At The Cove, a remarkable agri-tourism venture in Tasmania's North-West, inclusivity is not just a buzzword - it's a way of life. The Cove's Lillico Farm has opened its doors to all, and their commitment to accessibility has earned them back-to-back accolades from the Tasmanian Tourism Industry Council.
Nestled on Kim and Bruce Robinson's sprawling 140-hectare coastal estate, Lillico Farm is a testament to their family's dedication to creating an inclusive haven. Bruce, a sixth-generation farmer, tends to his diverse farm, cultivating beef cattle, peas, carrots, poppies, and pyrethrum, while Kim and their son Kurt focus on developing the tourism aspect of this unique business.
But here's where it gets controversial: Bruce's farm tours are a cut above the rest. His wife, Kim, can't help but notice that his tours tend to be longer than hers - a testament to his passion for farming and his love for sharing stories about life on the land. "We all love to share our unique setting and lifestyle," Kim says with a smile.
Recognizing that one in five Australians live with a disability, Kim and Bruce understood early on that everyone deserves an equal holiday experience. "It's not a level site, but we've worked tirelessly to ensure accessibility is as seamless as possible for those with mobility issues or visual impairments," Kim explains.
Among the glamping A-frame huts and luxurious villa accommodations, The Cove offers a range of options to cater to most special needs. There's a fully compliant disability unit, three accessible units, and the Alexander Centre, the heart of the complex, boasts disability-friendly bathrooms accessible to all. Aggregate paths have replaced pebbles for easy wheelchair navigation, and access parking, ramps, golf carts, walking sticks, and frames ensure effortless movement around the property.
"It's incredibly rewarding to see our guests find equality in their interactions with our highland cows and alpacas, in their appreciation of the penguins and ocean views, or simply in their ability to move about with confidence thanks to our thoughtful design," Kim shares.
Assistance dogs are welcomed with open arms, and fellow guests are educated on how to respectfully interact with them. "We've gone above and beyond, and that's why people choose us. We act on feedback to continuously improve," Kim emphasizes.
The farm tours attract both overnight guests and day trippers, and the on-site restaurant and café showcase the best regional produce. The Cove has even ventured into spirits, partnering with Alchymia Distillery at Table Cape to create their own range of vodka and gin using the farm's botanicals. They've also laid down a barrel of whiskey, which will be ready to delight palates in five years.
"Mixing normal farm life with hospitality is a challenge. Our cows love to lounge on our viewing platforms, and we're yet to find a way to stop them from scratching our solar lamp posts, but the tranquility of the farm and the memories our guests take away make it all worthwhile," Kim concludes with a laugh.
The Cove's commitment to accessibility is a shining example of how businesses can make a real difference. So, what do you think? Is this the kind of inclusive tourism experience you'd like to see more of? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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