Our Top 10 Picks For Accessible Holiday Destinations in Australia in 2025.Australia’s got it all – from accessible beaches to countryside adventures, buzzing cities to sleepy wine towns. And the best bit? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort or accessibility to enjoy it. Whether you’re rolling, strolling, or cruising along, there are loads of places that go the extra mile (or kilometre) to make your holiday smooth, accessible and seriously memorable.We’ve rounded up ten of the most popular spots from Accessible Accommodation’s top listings over the past year – regions where people clicked on, booked, experienced and loved. So grab your sunnies, pack your chargers, and let’s hit the road.1. Melbourne, VictoriaBy far, the most popular destination for our 35,000 followers is Melbourne, a cultural melting pot. Melbourne offers a rich tapestry of art, cuisine, and history, all within an accessible framework.​ Perhaps the main reason is how easy and flat navigating this beautiful city can be.Our followers loved two equally highly popular hotels, so we have listed them both. Stay: 1 The Kinson MelbourneThe Kinson Melbourne offers accessible apartments with mobility-friendly features, including step-free access, glide-under vanities, and on-site disabled parking. The property is conveniently located near Melbourne's key attractions and public transport.​

Exploring Inclusive Excellence at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday ResortSet against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is a leader in inclusive hospitality, transforming the idea of a traditional holiday park into something truly exceptional. This award-winning, family-friendly resort has set a new standard by prioritizing accessibility, ensuring every guest can enjoy a memorable stay regardless of their needs. Today I am sharing the stand-out features that truly set this resort apart.Accessibility Guide: Ensuring Inclusive ExperiencesAt the heart of BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort's commitment to inclusivity lies its comprehensive Accessibility Guide. This guide provides invaluable support for travellers with diverse needs, offering comprehensive details on the resort's accessibility features. From accommodation options to on-site activities and regional experiences, the guide covers it all. Guests can explore detailed written as well as audio descriptions and photos of accessible facilities, ensuring they can plan their stay with confidence and peace of mind. Click HERE for the guide. Accessible Accommodation Options: Where Comfort Meets Accessible FunctionalityBIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort features five thoughtfully designed accessible cabins, each designed to provide comfort and convenience. Among them are three Accessible Deluxe Studios and two spacious Accessible 2-bedroom Premium Cottage Deluxe cabins. These accommodations feature ramp entrances, extra-large layouts for easy wheelchair manoeuvrability, underbed clearance to accommodate a hoist, and accessible bathrooms equipped with essential amenities like grab rails and shower seats.The self-contained cabins are not only functional but also fresh, bright, and styled with contemporary décor. They are completed with a deck area surrounded by a lush tropical garden to chill out.

Accessibility can vary widely, not only due to the diverse needs of people with different types of disabilities but also because accommodations were often designed according to the standards of their time. Older properties may have limited modifications in place, while newer builds are typically designed with a broader range of accessibility features. In this blog, I'll answer some common questions about accessibility and help clarify what you might expect across different accommodation types and styles.How Can You Tell If a Person Has a Disability?You can't.The majority of disabilities are invisible. For example, early stages of Parkinsons or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) aren't immediately visible. People living with Mental health challenges and disabilities aren't going to say to a stranger, "I have a disability." 21% of Australians live with a disability. So, for every five people you walk past today, one of them is living with a disability. If you see someone wobbly on their feet, they may not be inebriated; rather, they may have a disability affecting their balance. If you ask someone a question and they don't answer, it's best not to assume they are being rude. They may have a hearing impairment, cognitive functional challenges or living with a mental illness and finding it difficult to cope today.What is Accessible Accommodation?Simply put, it's a place designed to make people with disabilities feel welcome and comfortable. However, the specific features needed to achieve this comfort vary depending on the type of disability, which can create a bit of a grey area. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for accessibility; instead, accommodations offer varying levels of accessibility to suit different needs.What is "Fully Accessible"?Just because a property has step-free access, a stroll-in shower, and grab rails, it doesn't mean it is fully accessible. In fact, there is no such thing as "Fully accessible" Why? Because there are hundreds of different types of disability, it is virtually impossible to cater for all. For example, a person with visual disability's needs differs significantly from someone with a physical disability. For those with visual disabilities, accommodations may require features like high-contrast signage, tactile and Braille labels, accessible digital tools, and consistent lighting to improve navigation.

Road Trip from Sydney to Brisbane (and Back) with Accessible Accommodation.If you're planning a coastal road trip from Sydney to Brisbane with a return inland route, this guide highlights accessible accommodation and activities along the way. Spanning ten days and covering a mix of urban hubs and scenic areas, this itinerary ensures your journey is both comfortable and accessible, with accessible accommodation options for people living with a disability. All the options have a minimum requirement of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails and doors wider than 76 cm. Many have even more great accessible features, such as sit-to-stand recliners, hoists and electric beds. Remember, there are heaps of options to choose from, each with 50 frequently asked ACCESSIBILITY questions, video tours and lots of pics.Day 1: SydneyStart your journey by checking into the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour.   The Hotel has integrated accessible design seamlessly into their bathrooms, and accessible rooms are available in the King Bed Standard category. Gorgeous marble tiles, and the bathrooms and bedrooms are oversized, with a good turning circle for wheelchair users.Explore Sydney's accessible attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden, which both provide easy navigation for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs. Click HERE to learn more.Day 2: Sydney to Lake Macquarie (Driving Time: 2 hours)Drive north to the beautiful Lake Macquarie Manor. This accessible accommodation offers spacious rooms designed for easy mobility, featuring large roll-in showers, lowered benches, and step-free entryways. They also have ceiling and mobile hoists, electric hi-lo beds and sit-to-stand chairs. Convenient parking and wide hallways make it an ideal stopover for those seeking both comfort and accessibility. Spend your day exploring Lake Macquarie’s accessible parks and waterfronts, including scenic trails and adaptive water sports, such as sailing and kayaking, at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. Click HERE to learn more.

Wheelchair-Friendly Road Trip: The Best Accessible Stays in North and Northeastern Victoria. Discover the natural beauty and vibrant communities of Northeastern Victoria with this eight-day accessible road trip. This guide includes accessible accommodation at every stop, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience.All the options have a minimum requirement of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails and doors wider than 76 cm. Many have even more great accessible features, such as pet-friendly options and accessible activities on-site. Remember, there are heaps of options to choose from, each with 50 frequently asked ACCESSIBILITY questions, video tours and lots of pics.Day 1: Melbourne - Overnight at Nesuto Apartment Hotel DocklandsStart your journey in Melbourne, where you can spend a relaxing evening at the Nesuto Apartment Hotel Docklands. This modern hotel offers fully accessible apartments with step-free access, accessible bathrooms, and close proximity to Melbourne's famous attractions. Park your car in the accessible parking on the ground floor and spend the day exploring the city’s wheelchair-friendly public spaces, including Federation Square and the nearby Docklands area, known for its waterside dining and shopping precincts.  Learn more HERE. Day 2: Healesville - Stay at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park (Driving Time: 1.5 hours)Travel to Healesville, a quaint town in the heart of the Yarra Valley, known for its wineries and the famous Healesville Sanctuary. You'll find a comfortable stay at the BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park, which offers three accessible cabins and shared spaces.  Visit Healesville Sanctuary, which provides wheelchair-accessible paths, ensuring everyone can enjoy this beloved wildlife park. The sanctuary has dedicated accessible parking and rest areas, making it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in Australia’s unique flora and fauna, including koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses.  Learn more HERE.

Discover a journey from Sydney to Melbourne, winding along the scenic coast and returning inland, staying at accessible accommodations every step of the way.Whether you're looking for accessible swimming pools, serene views, or unusual stays, this itinerary highlights great options for travellers with mobility needs. All the options have a minimum requirement of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails and doors wider than 76 cm. Many have even more great accessible features, such as an accessible swimming pool and accessible activities on-site. Remember, there are heaps of options to choose from, each with 50 frequently asked ACCESSIBILITY questions, video tours and lots of pics.Day 1: Sydney to Shoalhaven Heads (Driving Time: 2 hours)Start your journey with a stay at the Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads. These two-bedroom villas combine elegance with accessibility, offering spacious rooms, open living spaces, and easy access to amenities. The villas are surrounded by lush landscapes, allowing you to relax in a serene setting after your drive from Sydney.  Learn more  HERE. Day 2: Shoalhaven Heads to Tilba Tilba (Driving Time: 3 hours)Head south to Mountain View Farm in Tilba Tilba. This charming accommodation offers breathtaking views of the countryside. Fully equipped with accessible bathrooms and a step-free shower with grab rails, it ensures a comfortable stay in a unique farm setting. Enjoy the local flavours, as Tilba Tilba is known for its artisan cheeses and heritage architecture. Learn more  HERE.

 Accessible accommodation options have become essential for travellers with disabilities, ensuring they can explore new destinations comfortably and confidently. In Victoria, a variety of accessible accommodations cater to people living with disabilities, including wheelchair users, walking frames, and cane users. These properties provide the necessary facilities to use the bathroom and sleep comfortably so you enjoy your break. Below are some excellent, accessible accommodation options listed on the Accessible Accommodation website, focusing on Victoria's regions, cities and towns.What is Accessible Accommodation?Accessible accommodation refers to properties specifically designed or adapted to cater to the needs of people with disabilities. However, what means accessible to some may not mean the same to all. Everyone is unique. They may feature accessible entrances, roll-in showers, accessible bathrooms, grab rails, ramps, and other modifications that provide greater comfort for wheelchair users and other guests with mobility challenges. They may also include high physical needs such as hoist electric beds and commodes. Our accreditation program for disability accommodation ensures that you can enjoy travel with independence and ease. Our crew, who have lived experience with disability, extensively audits and verifies accommodation according to four tiers. They are:Assisted Walking - Walking Frame or Cane Users. Some accessible amenities would come in handy.Independent Wheelchair User-  Wheelchair users who can self-transfer to bed, shower and toilet.

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. Here are our top picks, NY city breaks, coastal and country stays.  Accessible Accommodation have several pet-friendly holiday accommodation locations around Australia. Our tribe of property owners are dog lovers too. Let me share some of out top stays with you. CITY PET-FRIENDLY STAYS VictoriaQuest St Kilda Road stay in the beautiful apartments in St Kilda with your pet, close to the Alfred Hospital.Punthill Essendon Punthill Essendon is a contemporary and stylish one bedroom serviced apartment surrounded by art deco charm.Quest Dandenong Feel at home in peaceful surroundings. Small/Medium dogs are accepted, fee applies.Quest Dandenong Central with five accessible apartments. Pets are welcome.Punthill Caroline Springs as 3 x Accessible One Bedroom Apartments (king bed)  and 1 x Accessible Two Bedroom pet-friendly Apartments.

Accessible Accommodation’s Campaign Urging Airlines to Allow Wheelchairs on PlanesAccessible Accommodation, a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusion, has seen renewed momentum for our campaign to call upon airlines in Australia to allow wheelchair users to bring their mobility devices on board flights. The campaign, supported by a change petition with over 31,000 signatures, aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with mobility challenges and physical disabilities when travelling by air. The renewed momentum follows a working prototype of the design, demonstrated by Delta Flight Products (DFP) at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany, a symposium spotlighting aeroplane cabin innovations.Video demonstration:By John Morris Wheelchairtravel.orgThe petition highlights the fact that people with mobility challenges and physical disabilities possess a deep passion for travel, just like any other individual. Airline travel is an integral part of their overall travel experience, and they aspire to use their electric or manual wheelchairs throughout their journey. Allowing passengers to bring their wheelchairs into the cabin not only reduces the risk of damage to their expensive equipment but also alleviates the stress and discomfort associated with transferring to their seats. 

Quest's Exciting Partnership with Accessible Accommodation Paves the Way for Inclusive TourismUPDATE: ACCOMNEWS ARTICLE DECEMBER 2024Quest Apartment Hotels champions inclusive travel with landmark Accessibility Accreditation. Link HEREQuest Apartment Hotels, Quest Apartment Hotels, a renowned provider of serviced apartments, has recently forged a valuable partnership with The Accessible Group, signalling their commitment to promoting accessible tourism. This collaboration comes as a response to the growing demand for inclusive travel experiences. By joining forces,  Quest and Accessible Accommodation (The Accessible Group) aim to enhance the guest experience and set a new standard for the industry as a whole.Elevating the Guest ExperienceKerry Williams, the founder of Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences, expressed her delight about the partnership, emphasizing the popularity of Quest Apartment Hotels among the community of travellers with a disability. She commended both Quest's business executive team and the brand itself for their unwavering commitment to raising the bar in the industry, serving as an example for others to follow.

Breakaway Retreat is a slice of heaven for people with disabilities and their families, with their accommodation catering to all levels of disabilities. The accommodation offers an extensive range of accessible features, including electric beds, hoists and even disabled change tables.In today’s post, Sally Richards shares her personal journey at Breakaway Retreat, and why she loves working there. I also share with you the incredible accessible features and activities of this fabulous retreat, just 90 minutes from Sydney.As the site hire and venue coordinator at Breakaway retreat, in 10 short months, Sally says Breakaway has touched her heart beyond words. Sally explains, “The staff and volunteers here are amongst the most passionate people I have ever come across. Their vision and hard work to make Breakaway a haven for children and adults with disabilities are immeasurable”.Established in 1982 as a not for profit Charitable Organization, Breakaway is a registered service provider for the NDIS and a member of NDS (National Disability Services). They specialise in providing respite care and tranquil accommodation for people with disabilities, their carers and families.Breakaway also provide emergency respite care. They also hire out the site and facilities to the general public to raise additional funds for their camps. So if you are an organization seeking a place for your participants, Breakaway is an ideal venue.