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OVERVIEW
- Business Overview
- Bookings
- Emergency Management
- Communications
- Other Information
- Guide Dog and Service Animals
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GENERAL
- Pre-arrival, arrival and reception
- Cognitive Impairment Support
- Car Park and Access amenities
- Entry
- Lifts
- Internal Spaces
- Public areas
- Displays, exhibits, commentary and live performances
- External Paths
- Steps
- Ramps
- Public Toilets/Adult change facilities
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ATTRACTIONS
- Attractions Basics
- Amusement Rides
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COMMON AREAS
- Parks and gardens
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FOOD AND DRINK
- Dining Spaces
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EVENTS
to view the full report.
Overview
General
Attractions
Common Areas
Food & Drink
Events
Business Overview
The business has the following products/services available
Attraction
Food and Drink
Our business caters for the following disability types:
Deaf or low hearing
Limited mobility
Wheelchairs or mobility scooters
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
The business has an emergency management and evacuation plan for guests with a disability
Emergency and evacuation procedures are explained on arrival
Guests with disabilities are noted in the guest log book for emergency and evacuation purposes
Communications
An accessibility guide is available on the website
Primary Page with Accessibility Information: https://crystalcastle.com.au/accessibility/ - Direct download to our Map/Guide: https://crystalcastle.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Crystal-Castle-Accessibility-Map-v2.pdf
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)
There is a Pictorial menu
There are Picture boards
Introduction cards for garden staff — laminated cards carried by team members visible in the gardens, reading: "Hi, I'm [Name]. I'll be in the garden today. I will see you and say hello." These support guests with cognitive disabilities or autism spectrum needs by reducing uncertainty about unexpected interactions with staff. Emergency warden instruction cards — carried by evacuation wardens during all operating hours. The reverse side displays large-print text: "EMERGENCY — PLEASE FOLLOW ME TO THE EXIT" for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Other Information
For bookings made onsite, the ticket booth/counter/box office is accessible for people using a wheelchair
The business accepts the companion card
Guide Dog and 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:
Service animals are welcome throughout Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, including all indoor spaces, the Lotus Café, and garden pathways. Fresh drinking water is available at the café and can be provided in a bowl on request at the Lotus Café and the Welcome Hut. Our gardens provide multiple shaded grassed areas suitable for rest and toileting. We ask that handlers manage their service animal at all times. Staff are aware of their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act and will not request proof of disability.
Pre-arrival, arrival and reception
The business has the following in place to support guests during pre-arrival, arrival and reception
There is a reception/public entryway.
Seating available at reception
A lower counter at reception/ticket office
A tablet with text to voice or pen and paper at reception to aid in communication
Picture Board at reception to aid in communication
Lighting in the reception area is even and glare free
Hearing loop: Crystal Castle operates as an outdoor garden and is not suited to fixed hearing loop infrastructure. We support guests who are deaf or hard of hearing through alternative means — a printed script of the Welcome Hut arrival talk, a pictorial menu at Lotus Café, emergency warden instruction cards, and maps provided to all guests on arrival. Clipboard: Not required — a lower counter is available at reception to allow guests to complete check-in while seated or in a wheelchair. Large print forms: Not applicable to our check-in process. Guests purchase tickets at the Welcome Hut counter; no written registration forms are required.
Information and maps are available in written form
A step free map/guide
A familiarisation tour
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:
Wait times at entry rarely exceed 10 minutes, even on our busiest days. Our Welcome Hut provides a shaded, covered waiting area. Seating is available at multiple rest points throughout the grounds, including the Welcome Hut, Lotus Café, Peace Dome, and along our accessible pathways. The site is self-paced with no timed or queued attractions, so guests can rest as needed and take as long as they wish to explore.
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Crystal Castle is a self-guided, self-paced experience. There are no queues for individual attractions and guests are free to move at their own pace throughout the day. Our facilitated experiences such as Crystal Singing Bowls and Crystal Meditation are held in the Peace Dome, which has seating and is accessible via our sealed pathway. Guests who experience fatigue are welcome to speak with staff at the Welcome Hut, who can advise the shortest accessible route to any attraction. Complimentary umbrellas are also available for sun and rain protection throughout your visit.
Cognitive Impairment Support
Documents are available in plain English for people with cognitive impairment (This may include instructions, guides, menus and general information)
A "social script" guide to your premises or attraction describing the sights, sounds and smells to aid parents/carers prepare visitors in advance
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
A drop off zone
Designated disabled parking bays
Level or ramped access from the car park to the entrance
The accessible entrance is clearly signed from the parking bay
Kerb ramps are in place where a pavement or walkway needs to be crossed
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Two designated accessible parking bays are located adjacent to our Welcome Hut, providing the shortest and most level route to the entrance. A drop-off zone is available near the Welcome Hut for guests who need to be dropped close to the entry. The car park surface is sealed asphalt. Crystal Castle is located in a rural hinterland area without direct public transport, so we recommend private vehicle or shuttle services from Byron Bay. Kerb ramps are in place where pathways meet sealed surfaces. Staff are present in the carpark during busy periods and can direct guests to the accessible bay on arrival.
Entry
The business has the following amenities/systems in place for entry
A drop off point close to the entrance
A path of access to the building is slip resistance and even
A path of access to the building is clear of obstruction
Self opening entry doors or fitted with a self closer
Glass doors are fitted with a visual sighting strip
Signage is written in a contrasting colour
Signage is written in a Sans Serif font and use upper and lower case letters
The entry door is a minimum of 850mm wide
The entry door has self opening or a light opening pressure (for manual operations)
The entrance sill is less than 13mm
There a clear space of at least 1500mm x 1500mm in front of all doors.
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
The main entry to Crystal Castle is through the Welcome Hut, which has sealed access from the adjacent car park and drop-off zone. The path from the accessible parking bays to the entrance is sealed asphalt, slip resistant, and free of obstructions.
Lifts
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
All public buildings at Crystal Castle are single level and do not require lift access.
Internal Spaces
Clear and unobstructed routes through and between buildings
Interior walls are matte or low sheen
Any protruding or overhanging obstructions are at least 2meters above the floor or are protected
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
Accessible facilities are clearly signed and visible from all areas
All corridors greater than 900mm
There is a quiet space for parents and children on the Autism Spectrum
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Our main public buildings, the Welcome Hut, Lotus Café, and Castle Jewels retail space, are single-level with hard floor surfaces throughout. Seating is available in the Lotus Café. The Lotus Café has an open, well-lit interior. While we do not currently offer large print menus or Braille signage, our team can read menu items aloud and provide verbal guidance on request. Crystal Castle's gardens serve as a natural quiet space for guests on the Autism Spectrum and their families. The outdoor environment is open, self-paced, and largely free from loud or sudden noise. Guests are welcome to find their own pace and space throughout the property, and staff can suggest quieter areas of the gardens on request.
Public areas
The public areas have the following amenities in place
Even lighting
Seating
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Crystal Castle is predominantly an outdoor attraction with natural lighting throughout. Our indoor spaces including the Lotus Café and Peace Dome have even, glare-free lighting. Seating is available in all public areas including the café, Peace Dome, and at rest points along our sealed pathway network. We do not currently have hearing loop systems or video displays on site.
Displays, exhibits, commentary and live performances
For displays, exhibits, commentary and live performances the following amenities are in place
Seating
Wheelchair accessible spaces/seating
A written transcript where audio description is provided i.e. display commentary, tour commentary
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Crystal Castle offers daily facilitated experiences including Crystal Singing Bowls and Crystal Meditation in our Peace Dome, which is accessible via sealed pathways and has seating available. Our 80-page printed guidebook provides written descriptions of all major attractions and displays throughout the grounds. A printed script of our Welcome Hut arrival talk is also available for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. Guided commentary during facilitated experiences is delivered verbally by our team. We do not currently offer written transcripts of live commentary or hearing loop systems.
External Paths
External paths of travel
Surfaces are concrete, asphalt, smooth paving or hard packed fine gravel (max aggregate size 13mm)
Paths or slopes longer than 15 metres have resting places or seats
Pathways are wider than 900mm
There 3 successive steps or less on any path or at any doorway
Any paths having steps are clearly identified as non-wheelchair accessible
Step free routes clearly signed
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Crystal Castle is situated on the side of a mountain in the Byron Bay hinterland. We built over nearly one kilometre of sealed concrete pathways in 2024 and 2025, providing access to many of our key attractions including the Buddha Walk, Blessing Buddha, World Peace Stupa, Giant Treasure Chest, Crystal Labyrinth, Peace Dome, Lotus Café, and Castle Jewels. Due to our hillside location, some sections of pathway exceed a 1:14 gradient. All steep sections are clearly signed so guests can make informed decisions about their route. Seating and rest areas are provided at regular intervals along the accessible route. Some secondary garden paths are gravel or stepped, and the Bamboo Avenue and Rainforest Walk are accessible by stairs only. We are currently working on improved wayfinding signage to clearly identify step-free routes and to mark stepped paths as non-wheelchair accessible. Guests are welcome to ask staff at the Welcome Hut for guidance on the most suitable route for their needs, and we provide a free Accessibility Map printout to all guests with mobility difficulties.
Steps
Steps
There are steps.
Top and bottom steps are easily distinguished through colour contrast or the use of TGSIs (Tactile Ground Surface Indicators)
The underside of all staircases are enclosed or protected to a height of at least 2 metres
Handrails fitted to all open sets of steps
Where steps are present are there three steps or less
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Crystal Castle has two areas with stepped pathways in our hillside gardens — Bamboo Avenue and Rainforest Walk. These are accessed by steps without handrails and are clearly signed as non-wheelchair accessible. These areas fall outside the designated accessible route and guests are advised of this at the Welcome Hut on arrival. The accessible pathway network is step-free, using sealed concrete paths and ramps throughout, meaning guests on the accessible route do not encounter open sets of steps. Guests requiring step-free access can reach the majority of our key attractions via this route, and our team at the Welcome Hut can advise on the best path for individual needs.
Ramps
Ramps have the following amenities are in place
There are ramps.
All fixed ramps are 1:14 or less
Hand rails are fitted
Long ramps (more than 10m) are 1:20 or less
Ramps have a raised edge of at least 100mm
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Ramps are provided to the Lotus Café, Castle Jewels, and indoor spaces to allow wheelchair and pram access. All constructed fixed ramps meet the 1:14 gradient standard. Handrails are fitted to all ramps. Due to our hillside location, some sections of the sealed pathway network exceed 1:14. These are not constructed ramps but natural gradient paths, and are signed accordingly. Our ramps are permanent fixed structures. We recommend power wheelchairs or sturdy manual chairs for the most comfortable experience. Guests are welcome to ask our team for assistance at any time.
Public Toilets/Adult change facilities
Public Toilets/Adult change facilities have the following amenities are in place
There is an accessible toilet for public use
The door is 800mm wide
There is a minimum of 850mm beside the toilet
Handrails are fitted
The toilet seat is 460mm above the floor
The toilet seat of a contrasting colour to the floor
The height of the toilet seat is: 400mm.
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Our accessible toilet is located inside our Moon Room retail space. The door width is 800mm, and the corridor leading to that door is 900mm. Clear space in front of the toilet is 1400mm, and the seat height is 400mm. The facility includes handrails and a contrasting toilet seat. We are reviewing options to improve these dimensions as part of future upgrades.
Attractions Basics
A park map is available here:
https://crystalcastle.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Crystal-Castle-Accessibility-Map-v2.pdf
Amusement Rides
AccessiblePathCentral
AccessiblePathCourtyard
AccessiblePathFromGaneshToWingsToEternity
AccessiblePathGanesh
AccessiblePathLakshmi
AccessiblePathReflexology
AccessiblePathStupa
AccessibleRamp1
AccessibleRamp2
AccessibleToilet1
AccessibleToilet2
AccessibleToilet3
AccessibleToiletCounter
AccessibleToiletEntrance
AccessibleToiletEntrance2
DisabledParkingArea
MainEntrance
MainEntranceTicketCounter
PeaceDome
PeaceDome2
RetailSpaceMoonRoom
WingsToEternityViewingBuddha
Cafe1
Cafe2
RetailEntranceRainbowRoom
RetailSpaceSunRoom
MoonRoomEntranceAutoDoors
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Crystal Castle is a garden-based attraction with crystal displays, sculptures, and facilitated experiences. We do not operate any rides, railways, gondolas, or wildlife exhibits. Our attractions are spread across landscaped hillside gardens connected by sealed pathways. A free Accessibility Map is available at the Welcome Hut showing accessible routes to all major attractions including the Buddha Walk, Blessing Buddha, World Peace Stupa, Peace Dome, Crystal Labyrinth, Lotus Café, and Castle Jewels.
Parks and gardens
The following parks and gardens amenities are available
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are signed at regular intervals
There is a step free map
This map is available online
https://crystalcastle.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Crystal-Castle-Accessibility-Map-v2.pdf
Seats are provided at regular intervals
Direction signage contains distances
The park or garden contains sensory experiences
The park contains an observation deck or tower
The observation deck or tower has level or ramped access
The observation deck provides a clear view through the safety railing
Edge protection is provided
Edge protection is a contrasting colour to the deck
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
Our observation area is the Lotus Café deck, which offers elevated views across the Byron Bay hinterland. The deck is accessible via our sealed pathway and ramp system. Safety railing is fitted along the deck perimeter. There are stairs below the Lotus Café with a railing for the primary section.
Handrails and stairs are built as per state/territory building code.
Slip resistance surfaces are used.
A handrail is available and at 865-965mm in height.
The handrail is continuously graspable along entire length at least one side.
LotusCafeStairsAndRailing
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 Plain English menus
There is an accessible toilet
Our business caters for the following dietary requirements
Sugar free (diabetic)
Lactose free (dairy free)
Additive free
Vegetarian
Vegan
There are procedures in place to avoid cross-contamination of food products
The Lotus Café kitchen takes food allergies and dietary requirements seriously. Staff are trained to identify allergens in menu items and can advise guests on suitable options. Guests with severe allergies or dietary requirements are encouraged to speak with our staff on arrival. Menu items are labelled to identify key dietary attributes including vegetarian, vegan, sugar free, and lactose free options. We do not operate a dedicated allergen-free kitchen environment.
There is a sample menu available online
Sample menu is available here -
https://crystalcastle.com.au/dining/
LotusCafeCounter
LotusCafeCounter2
LotusCafeEntrance
LotusCafeEntranceFromCourtyard
In addition, the following further information can assist guests
The Lotus Café offers a seasonal plant-based menu with vegetarian, vegan, sugar free, and dairy free options clearly labelled. The café is accessible via our sealed pathway with level access at the entrance and throughout the dining area. Chairs are moveable to accommodate wheelchair users at all tables. The café deck provides elevated views across the Byron Bay hinterland and is accessible via ramp. Guests with specific dietary requirements or severe allergies are encouraged to speak with our team on arrival.