Friday 4 August - Monday 7 August 2023
PHONE BOOKINGS ONLY: 0353564445
Would you like to stay in a motel where everyone else who's there gets it?
For one weekend in winter, the Gariwerd Motel is completely autism friendly (we're very friendly the rest of the time too, but this weekend is specifically about the autistic community).
Winter is a wonderful time to visit the Grampians. Crowds are much smaller than in the Summer peak times so you get to enjoy the mountains and creeks and waterfalls and the town of Halls Gap itself, with more personal space, and less noise.
Yes, it's cold, and there's always the risk of rain. We've chosen to do this in Winter because it is naturally quieter then. But we can't control the weather.
Halls Gap doesn't have a lot of wet weather activities as it's all about the natural surroundings. We suggest you bring your wet weather gear and just go for it. There might even be a little bit of snow on the mountain tops if you're lucky.
The mountains are charming in almost all conditions. And there is something beautiful about the way this place calms the mind, and recharges your batteries.
For one weekend in winter, the Gariwerd Motel is completely autism friendly (we're very friendly the rest of the time too, but this weekend is specifically about the autistic community).
Winter is a wonderful time to visit the Grampians. Crowds are much smaller than in the Summer peak times so you get to enjoy the mountains and creeks and waterfalls and the town of Halls Gap itself, with more personal space, and less noise.
Yes, it's cold, and there's always the risk of rain. We've chosen to do this in Winter because it is naturally quieter then. But we can't control the weather.
Halls Gap doesn't have a lot of wet weather activities as it's all about the natural surroundings. We suggest you bring your wet weather gear and just go for it. There might even be a little bit of snow on the mountain tops if you're lucky.
The mountains are charming in almost all conditions. And there is something beautiful about the way this place calms the mind, and recharges your batteries.
We Understand Autism
Hi, my name is Tony and I'm the owner of the Gariwerd Motel. I was diagnosed with autism in my 40's. I'd moved to Halls Gap a few years before my diagnosis, and I immediately loved the place. It did something to my brain that I didn't fully understand at first. It was only after my diagnosis that I connected the dots: moving to Halls Gap had changed my mental environment to such an extent that I was able to think clearly for perhaps the first time in my life.
I feel very fortunate to have found this place. And very fortunate to have seen the impact it has on others, whether they are on the spectrum or not. Everyone leaves the Grampians in a better mood than when they arrived. But the impact of the physical environment on the mental environment is particularly pronounced when autism is involved.
That's why we are starting these autism friendly weekends. This first one is an experiment. If there is enough demand, we will schedule more, at other times of the year, but always avoiding the peak periods so it is not overwhelming.
Come and enjoy a peaceful, friendly weekend in the Grampians with a group of people who understand.
It's not just my direct experience either. Kelly and David, the managers of the motel, are autism aware and autism friendly. They get it too.
Going out of your comfort zone can be stressful, particularly when traveling causes a disruption to normal routines. Staying at a motel where all the staff, and all of the other guests, understand this will help (we hope) take some of that stress out of the equation.
Please ask us for help, be open about who you are and what your needs are. We are going to understand. Everyone here will, this is why it is a closed event. We're pretty excited about it.
We understand autism, and what it means for family and friends as well as those on the spectrum. And we also understand what an amazing place Halls Gap and the Grampians are, and what a wonderful effect it has on the autistic brain. It's calming, healing, and reinvigorating.
Come and check it out.
I feel very fortunate to have found this place. And very fortunate to have seen the impact it has on others, whether they are on the spectrum or not. Everyone leaves the Grampians in a better mood than when they arrived. But the impact of the physical environment on the mental environment is particularly pronounced when autism is involved.
That's why we are starting these autism friendly weekends. This first one is an experiment. If there is enough demand, we will schedule more, at other times of the year, but always avoiding the peak periods so it is not overwhelming.
Come and enjoy a peaceful, friendly weekend in the Grampians with a group of people who understand.
It's not just my direct experience either. Kelly and David, the managers of the motel, are autism aware and autism friendly. They get it too.
Going out of your comfort zone can be stressful, particularly when traveling causes a disruption to normal routines. Staying at a motel where all the staff, and all of the other guests, understand this will help (we hope) take some of that stress out of the equation.
Please ask us for help, be open about who you are and what your needs are. We are going to understand. Everyone here will, this is why it is a closed event. We're pretty excited about it.
We understand autism, and what it means for family and friends as well as those on the spectrum. And we also understand what an amazing place Halls Gap and the Grampians are, and what a wonderful effect it has on the autistic brain. It's calming, healing, and reinvigorating.
Come and check it out.
Here's what we are doing
- Bookings restricted neurodivergent and autistic people, their families and carers
- Direct bookings only (you cannot book this weekend online) so everyone staying knows exactly what's going on.
- Strict noise policy and curfew on the use of outdoor areas
- An inclusive and caring environment, surrounded by people who understand that sometimes some noises can't be held in.
- The best advice on places to go, things to do, where to eat, and what to avoid, all tailored to your needs, abilities, and preferences
- Special requests and sensory considerations handled wherever we can (ask us, we'll see what we can do).
- 20% discount on normal rates for 2 night stay (we're doing this all through winter, not just this weekend)
- 30% discount on normal rates for 3 or more nights (see above)
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Late check out
Room Rates (based on a 2 night stay with 20% discount applied):
- Budget Room for 2: $104 per night
- Budget Room for 3: $120 per night
- Budget Room for 4: $136 per night
- Superior Room for 2: $120 per night
- Superior Room for 3: $136 per night
- Superior Room for 4: $152 per night
There are a few conditions:
- 2 night minimum stay (Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun)
- Book direct by calling us on 03 5356 4445
