We are spoilt for choice when it comes to accessible accommodation and experiences in Queensland. In our blog today, we have some stand-out options for your next break. Choose from 5 great accessible places to stay in South East Queensland, with our focus today on Brisbane and The Gold Coast as well as The Gold Coast Hinterland.
GREENLEE COTTAGES
Location: Gold Coast Hinterland
We love:
Robyn, the owner, has tastefully decorated the 4 cottages in a casual and rustic feel. Enjoy the fresh air that the Canungra Valley has to offer and enjoy nature all around you on a working farm. Several winery options are close by.
About the accommodation:
They consist of three one-bedroom cottages and two-bedroom cottages. The two-bedroom is accessible. This is ideal for a family get together, as you have the privacy of your own cottage yet all in one location.
The views are simply breathtaking and the wildlife is on your doorstep. Canungra Creek is a boundary to this property and is a perfect position to read a book, breathe in nature, catch fish for dinner, or enjoy a campfire. There are plenty of activities related to working farms and vineyards. A true farm stay experience!
Accommodation’s accessible features include:
Ideally suited to wheelchair users who can self-transfer, part-time chair users as well as walking frame/ cane users.
Accessible toilet seat, fixed grab bars, on-site disabled parking, shower chair, step-free access, step-free shower, and a glide under the vanity.
Accessible experiences in and around Greenlee.
Greenlee Farm Tour
As the cottages are situated on a working Macadamia farm, you also have the option of a farm tour and learn about growing and processing macadamias. Venture into the orchard and immerse yourself in farm life in this beautiful part of Australia. Click HERE for more information.
Sarabah Estate Vineyard
Sarabah Estate Vineyard is positioned right next door to Greenlee Cottages. A great place Friday to Sunday for a brunch, lunch or cheese platter. They even make their own gelato. Enjoy a glass of wine while sitting in the Olive Grove (accessible) with a view over the vineyard. Click HERE for more information.
Mountview Alpaca Farm and Canunga Valley Vineyards.
Only a few kilometres away you can visit an alpaca farm. You can pat, feed, or even take an alpaca for a walk! They are located on the same property as Canungra Valley Vineyard so you can order a picnic lunch and enjoy at the picnic tables or on the grass. Click HERE and HERE for more information.
O’Reilleys – Lamington National Park.
How about a 40-minute drive into the rain forest of the Lamington National Park? The Rain-forest walk is suitable for wheelchairs. You are also able to feed the birds and enjoy a BYO BBQ or picnic. There is also a café for meal options. Click HERE for more information.
Certainly worth a day visit don’t you think?
HERE IS THE LINK TO BOOK THIS HOTEL.
NRMA TREASURE ISLAND HOLIDAY RESORT
Location: Gold Coast - QLD
We love:
Four resort-style swimming’s pools, one of which may suit some people’s disability needs, as the pool has a gradual decline with railing.
About the accommodation:
If you are seeking a fun-filled holiday, this is the perfect spot to stay. The resort has a single level waterpark allowing for wheelchair access.
The Pandanus Villa is wheelchair accessible. Enter the villa via a dedicated ramp, where the dining, living and well-equipped kitchen is located. This is ideal if you would like to save money by making your own meals occasionally. You’ll also save on laundromat costs, as there are a washer and dryer in the villa.
There are two bedrooms, sleeping a total of 4 guests. This accessible villa features ramp access, accessible fixtures and fittings, kitchen and bathroom. Or, enjoy their on-site restaurant which is accessible. Pandanus has two bedrooms and sleeps four. (A king-size bed and two single beds.)
The accessible bathroom is excellent, featuring grab rails, roll-in shower and a wall-mounted shower chair. (Nearby hire is available if you require a stand-alone chair
Accommodation’s accessible features include:
Ideally suited to wheelchair users who can self-transfer, part-time chair users as well as walking frame/ cane users.
Partly accessible Pool (gentle decline, without steps and a grab rail.) Accessible toilet seat, fixed grab bars, on site disabled parking, wall mounted shower chair, step-free access, and a step-free shower.
Out n' about when staying at NRMA Treasure Island Resort
Accessible experiences in and around Gold Coast:
Accessible Beaches
Summer on the coast wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the iconic Surfers Paradise beach and foreshore. Take an easy 20-minute drive from the Resort, or head into Southport before catching the light rail to the Surfers Paradise centre. Getting to the water won’t be a problem either with beach accessible wheelchairs (free to hire), accessible beach Mobi Mat, a mobile hoist available at Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. The Mobi Mats can be rolled out onto the sand allowing for a smooth surface for people who have mobility challenges or difficulty walking. Click HERE for more information.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Visit Harbour Town Premium Shopping Outlets. Located just 600m from the Resort, this bustling outdoor shopping precinct offers heavily discounted bargains at over 240 stores, plus a newly re-designed dining strip and movie cinema. Best of all? The centre is passionate about offering an access friendly experience with mobility and wheelchair hire available, 61 dedicated disabled parking bays, and 10 accessible restrooms throughout. Plus, with one level shopping and extra-wide mall stops it makes navigating with mobility equipment easy. Click HERE for more information.
Non-accessible things to do in the Resort
For family members without disabilities, they can enjoy a wide selecton of activities in the Resort including Restaurant mini golf, kids club, outdoor games area, the bouncing pillow, their outdoor cinema, pedal go-kart hire, spas, and playgrounds.
HERE IS THE LINK TO BOOK THIS HOTEL.
BIG 4 GOLD COAST HOLIDAY PARK
Location: Gold Coast - QLD
We love:
Pet-friendly and closest to the Gold Coast Theme Parks.
About the accommodation:
There is quite a selection of accessible cabins/ villas here, some of them are newly built too, so the quality of furnishings are fresh and on-trend.
I particularly like their 2 Bedroom Family Deluxe villa which sleeps up to 6 people. Two particular features stand out. The first is just how spacious around the living and dining area is, making it easier for a wheelchair to glide around. Secondly, the bathroom is big! Again, room to glide and turn.
Accommodation’s accessible features include:
Ideally suited to wheelchair users who can self-transfer, part-time chair users as well as a walking frame/ cane users.
Accessible toilet seat, adjustable grab bars, fixed grab bars, on-site disabled parking, service dog provisions, shower chair, step-free access, and a step-free shower.
Accessible experiences in around Big4 Holiday Park:
BIG4 Gold Coast is located bang smack in the middle of the Gold Coast Theme Parks Precinct. Given the rather limited entertainment for people with disabilities in the big theme parks, I have focused more on two fantastic accessible activities nearby.
Outback Spectacular
Located just across the road, the Outback Spectacular is a great night out, journeying through the heartland of Australia. With a range of great Australian characters, beautiful animals and technology to help make you feel like you’re part of the experience. A delicious 3-course meal is part of this amazing experience. There is wheelchair accessibility, an assisted listening service, and service animals are welcome in most areas of the venue, and accessible parking is available. How lovely is that? Click HERE for more information
Skywalk Mount Tambourine
Tambourine Rain-forest Skywalk is located 30 mins away from the park. This eco-adventure sits 30 metres above the forest floor overlooking the rain-forest beside Cedar Creek. The skywalk is accessible up to the first bridge, around 300 metres, and this allows visitors to explore the canopy of the rain-forest. You can also access the Birdwing café and gallery via wheelchair. Click HERE for more information.
HERE IS THE LINK TO BOOK THIS HOTEL.
QUEST WOOLLOONGABBA
Location: Brisbane - QLD
We love:
In the very heart of Brisbane.
About the accommodation:
At Quest Woolloongabba Accessible Apartment Hotel, select from one, two and three-bedroom apartments. All up, there are a total of 5 Accessible apartments on offer. Great for multiple wheelchair users to stay at the same destination.
All level access, and two lifts to get to your apartment. Also, the balcony is step-free for wheelchair users. Take in the awesome views.
Often difficult to find, the beds are raised to allow room for a portable patient lifter hoist to go under. This is ideal should you wish to hire a hoist and other disability equipment, as there are plenty of hire places close by who will deliver prior to your arrival.
Save some coin as the kitchen is well equipped for cooking your own meals, and there are washer and dryer facilities too. Multiple access car parking spaces, easy access to public transport too. Enjoy the rooftop bbq/seating area and herb garden.
Accommodation’s accessible features include:
Ideally suited to wheelchair users who need to hire a hoist to transfer, part-time chair users as well as a walking frame/ cane users.
Accessible toilet seat, adjustable grab bars, fixed grab bars, on-site disabled parking, shower chair, step-free access, and a step-free shower.
Accessible experiences in around Quest Woolloongabba:
Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art
Australia’s largest gallery of modern art, QAGOMA. The gallery has facilities of ramps, lifts and wheelchair hire. The gallery has seen exhibitions featuring Andy Warhol to Valentino. Located a short 10minute drive from Quest Woolloongabba.
Each September QAGOMA acknowledges annual awareness events occurring within the community for visitors with a disability. For example, Dementia Awareness Week, Disability Action Week and National Week of Deaf People. So keep an eye out for their tailored programs.
Another lovely example during Disability Action Week, volumes within each gallery will be lowered. High sensory areas will be signposted and quiet zones will be available. Click HERE for more information.
South Bank
Open year-round and only a 10-minute drive from Quest Woolloongabba, South Bank offers beautiful parkland, city and river views. There’s a plethora of al-fresco restaurants and year-round events. The perfect place to unwind. Facilities and access to the parklands are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and there is also a wheelchair hire options at the Visitor Centre. Click HERE for more information.
HERE IS THE LINK TO BOOK THIS HOTEL.
SAGE HOTEL JAMES ST
Location: Brisbane - QLD
We love:
The complimentary extras. Such as free unlimited WiFi, free blockbuster and discounted new release movies, complimentary (non-accessible) gym access nearby, complimentary chauffeur to transport you to city locations,
About the accommodation:
Of the 93 rooms, cleverly crafted to complement their unique and innovative living areas, 4 of them are accessible rooms. Sage Hotel James st is in a lovely part of Brisbane and frequently used by our followers needing to be nearby Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, around 2.3 km away. Their shower is one of the best around, for its spaciousness and ease of entry.
Accommodation’s accessible features include:
Ideally suited to wheelchair users who can self-transfer, part-time chair users as well as a walking frame/ cane users.
Accessible toilet seat, fixed grab bars, on-site disabled parking, service dog provisions, shower chair, and a step-free shower.
Accessible experiences in around Sage Hotel James St
The iconic James St shopping precinct
Sage Hotel James St is accessible to the luxurious James Street shopping precinct. The Hotel is within a five-minute distance to all and can also offer a complimentary (however non-accessible) transfer service to the local area. James Street is also home to award-winning restaurants from casual to fine dining. The street is also home to the Palace theatres which is wheelchair accessible and often hosts international movie screening. Click HERE for more info.
The Jan Powers Farmers Market
Located in front of the Brisbane Powerhouse, Lamington St New Farm is on every Saturday of the month from 6 am till 12 noon. Spend a morning browsing through the fresh produce and sampling the produce for sale lined along the bustling walkway. Grab a coffee, paper and a croissant, or an omelette, crepes, sausages, dumplings, French pizzas, Japanese chicken skewers, (you get a general idea!). Pack your basket full of farm-fresh fruit and veg, meats, seafood, small goods, sauces, olives, dips, cakes, bread, fresh herbs, oils. This local attraction is only a 5-minute drive away and pet friendly. Click HERE for more information.
The City Cat ferry
Just a short 5-minute stroll 5 minutes to Sage Hotel James St, is the docking area for The Big Cat Ferry, a wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible and grants access to some great stops around town including the South Bank and West End area. This is ticketed but you can use the transport GoCard to get around. The closest ferry terminal to the hotel is Teneriffe. This service is also pet friendly. Click HERE for more information.
HERE IS THE LINK TO BOOK THIS HOTEL.
I hope you have been inspired to visit these beautiful spots in Australia. Click HERE if you would like to check out all our other properties in Queensland.
Take care,
Kerryx