Working with the design team, Architecture & Access are providing advice to help make sure a wide range of people with varied abilities can enjoy the experience
The Parks Victoria realignment of the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing will deliver an iconic Alpine walking experience. The 57km five-day, four-night walk is one of Victoria’s four long distance walks and will take in some of the most spectacular scenery on the Australian Alps, including Victoria’s second highest peak, Mt Feathertop.
Architecture & Access is providing access consulting advice on the upgrades and extensions of the existing Falls to Hotham track, new rest stops, interpretive signage and artwork and the four overnight nodes. These nodes will include hiker huts and tent platforms, communal shelter and toilets.
Our role is to guide the design team so that the following needs are considered:
- People who may use TrailRider All-terrain wheelchairs
- People with vision impairments
- Assistance animals
- People with print disabilities and those from linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Provision of information – prior to and during a visit.
We are making recommendations for access provisions including:
- Walking trail recommendations for people with mobility restrictions and vision impairments
- Design of overnight sites
- Access to huts including stairs and ramps
- Signage and provision of information for people with all abilities
- Sanitary facilities.
An exciting feature of the walk will be the provision of accommodation for the first night (stage one of the walk) that will be suitable for people who are not experienced hikers or have a level of disability. This will enable a wide range of users to enjoy part of this amazing natural experience.
Victoria’s other outstanding long-distance walks are the Great Ocean Walk, the Grampians Peaks Trail and the Coastal Wilderness Walk.
Image: Cathryn Grant, Senior Access Consultant Architecture & Access and her family hiking in the area this year
