitat for migratory birds and mangroves. Compacted granitic sand and boardwalk, manual wheelchair users may require some assistance.
Oswin Roberts Reserve – Last area of remnant bushland on Phillip Island. Fine gravel, manual wheelchair users may require some assistance.
Smiths Beach – Everyone can enjoy a day at the beach. This beach is patrolled by the Woolamai Beach SLCS during summerAccessible ramp to the beach. All Terrian and Beach Wheelchair Hire – The three-wheeled Hippocampe wheelchair can be towed, pushed or self-propelled. The Wanderer wheelchair has large, wide tyres which improve access when travelling over sand, loose gravel, grass and other ‘off-road’ areas. Book via the Visitor Information Centre.
A Tour of Rollers Retreat - fully accessible accommodation on Phillip Island
Hayden, the owner, takes us on a tour of Rollers in the video below. Only someone with lived experience of disability can truly think of everything, ensuring a completely accessible holiday house that is Rollers Retreat.
Hayden's story
Hayden was a gymnast and had just won a gold medal on the high bar at the Victorian championships. His dream was to compete at Nationals the following year. In September 2016 Hayden was training on the family's backyard trampoline and landed awkwardly on his head. He broke his neck in 4 places. Hayden suffered a Complete Asia A, C5 Spinal Cord Injury. Diligence and determination are inherent traits of an athlete, and Hayden continues to train, devoting 2 to 3 hours every day to this recovery and is justifiably proud to have achieved incredible results so far. You can follow Hayden's recovery journey via his Facebook page or Instagram page.
A message from Hayden, of Rollers Retreat
"My family and I are proud to have created a wheelchair accessible holiday house on Phillip Island, Rollers Retreat. Our property has everything you need to make your next wheelchair accessible holiday enjoyable. We built the house because we found it difficult to find a beautiful wheelchair accessible house for holidays. We hope you enjoy your stay with us!"
To find out more information about Rollers Retreat - Fully Accessible Accommodation On Phillip Island, including over 50 questions and answers, go to Rollers Retreat and book your stay.