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OVERVIEW
- Business Overview
- Bookings
- Emergency Management
- Communications
- Guide Dog and Service Animals
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GENERAL
- Pre-arrival, arrival and reception
- Cognitive Impairment Support
- Car Park and Access amenities
- Entry
- Internal Spaces
- Public areas
- External Paths
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ACCOMMODATION
- Room Amenities
- Bathrooms
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ATTRACTIONS
- Attractions Basics
- Zoos and Wildlife Parks
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COMMON AREAS
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FOOD AND DRINK
- Dining Spaces
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ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
- Adventure activities
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Overview
General
Accommodation
Attractions
Common Areas
Food & Drink
Adventure
Business Overview
The business has the following products/services available
Accommodation
Attraction
Food and Drink
Adventure
Our business caters for the following disability types:
Blind or low vision
Deaf or low hearing
Limited mobility
Food allergies or intolerances
Cognitive or people on the Autism Spectrum
Bookings
The business offers the following methods for bookings and enquiries:
Phone
Webportal
Our forms have high contract boxes and submit boxes
Staff have undergone disability awareness and training
Emergency Management
Emergency and evacuation procedures are explained on arrival
Exit signs are clear and easy to see
Exit access is free and clear at all times
We ensure exit access is free and clear at all times by:
Each Lodge room has an exit door which is clear of obstructions at all times. Lodge Lounge room has an open entrance (no door)
Exit doors are able to be opened by all occupants
Exits to the emergency evacuation point does not include stairways
The evacuation point is clearly marked by a sign
The business identifies guests who need additional assistance should an emergency occur by:
Guests are encouraged to contact us prior to booking to discuss any accessibility or health requirements. These requirements are noted on the booking.
The procedure for assisting guests who need assisted rescue is:
In the event of an emergency, trained staff will attend immediately to assess the situation and provide initial assistance. Assistance may include: Physical support for mobility, Assisted transfer using manual handling techniques (two-person support where required), Use of available transport (4WD vehicle) to move the guest safely to a secure location or medical response point. Medical emergencies: First aid is administered if required. If further treatment is required, emergency services are contacted via phone or radio. Evacuation can be coordinated with: RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service), or Marine or air charter providers, depending on the situation and weather conditions.
Guests with disabilities are noted in the guest log book for emergency and evacuation purposes
Communications
An accessibility guide is available on the website
https://dirkhartogisland.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DHI_Accessibility_Plan_2026_FINAL.pdf
Our website meets WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards
Our business offers the following alternative communication methods
Plain English
Not specified
There is easy to read signage and information (e.g. menus and emergency information)
Guide Dog and Service Animals
The business provides a secure area with shade and water for service animals
The business provides a toilet area for service animals
Bowls, bedding, etc. are provided for service animals
The business provides the following services for services animals:
While Dirk Hartog Island does not allow pets on the island, service animals are permitted with prior approval from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Guests travelling with a service animal should notify us in advance so we can assist with the approval process and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for their stay. All service animals must be fully trained and remain under the control of their handler at all times while on the island.
Pre-arrival, arrival and reception
The business has the following in place to support guests during pre-arrival, arrival and reception
Booking information and websites are compatible with screen readers
Information and maps are available in written form
Luggage assistance
Additional Information from the business
The following steps are in place to ensure that people with fatigue related to their disability are not disadvantaged by long wait times:
There are no queues on the island as the capacity is managed in both accommodation and vessels that transport guests
Cognitive Impairment Support
Documents are available in plain English for people with cognitive impairment (This may include instructions, guides, menus and general information)
Quiet periods or early opening times for people on the Autism Spectrum
A space for parents and children on the Autism Spectrum
Car Park and Access amenities
The business has the following Car Park and Access amenities
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
There is no carpark as this is a remote island.
Entry
The business has the following amenities/systems in place for entry
A path of access to the building is clear of obstruction
Glass doors are fitted with a visual sighting strip
Signage is written in a contrasting colour
The entry door is a minimum of 850mm wide
There a clear space of at least 1500mm x 1500mm in front of all doors.
Internal Spaces
Clear and unobstructed routes through and between buildings
Interior walls are matte or low sheen
Floors, walls, counters and furniture are of contrasting colours
Tableware/glassware contrast with the table surface or table cloth
Floor surfaces are hard or short pile carpet
Seating is available for guests unable to stand for long periods
All corridors greater than 900mm
There is a quiet space for parents and children on the Autism Spectrum
Public areas
The public areas have the following amenities in place
Even lighting
Seating
External Paths
External paths of travel
Pathways are wider than 900mm
Room Amenities
Additional Information from the business
For guests with a hearing impairment, the following emergency evacuation procedures apply to ensure safe evacuation:
There are only 6 rooms and the close proximity of staff and owner operators would ensure safe evacuation in the event of an emergency
There is contrast between the walls, skirtings, floor and furniture
There is a clear path through the room
The edges of all furniture and fixtures are rounded
Wardrobe handles are a contrasting colour to the doors and draws
Doors open fully against the adjoining wall
There is a clear opening at least 850mm wide
There at least one chair with rigid arms
Wardrobe and drawer handles are easy to grip
The bedside lamp switch is easy to reach from the bed
There is at least 850mm clear space beside the bed
The bed height is no higher than 680mm from the floor
There is at least 130mm clearance under the bed
The business offers a range of non-allergenic bedding
Non-allergenic cleaning products are used
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Photos of the Eco Lodge can be found https://dirkhartogisland.com.au/stay/eco-lodge/
Bathrooms
The bathrooms have the following facilities/amenities in place
All heating appliances and hot water pipes are protected or insulated
All shower, bath and basin taps are clearly differentiated between hot and cold
Fixtures and fittings have rounded edges
The door is at least 850mm wide
There is a minimum of 850mm beside the toilet
There is a minimum of 1400mm of clear space in front of the toilet
The toilet seat is a contrasting colour to the floor
The toilet seat is 460mm above the floor
There is a portable shower head on flexible hose
Lodge ensuite
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Additional photos can be found https://dirkhartogisland.com.au/stay/eco-lodge/
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Guide and service dogs are welcome
Additional Information from the business
Guide and service animals should observe the following rules:
With DBCA Approval
A secure area with shade and water for service dogs is available
A guide for patrons who are blind or vision impaired are available
Signage is positioned between 800mm and 1200mm above the ground
Signage is in a font larger than 18 point
Signage and information provide pictorial information
Additional Information from the business
The following alternative information sources are available:
Due to the remote nature of our operations, alternative formats such as braille or dedicated audio guides are not currently available.However, we provide information in a range of accessible formats where possible, including:Pre-arrival written information via email and our websiteVerbal briefings and guided interpretation from staff during tours and activitiesClear on-site signage and printed information in key areasOur team is always happy to provide information in a way that best suits individual guest needs, and we encourage guests to contact us in advance so we can accommodate specific requirements wherever possible.
Seating is provided at regular intervals
Aviaries and other enclosures provide level access
Tour vehicles are available
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Continuous improvement As infrastructure evolves, we will continue to: • Identify practical improvements that enhance accessibility while protecting the island’s natural environment. • Train staff to provide inclusive, respectful, and adaptive guest service. Our approach We understand that accessibility needs vary for every individual. While we aim to be as inclusive as possible, the remote nature of Dirk Hartog Island means some experiences may not be suitable for all mobility levels. We encourage guests to contact our team prior to booking so we can discuss individual needs and ensure the safest and most enjoyable stay possible.
Dining Spaces
The dining spaces have the following facilities/amenities in place
The entrance has level access
The doorway is at least 850mm wide
There is level access through the dining area
Chairs are moveable to allow for wheelchairs to be seated at the tables
All glass doors and full height windows have contrast markings
There are areas of full lighting
There are large print menus
There are Plain English menus
Our business caters for the following dietary requirements
Sugar free (diabetic)
Gluten free (celiac)
Lactose free (dairy free)
Low fat and fibre with no gastric content
Low potassium
Low sodium
Nut free
Additive free
Vegetarian
Vegan
There are procedures in place to avoid cross-contamination of food products
We implement strict food handling and hygiene procedures to minimise the risk of cross-contamination and ensure guest safety.Separation of food types: Raw and ready-to-eat foods are stored and prepared separately at all times. Dedicated areas are used where possible.Utensils and equipment: Separate chopping boards, knives, and utensils are used for different food groups (e.g. raw meats, seafood, vegetables). All equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between uses.Cleaning and sanitisation: Food preparation surfaces are regularly cleaned and sanitised using approved food-safe products, particularly between handling different ingredients.Hand hygiene: Staff follow strict handwashing protocols and use gloves where appropriate, especially when handling ready-to-eat foods.Food storage: All food is stored in sealed, labelled containers and maintained at appropriate temperatures to prevent contamination.Allergen management: Dietary requirements and allergens are identified prior to service. Ingredients are checked carefully, and meals are prepared with additional care to avoid cross-contact.Staff training: All staff involved in food handling are trained in safe food handling practices and understand the importance of preventing cross-contamination.These procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with food safety standards and to maintain best practice in a remote operating environment.
DHI Eco Lodge
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Lodge (1).JPEG
Lodge walkway
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Dirk.Lodge (1 of 60)
Adventure activities
The adventure activities have the following facilities/amenities in place
Our adventure activities cater for people with a disability
Additional Information from the business
The following activities are available to people with a disability:
At Dirk Hartog Island, we are committed to creating inclusive experiences where
possible and supporting guests of varying abilities in a respectful and accommodating
way.
We understand that accessibility needs vary, and while we aim to be as inclusive as
possible, there are some limitations beyond our control. The Denham Commercial Jetty,
managed by the Shire of Shark Bay, currently has no infrastructure to support
wheelchair access to vessels.
Likewise, the on-island facilities, managed by the Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), do not currently provide wheelchair access to
shore-based facilities.
There are no sealed roads or formal walkways on Dirk Hartog Island, and the terrain is
predominantly beach and natural ground, which is unsuitable for mobility aids such as
wheelchairs or walkers.
The equipment utilised to make the activities available are:
How we support accessibility
Pre-arrival planning
• Guests are encouraged to contact us prior to booking to discuss any
accessibility or health requirements.
• We provide detailed information about terrain, facilities, transport, and
environmental conditions to help guests make informed decisions.
• Special requests such as dietary requirements, medical needs, or mobility
considerations can be discussed and planned in advance.
On-island support
• Our team is available to assist with luggage handling and general support on
arrival and departure.
• Staff can provide orientation and guidance around the property and facilities.
• Flexible check-in arrangements may be available where operationally possible.
• Dietary needs, allergies, and medical considerations can be accommodated
with advance notice.
Accommodation options
• Accommodation types include the Eco Lodge, Ocean Villa, Homestead Camping
and National Park Camping
• Ground-level access is available to all accommodation areas; however, surfaces
are natural and uneven.
• Assistance animals are welcome by prior arrangement.
As infrastructure evolves, we will continue working with relevant authorities to advocate
for improved accessibility and ensure our products are as inclusive as possible.
For now, we remain focused on providing supportive and adaptive service within the
current operating environment.
The following limitations apply to participation, including those activities that are not available to people with a disability:
There are no sealed roads or formal walkways on Dirk Hartog Island, and the terrain is
predominantly beach and natural ground, which is unsuitable for mobility aids such as
wheelchairs or walkers. No Ramps or jetty infrastructure
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Continuous improvement As infrastructure evolves, we will continue to: • Identify practical improvements that enhance accessibility while protecting the island’s natural environment. • Train staff to provide inclusive, respectful, and adaptive guest service. Our approach We understand that accessibility needs vary for every individual. While we aim to be as inclusive as possible, the remote nature of Dirk Hartog Island means some experiences may not be suitable for all mobility levels. We encourage guests to contact our team prior to booking so we can discuss individual needs and ensure the safest and most enjoyable stay possible.