Wildlife Retreat at Taronga zoo
Last year, I was invited by the folks at Taronga zoo to spend a night at their “new” Wildlife Retreat hotel, in the middle of the zoo, overlooking Sydney harbour.
I say “new” because, although it has been open for a while now, opening coincided with the beginning of the pandemic, so it was a bit of a slow start due to several enforced closures.
It’s worth stressing here that, although we were guests of the zoo, there was no expectation of a favourable review whatsoever, but rather they regarded the visit as a learning opportunity, from which they hope to gain valuable feedback.
What became effectively the longest of “soft openings” means that the Wildlife Retreat has successfully taken the opportunity to get it pretty much spot-on regarding accessibility, apart from a few small but important points (and as I said, feedback such as this will be acted upon).
You notice this from the moment you check in. Whatever the reason (and it certainly helps being a small boutique-style hotel) you feel you are being treated as an individual with highly individual needs (and of course this can be really important for anyone with a mobility impairment, who may have highly individual requirements); accessible parking is straightforward, staff approach you instead of you having to clamour for the attention of someone up at a high check-in desk, you are given an access map of the zoo, and a good explanation of the accessibility of the tours in your package.
No matter how familiar you are with Sydney Harbour, the view from the reception/lobby/bar area is breathtaking.
This was the room:
Superb accessibility aside, it was so refreshing to be treated just like any other guest. Too often wheelchair users get treated a bit like second class citizens, and shoved away in the inferior accessible room that no other guest wants. Here, you actually get treated really well. The room had a unique aspect — with the spectacular harbour, Opera House, and bridge serving as a backdrop, a koala was dozing no more than 3 m from the window!
One of my main bugbears with nearly all accessible accommodation is that you hardly ever come across an automatic bedroom door opener. These can be incredibly useful (and sometimes essential) for independent access to any room (if you are a wheelie you will completely understand). Wildlife Retreat doesn’t yet have these, but they are being fitted.
A main reason for staying at Wildlife Retreat is the exclusive access you get to The Sanctuary where koalas and echidnas roam, and platypus swim. During your stay, you can join a guided tour of this private Taronga conservation society-owned enclave and form a close and emotional connection with the animals.
The tour is 100% accessible with ramps being used where necessary, a smooth boardwalk throughout, and no steep inclines.
The only problematic aspect for wheelchair users is the use of double swinging doors (which keep the animals in; creating something similar to an airlock for humans). These are totally unavoidable, and I have pointed out the difficulty with them, so they are on Taronga’s radar. It remains to be seen whether installing some automatic mechanism is feasible and whether the cost can be borne.
The restaurant (which doubles as the venue for a buffet breakfast) is, as you might expect, befitting of that in any luxury hotel. But there is the added bonus of eating spectacular food matched only by the spectacular view. If you time it right, and get to your table just before sunset, you will see the sun go down over the city, with the harbour in the foreground — unforgettable.
In terms of access, tables are well spaced, and most with great views. The next morning, the buffet was easy to get to and view (being a small hotel, there is no bun-fight amongst the guests).
So, all in all this is a fantastic hotel offering a truly unique experience. There is only one major issue: I’m sure I was not alone in having got confused by the lifts (when trying to get from the zoo level up to the main hotel level). This is not a problem for most people (because they can quickly turn round and get back in the lift, or just go up the stairs), but for wheelchair users down low (particularly manual ones who are self-propelling) or people who have difficulty walking, the absence of clear signage can be really frustrating and time-consuming.
Obviously, the multi level nature of the hotel is the way it is, and nothing can be done about that. But some consideration should be made to creating clearer signage if possible.
