In this month's blog, we share 10 of our favourite accessible properties, each with nearby accessible beaches or lagoons.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of local councils and dedicated disability advocates, accessible beaches are becoming increasingly common across Australia.
These beaches are thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the seaside.
Many accessible beaches now offer access matting, which provides a stable surface for wheelchairs and mobility aids to traverse sandy areas with ease. Beach wheelchairs also allow individuals with limited mobility to reach the water's edge comfortably.
These innovations not only enhance the beach experience for people with disabilities but also promote a more inclusive community where everyone can participate in and enjoy outdoor activities.
The Gerald Apartments Hotel – WA
Situated in the heart of the CBD and mere metres away from the beautiful Geraldton foreshore, The Gerald Apartments offer beautiful, spacious rooms in their wheelchair-accessible king studio apartments with roll-in showers and drop-down shower chairs.
During your stay, experience their rooftop bar, fondly known as ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ – open and airy most of the year.
For information on accessible beaches nearby, please click this link - https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/community/our-community/access-and-inclusion/access-matting-and-beach-wheelchairs.aspx
Quest Newcastle West - NSW
The refurbished historic 1876 Woods Castlemaine Brewery is now home to Quest Newcastle West and is a perfectly positioned historical getaway.
The property boasts beautifully refurbished, spacious, modern apartments located at the gateway to the city. It has 3 accessible rooms, consisting of 2 one-bedroom apartments and 1 two-bedroom apartment.
Information on the closest accessible beach can be found in the link below. https://cookshillsurfclub.com.au/disabled-access/
Quest Woolooware Bay - NSW
Quest Woolooware Bay is a newly designed retreat in the much-coveted Woolooware Bay. It is neighbouring the Cronulla Sharks Rugby League Club and Bay Central shopping and dining precinct. The property is only minutes from the bay, Cronulla beach and national parks.
It has four accessible studios. Two of these have interconnecting options with traditional one-bedrooms to make a large two-bedroom apartment. Every room has king-size beds that can also be split to make two king singles.
Beach wheelchairs can be hired from Cronulla Beach South via this link; https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/beaches-and-waterways/beaches/accessible-beaches
100 Hitchcock - VIC
100 Hitchcock is located on the main street in the heart of Barwon Heads, offering luxury accessible holiday accommodation for up to 8 guests. The house is just a few minutes from shops, restaurants and the beach.
A beach wheelchair is also available during your stay (on payment of bond). Enjoy the gentle tidal river, ideal for floating in the water, or the open ocean for a stroll along the sand. The tidal river is two blocks from the house and is perfect for this activity. It has gentle waves and is not too deep.
This enables a person with disabilities to experience the beach anytime with family and friends all year round.
For more information on the locations of nearby accessible beaches to explore, click here https://www.barwoncoast.com.au/accessibility/
Quest Frankston on the Bay - VIC
Quest Frankston on the Bay offers 5 accessible studio apartments, all featuring fully equipped kitchenettes with stovetops, convection ovens/microwaves, dishwashers and full-sized fridges.
The property is 100m from Bayside Shopping Centre, Frankston foreshore and Frankston Arts Centre.
Beach wheelchairs are free to hire from the Frankston Visitor Information Centre. Click the link for more information. https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-and-Health/Health-and-support-services/Disability-access-and-resources/Accessible-Facilities
Seahaven Inverloch - VIC
Seahaven Inverloch is a brand-new luxury accessible accommodation in Inverloch on the Bass Coast. This stunning holiday and short-term accommodation includes an accessible bathroom with shower commode, level access, an electric bed and a mobile hoist.
Seahaven is the perfect holiday retreat for you and your family. It is located within the prestigious Broadbeach Resort, where you can access the indoor and outdoor pools, spa, sauna, tennis court and gym.
Information on where you can hire beach wheelchairs can be found in this link; https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/assets/general-downloads/Social-and-Community-Planning/2023-12-22-All-Terrain-wheelchairs-in-Bass-Coast.pdf
BIG4 Tweed Billabong - NSW
BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park is located on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, just 40 minutes from the Gold Coast and the theme parks.
It has two new accessible three-bedroom cabins that sleep up to 8 guests. The cabins include ramp access, an open-plan bathroom with a roll-in shower, and a toilet with grab rails.
Beach wheelchairs can be hired and used at four different locations. Click here for more details. https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/community/community-support/people-communities/disability/accessibility-services
Ingenia One Mile Beach – NSW
Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach offers accessible accommodation in a beachfront location. They have three-bedroom accessible cabins as well as a range of other standard options. Check out their accessible swimming pool, which has a gentle decline into the water and grab rails.
There is a disability access ramp at Little Beach, Nelson Bay which provides access to the water via a water wheelchair. More information can be found here - https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services/people-with-a-disability
All Access Rollers Retreat – VIC
Access Rollers Retreat Phillip Island is designed for families and groups and is perfect for multiple wheelchair users. The holiday house sleeps 7 people and includes 4 bedrooms (2 accessible bedrooms) and 2 accessible bathrooms. The bedrooms consist of 1 King Split Plega High Low Bed and accessible ensuite. 2 single beds. 1 single electric hospital bed and hoist, and 1 queen bed. Linen and towels are provided.
Information on where you can hire beach wheelchairs can be found in this link; https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/assets/general-downloads/Social-and-Community-Planning/2023-12-22-All-Terrain-wheelchairs-in-Bass-Coast.pdf
The Shores Mackay – QLD
Located at Blacks Beach in Mackay’s northern beaches and only 12 minutes from Mackay’s city centre, The Shores Holiday Apartments has 2 accessible two-bedroom villas. Each villa has a full-size kitchen, a large smart TV and a bathroom with widened doors, raised toilet and handrails. The shower has a wall-mounted shower chair and handrails for ease of use.
The villas are on one level and have easy access ramps through the entrance door.
At the nearby Blue Water Lagoon, you will find three tiered pools connected with accessible pathways, a self-propelled pool wheelchair, and accessible amenities, including a shower. There are also plenty of shaded areas and an all-abilities playground.
For lagoon details, click here - https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/facilities/council_facilities/bluewater_lagoon