Accessible AND Pet-Friendly Accommodation- is that possible? Yes, it is! It used to be such a challenge finding accommodation that is truly accessible, let alone allowing us to take our treasured pooch on a holiday. Not anymore. Accessible Accommodation have several pet-friendly holiday accommodation locations around Australia. Our tribe of property owners are dog lovers too. Let me share them with you. CITY PET-FRIENDLY STAYS Victoria Quest Mont AlbertPet-friendly apartments. No longer do you have to stress about leaving your best friend behind. Quest St Kilda RoadStay in the beautiful apartments in St Kilda with your pet. Quest DandenongFeel at home in peaceful surroundings. Small/Medium dogs are accepted, fee applies. Quest Dandenong CentralFully accessible property with five accessible apartments. Pets are welcome. Quest Caroline Springs4 Star apartment hotel located within Melbourne suburbs. Pets friendly, fee applies. Quest Burwood EastPet-friendly accommodation in the heart of Melbourne’s East. Western Australia Choices House Floreat - PerthSCIA (Spinal Cord Injuries Australia) offers this family pet-friendly retreat in Perth. Quest East Perth7 x One Bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments.  And it is pet-friendly! Queensland Quest Eight Mile Plains – BrisbanePerfectly positioned within the thriving Brisbane Technology Park. Pet-friendly too! Quest Breakfast Creek7 accessible studio apartments. Pet friendly. Additional charges apply. Quest Chermside on Playfield – Brisbane54 light-filled rooms come equipped with kitchenettes. Pet friendly too. Quest Woolloongabba BrisbaneSelect from one-, two- and three-bedroom pet-friendly apartments with 5 Accessible apartments on offer. New South Wales Quest Campbelltown (Sydney)Pet-friendly accessible serviced apartments in Sydney's western suburbs. Quest Penrith (Sydney)In the heart of Penrith. Small/Medium dogs are accepted in selected rooms. Quest at Sydney Olympic ParkServices Apartments. Easy access to sporting and event venues. Pet-friendly rooms are available. Quest Mascot Apartment HotelTwo-bedroom accessible pet-friendly apartments close to Sydney Airport. Northern Territory Quest Palmerston Darwin-based pet-friendly accessible apartment. COUNTRY PET-FRIENDLY STAYS Victoria Countrywide Cottages – OtwaysBring your four-legged mate along to help you fully enjoy your break away. Country House Retreat – GippslandA modern pet-friendly holiday home offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms.  Fisheye 9- Great Ocean Road Sleeps up to 4 guests, ocean views. South Australia Inclusion Houseboat RenmarkPets are negotiable by arrangement with management. Queensland Lake Tinaroo Holiday ParkPet-friendly holiday park a stone's throw from Lake Tinaroo in Far North Queensland. New South Wales Big4 Colonial Holiday ParkPet friendly accessible holiday park is set opposite the Crowdy Bay national park. Hollyhall Farm3-bedroom accessible pet friendly cottage located in the Southern Highlands. COASTAL PET-FRIENDLY STAYS Victoria Fisheye Apollo Bay – Apollo BayPet-friendly accessible accommodation sleeps up to four guests. Heritage House – Point LonsdaleA haven of luxury and comfort. Well behaved pets are welcome. Jade Cottage – Point LonsdaleDelightfully spacious pet friendly easily accessible one-bedroom cottage. Ruby Cottage – Point LonsdaleStylish pet-friendly accessible retreat ideally situated, close to shops and the beach. Western Australia Quest Freemantle – PerthServiced apartments in the heart of Fremantle. Pet rooms subject to availability. South Australia Sunnynook – Port ElliotA place for a getaway or medium-term accessible accommodation that is also pet friendly. Queensland Big 4 Gold Coast Holiday ParkNearest caravan park to the Gold Coast Theme Parks and it pet-friendly. Quest RobinaClose to Robina Hospital. The property is also pet friendly! Gokula Stay Hervey BayPet-friendly holiday house for people with disabilities of all levels. 7 On Merindah – Coochiemudlo IslandPerfect for people with disabilities of all levels, enjoy the island’s serenity with your furry friend. New South Wales Beach Suites Byron BayEnjoy these stylish boutique studios and large airy pet-friendly apartments in this iconic town. Seafarers Diamond BeachDog-friendly accessible beach house with swimming pool and pool hoist. 400 m to the beach. Yamba Getaway1 bedroom pet-friendly unit located 100 meters to the beach. Fully fenced backyard. Quest Cronulla BeachPet-friendly serviced apartments near Cronulla Beach. Ingenia Holidays BrouleeBeachfront accessible holiday park. Pets are only permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and sites. Ingenia Holidays Eden BeachfrontBeachfront accessible holiday park. Pets are only permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and sites. Accessible AND Pet-Friendly Accommodation - is that possible? Yes, it is! Tips to ensure you and your furry mate will be welcomed again. Do check these tips to ensure the property owner will welcome you and pooch back again. It’ll also give the property owners a good feeling for the next time someone wants to bring their dog along too. Before you arrive on your holiday- have you “de-flea” Fido? Allow at least two days before arriving for it to be most effective. If your dog has behaviour problems, maybe best to not bring him along this time around. Cleaners are NOT responsible for poop in the garden! Please do ensure you have checked the grass and the garden. There is nothing worse than having to pick up someone else’s dog poop. And a guarantee that you will not be able to return. Avoid letting Fido on the sofas (particularly leather ones!) and the bed. As soon as you arrive, instruct Fido to sit on the dog bed in a spot he can see you.  It’ll help him remember when he is used to sitting on the sofa. Ask the property owner if they supply dog bed and bowls, as some expect you to bring them with you. Check with the property owner for paths that are accessible and pet friendly. This is important. Firstly, in peak season, that dog–friendly beach nearby may be closed to dogs. Secondly, you may be cruising along a lovely scenic bush path that is a part nature reserve. You may need Fido leashed or not bring him along on your stroll. If the property owner cannot answer, the local council websites are great resources. Of course, do be respectful of the law and ensure poop is collected and binned. Can you recommend any useful tips or accommodation for accessible holidays with your pets? Let us know. Kerry View All Pet Friendly Properties

Hollyhall Farm – An Accessible ParadiseDuring our recent stay at Hollyhall Farm in the Southern Highlands, we had an incredible experience that I cannot recommend enough. As a family with a daughter (Grace), who relies on a wheelchair due to a rare genetic movement disorder, finding suitable accommodation can be challenging. However, Jan and John, the hosts of Hollyhall Farm, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction throughout our stay. Hollyhall Farm really was An Accessible Paradise. A Warm Welcome at An Accessible ParadiseFrom the moment we arrived, Jan and John greeted us warmly and made sure we had everything we needed. They even provided us with a commode to facilitate Grace's needs. It was evident that they truly understood the unique challenges faced by families living with disabilities. Each night, they would check in on us and ensure we had enough wood for the fire, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, they organized a special bonfire experience for our boys, showing their kindness and generosity. A Truly Accessible CottageThe accessibility of the cottage was remarkable. It was designed to be fully wheelchair accessible and even had a hoist available. This attention to detail and consideration for individuals with disabilities made our stay incredibly smooth and stress-free.The cottage itself was well-equipped with essential pantry items and even had a coffee machine for those much-needed morning pick-me-ups. The cleanliness and warmth of the cottage was exceptional, and the beds provided a comfortable and restful night's sleep. Meeting The Locals at Hollyhall FarmOne of the highlights of our stay was the opportunity for Grace to go horse riding. The horses at Hollyhall Farm were remarkable, displaying gentleness and understanding. With the help of her father and brother, Grace was able to enjoy horse riding several times during our stay. Jan, in particular, was determined to make equestrian experiences accessible to people with disabilities, and her dedication truly shone through.

A Wheelchair-Accessible Haven: Embracing Freedom in Mount GambierIn the heart of the enchanting Mount Gambier lies a haven like no other. Completed in July 2023, this remarkable property offers two fully equipped wheelchair-accessible self-contained accommodations. City Edge Apartments are setting new standards for inclusivity and comfort.Ideally located approximately 450 km from both Melbourne and Adelaide, this modern and spacious retreat welcomes travellers. The property invites them to experience the beauty and warmth of Mount Gambier without any limitations. So Many Accessible Features: Embracing Freedom in Mount GambierFrom the moment you step inside, the thoughtfully designed features of these accessible properties leave a lasting impression. Focusing on providing convenience, each detail has been carefully crafted to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay for every guest.The bathrooms are equipped with fixed grab rails, and the accessible toilets boast comfortable backrests, ensuring safety and ease of use. The wheel-under vanity allows for effortless manoeuvrability, while the shower options cater to individual preferences, offering a fold-down seat or a free-standing seat. To assist those who may require additional support, a commode and an electric lifter is available on-site. Note that booking prior to arrival is required. The bedrooms offer more than just a place to rest. Electric beds with individual positioning, along with a high-low function for caregivers, ensure the highest level of comfort and convenience. Allowing a generous weight rating of 150 kg, these beds are designed to accommodate various needs. Wide doorways, with the narrowest measuring 850 mm and most spanning 920 mm, allow for easy passage throughout the property. Fostering A Sense Of TogethernessIn the heart of this accessible haven lies the fully functional kitchen, designed with wheelchair users in mind. Electric height adjustable cooktop and glide-under sink, alongside the side-opening oven, allow guests to cook and utilise the kitchen independently. Emphasising inclusivity and socialization, the open-plan kitchen/lounge/dining area invites guests to gather, fostering a sense of togetherness.

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL WITH CHOICES: The team at Accessible Accommodation is at the forefront of revolutionising the way individuals with disabilities and limited mobility experience travel in Australia. With a wide selection of over 250 properties throughout the country, Accessible Accommodation has become the go-to platform for anyone requiring accessible travel options.The team at Accessible Accommodation consists of individuals who either have a disability themselves or are family members of someone with a disability. This firsthand experience enables them to understand the diverse mobility needs of their guests and cater to them accordingly. Their aim is to empower individuals with mobility needs who love to travel by addressing physical limitations, providing support requirements, and embracing personalised accessibility solutions.   

Family & Pet-Friendly Accessible Accommodation.Adam Smark, our team member here at Accessible Accommodation, checked out one of our top five accessible places to stay in New South Wales.A recent amputee, Adam understands the challenges in adjusting to a life where accessibility is crucial for his mobility. When Adam uses his prosthetic, he has more flexibility on where to stay. However, we asked Adam to critique Hollyhall as a part-time wheelchair user. This is his story: The Setting:Hollyhall is a working farm and Equestrian Training Centre set in The Southern Highlands, between Sydney and Melbourne. My partner Tracy loves horses, so when I told her we were going to stay at Hollyhall, she jumped at the chance. As we entered the automatic gates and drove down the gravel road, the last remaining autumn leaves, a nip in the air and lush green grass greeted us. Jan and John, the owners ensured the wood fire was burning for our arrival into this cosy cottage.

 7 On Merindah, a cosy Coochie Accessible Hideaway - the perfect place to rest, revive and rejuvenate, on Coochiemudlo Island.Coochiemudlo is a small island in Moreton Bay, off the coast of Victoria Point, Qld. It is just a short 10-minute boat journey across the bay, via a ferry or car barge. On Coochiemudlo Island, you get away from the commercialism of the mainland and the pressure of living in this busy modern world. Coochiemudlo Island However, if you have forgotten anything or need a little more civilization, then a bus can be caught off the ferry for a short ride to Victoria Point, where you will find Event Cinemas, the usual shops, fast food restaurants, bars and restaurants. There is even The Sharks social club that has entertainment. As there isn’t a Supermarket, I recommend you bring your groceries for your stay or shop online at Woolworths, as they deliver 3 days a week. Remember, you're here to rest, revive and rejuvenate in a peaceful island setting.