Warrnambool Promenade Accessible Walk

Warrnambool Promenade Accessible Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Take in outstanding bay and island views while enjoying this accessible stretch of Warrnambool's Promenade. Learn shipwreck stories from its past and about how little Penguins are being protected.

Description

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What can I see?
Leaving the jetties and boats of the harbour, follow the promenade beside the blue waters of the bay. Your return view includes the beautiful Merri River outflow, Merri and Middle Islands.

Is this walk accessible for me?
This return walk is accessible by foot, wheelchair or other mobility aid.

How accessible is the path?
Map signs guide you. The path is wide with room for side-by-side travel and turns. It undulates with mild slopes easily managed using a push wheelchair. There are no steps.

Options to walk shorter distances exist with easy vehicle access for alternative pick-ups. Mobile phone coverage is good.

Dense coastal vegetation can cause branches to intrude into the pathway at times. Evidence of regular pruning is present. Path edges stop at soft sand. Ramps to the beach also stop at soft sand. No wheelchair mats for beach access were found below ramps to the beach.

The Warrnambool Yacht Club / car park driveway is crossed during the loop section. Kerbs are ramped. Traffic is slow.

Rest areas
The walk is well maintained. Views are had from accessible platforms, seating with and without armrests and some roll under picnic tables found beside the path. There are interesting signs describing the local shipwrecks as you walk.

Accessible drinking water fountains and toilets are provided. Note: the path is exposed to the weather. There is little shelter.

Food and drink services are available at both ends of the walk. BBQs, picnic tables and bins are provided. There is ramped access to the café at the harbour and Life Saving Club. A switchback path takes you to the kiosk and pedestrian crossing to Lake Pertobe.

Warrnambool is a popular holiday season location. Expect it to be busy during these times.

Dogs must be on leash. Cyclists may share paths.

Public Transport
The No. 5 bus stops outside Pertobe Village. The bus stop is signed. It has no shelter or seating. From here start the walk by heading to Worm Bay Road (200 meters via wide, sealed footpaths). Kerbs are ramped. A road crossing is required.

Parking
There are 4 car parks along the walk. All have accessible parking for drivers to pick up/drop off people or park. Surfaces are sealed and flat. Most provide bollard protected side space and have direct ramped access to the path. No road crossings are necessary.

The following photos and descriptions provide more information regarding accessibility. Conditions may change. If you notice any variations, please let us know.

We would like to know what people with disability and carers think of this accessible Walking Map. Please tell us by completing this 5 minute survey . Your feedback will help us to create high quality information about accessible walks.

“Together More Active” is a partnership between Victoria Walks, Disability Sport & Recreation and Regional Sport Victoria.

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78 Views

Points of Interest

1. The walk begins

Looking back to the harbour and car park where The Promenade begins. The undulating path is 2.3 meters wide. It includes some mild slopes. Note the roll under picnic table beside the path.

2. Seating and views across the bay

Seats with and without armrests are located along the walk. This one with armrests is connected to the path via concrete paving. It has room for a wheelchair beside it and a great view of the bay.

3. Vegetation

Coastal vegetation closes in around you as you make your way along the path.

4. Accessible viewing platform

The path gradually rises above the beach. This accessible boarded platform above the beach offers an elevated perspective.

5. Accessible parking

There are multiple accessible parking spaces along the walk. Some have bollard protected side spaces. Together they provide alternative pick up points for walkers and rollers choosing shorter walks.

6. Accessible drinking water

Accessible drinking water fountains are installed along the path.

7. Beach access

Ramps have been installed for beach access. However, all meet soft sand without accessible beach mats. Wheelchairs cannot continue all the way to the beach.

8. Pertobe Road and Kiosk access

A switchbacked path provides an accessible route to a Kiosk, car parking, Pertobe Road and pedestrian crossings to the Lake Pertobe accessible facilities.

9. Surf Lifesaving Club

There is ramped access to the eatery at the Surf Lifesaving Club. Note: the path gets hillier from this point on, so it is a good spot to consider your return.

10. Islands view

The accessible path beside Viaduct Road provides an excellent view across the Merri River to Merri and Middle Islands.

11. Middle Island protection

Middle Island is home to a colony of little Penguins vulnerable to fox crossings. They are now protected by Maremma dogs.

12. Harbour accessible food and drink services

Accessible ramps take you up to the Pavilion cafe and bar as well as to great views across the bay. The cafe can accomodate wheelchairs.

13. Accessible toilet

An externally accessible toilet is on the ground floor under the Pavilion cafe. The door width is 0.86 meters. The floor area is 2.95x1.95 meters.

14. Lady Bay boat ramp and twin jetties

The twin jetties are easily accessible from the path. They have a grippy, non slip, grated plastic surface that is flat and smooth. You can see through into the water.