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.

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.​

Discover Family-Friendly and Accessible Accommodation at BIG4 Holiday Park Gold CoastAre you planning a trip to the Gold Coast and looking for the perfect holiday park that offers accessibility, family-friendliness and proximity to the region's exciting theme parks?In this travel blog, we delve into the wonderful world of accessible accommodation and facilities this park offers. Perfect place to base yourself on the Gold CoastBIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is situated just across the road from Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Outback Spectacular, Topgolf and only a 2-minute drive from Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. This holiday park is your gateway to unforgettable family adventures.Located just 45 minutes south of Brisbane at the northern end of the Gold Coast and only 45 minutes north of the Gold Coast Airport. Accommodation Options at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday ParkBIG4 Holiday Park Gold Coast boasts a range of accommodation options to suit your needs. Whether you're travelling with family, friends or pets, they have something for everyone.

Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga – Truly Accessible North Coast ParadiseMy family and I had been eagerly looking forward to our stay at Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga  North Coast, NSW.The prospect of a week-long getaway to a beautiful accessible resort in December was an enticing one. As we arrived, the balmy December weather greeted us with open arms, setting the perfect tone for a memorable holiday.We strategically planned our trip outside of school holidays to avoid the crowds, as we were all adults. However, we couldn't help but notice the park, trampolines and vast green spaces that would undoubtedly make this place a haven for families with children. A Warm Welcome and Helpful StaffOur experience began on a warm and welcoming note when we encountered the friendly and relaxed office staff. They directed us towards our truly impressive apartment, which exceeded our expectations. The spacious and attractive interior boasted all the modern conveniences we could ask for, including complimentary internet access. Conveniently, our apartment was also located right next to the pool.One of our foremost concerns was ensuring that our son, a power wheelchair user, would have a comfortable and accessible stay. Our worries quickly evaporated as we assessed the ample turning space within the apartment and the bathroom. We were delighted that what was described on the Accessible Accommodation website listing was consistent with what we saw on arrival.

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.

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 – WASituated 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 The Gerald Apartments Hotel

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 Greenlee cottages 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.

 Hint: Accessible Swimming pools with lift/ hoist!It’s no wonder why three resorts, in particular, are so popular with our followers at Accessible Accommodation. After all, all the properties have a pool lift (hoist). AND, one is the winner of excellence awards in accessible tourism! So let’s take a road trip and explore these fabulous accessible resorts.Under the umbrella of FCSWC (Federation of Community Sporting & Workers Club) sits three Resorts in New South Wales. Riverside Resort in Urunga, Seaside Resort in Fingal Bay & Haven Resort in Sussex Inlet.Riverside Resort - Urunga Starting in Urunga, Riverside Resort is where you can take a dip in the saltwater pool using the Dolphin Mobility lift (hoist). Or, use their handrail with 2 small steps in the shallow end. After your swim, glide along the flat paths, enjoy a barbeque in comfort, as the seating and table ensure a wheelchair can smoothly glide under. (By the way, an accessible loo is close by too.)Return to your apartment refreshed in a 2 bedroom fully self-contained apartment, with a choice of 18 ground floor accessible, 3 of them is wheelchair accessible. Or, you could try their brand new apartments that consist of 3 ground floor accessible & 2 wheelchair-accessible apartments. (14 upstairs apartments also available)The new ground floor apartments feature Fixed Grab Bars– older ground floor do not. All accessible units other than the wheelchair apartments have a small step at entry door (to keep the rain out).All wheelchair-accessible apartments offer accessible toilet seat, fixed grab bars, on-site disabled parking, service dog provisions, shower chair, step-free access, step-free shower. Additional equipment can also be hired and delivered (at guest expense).

Accessible Holiday to Scarborough Beach & Rottnest Island. My parents live in WA and so when it was time to decide where we would catch up next, we decided to escape the chill of Victoria and chase the sunshine of the West Coast.  I hadn’t visited Scarborough before and so we decided to base ourselves at Ramada Vetroblu Scarborough Beach due to its central location.  Staying At Ramada Vetroblu Scarborough BeachRamada Vetroblu Scarborough Beach Accessible AccommodationThe room itself was great with plenty of space, two bedrooms and an accessible bathroom but what impressed me so much was the fact that they had actually thought about accessibility when designing the kitchen.  Not only was there a cut-out under the sink but the bench tops were lowered as were the overhead cupboards – it’s the first time in my life I’ve been able to access overhead cupboards! I don’t even have this luxury in my own home.  

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.

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 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.

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.

Travelling is a wonderful way to explore new places, relax and create lasting memories. Especially if the swimming pool is accessible! For individuals with mobility challenges, finding properties that offer accessible amenities like pools with roll-in entry, grab rails or pool hoists can make a world of difference to their travel experiences. In this blog, discover properties that prioritise inclusivity by providing accessible pool facilities.HERE IS A LINK TO ALL THE ACCOMMODATION WITH ACCESSIBLE POOLS

  Catalina Lakefront Retreat – providing Accessible Accommodation by the lake for community groups and people with disability.If you are a person with mobility challenges, finding suitable accommodation for a holiday can be daunting, especially if you have a large family or a member of a large group. Not anymore. 

Yes! Accessibility Can Be Beautiful, too. A perfect example is BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens in Victoria. We so enjoyed our stay, and I just had to share it with you.When Claire Height, the owner, decided to add an accessible cabin, she aimed for more than just functionality. Claire set out to create a cabin that combined stylish design with convenient accessibility, ensuring it would be both beautiful and user-friendly for all guests.

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.

Properties Exceeding the Minimums in AccessibilityIt’s a special kind of feeling that comes from a hotelier who understands and accommodates their guests' needs. By adding those extra little things that make a stay even better, they're not just providing a great service but creating a memorable experience. In this month's blog, we highlight some exceptional Quest properties that have exceeded the minimum accessibility standards for their guests.Quest Burwood EastQuest Burwood East stands out in the realm of accessibility, being the first Tier 3-Assisted Wheelchair User property of its kind through Accessible Accommodation. Its unique features include an Electric Adjustable Hi-Lo Bed, Commode and Mobile Hoist (BYO sling). The property also offers sensor bins, lowered amenities, and an easy-pour-tipping kettle for added convenience.Their conference facilities also accommodate people who use wheelchairs. All conference rooms are located on the same floor and have direct access from the car park.Quest Burwood East – Victoria