Blackall Woolscour — Attraction in Blackall

I have a panic disorder where panic attacks can get triggered by being in an open space without quick access to a closed in space like a car or toilet.

I explained my situation to the staff at Blackall Wool Scour and they were lovely and really understanding of my disability. My dad and I decided to do the tour and even though I couldn't do some of the tour because it was too far from my safe places I still had a wonderful time.

I started by walking from my dads car that to a shop that was about 20 metres away. I felt a little on edge in the shop and explained what was going on to the staff. One staff member and I had a good chat about spinning yarn on spinning wheels before the tour. That chat helped me to get comfortable in the shop.

The tour guide was kind enough to allow my dad to park his car right near the shed where the tour took place which was great because I was able to go into the part of the shed that was closest to my dads car which is my safe place.

During the tour the wool scouring machine was turned on and I was able to have a good look at it. It wasn't as noisy as I had expected it to be which was great as I have sensitive hearing. It makes a bit of a squeaking sound. The machine was the only one of its kind that still exists in the southern hemisphere. I really enjoyed watching all the different parts of the machine moving.

The tour guide also allowed my dad and I to drive to other buildings so I can have a look. The staff were really kind and I had a...

This place is an amazing opportunity to step back in time to see how the wool industry was run; however, the lady who first greeted us, Annette, must have been having a bad day as she was quite rude. She didn’t make the experience inviting at all. She abruptly asked if we were seniors (which we are not) and then again, rudely said how much we had to pay. Annette then quite out of the blue and not kindly, said the toilets were out of bounds as they didn’t want to have to clean them after visitors. The toilets were for staff only. Considering this is out of town and the tour of the woolscour takes about an hour, I don’t think it is legal that they can actually close the toilets because they don’t want to clean them. It put a damper on our entire experience. So much for people trying to bring economy to...

Good exhibit but staff don't give a rat's. If you are older or infirmed forget it. They are too lazy to clean the amenities so they are "for staff only". Seriously, you can't even take a pee there but they are happy to sell you food and drink! People pay money to see this wonderful history that the Government contributed millions to preserve only to find that the advertised tour times are now reduced so folks on a timed tour turn up for the 3pm tour and it has been cancelled. Years ago there was a passionate old fella there who was so proud to show the scour and tell it's story. Now it seems town pride and kindness is gone and travellers are an unpleasant imposition. Shame. Maybe charge a bit more and...