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 Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Sydney.  This 5-star hotel features modern, accessible amenities, including spacious rooms, roll-in showers, and accessible restaurants on-site. 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. Day 3: Lake Macquarie to Harrington (Driving Time: 2 .5 hours)On Day 3, head to the serene BIG4 Colonial Holiday Park in Harrington. This holiday park caters to accessibility needs, featuring cabins with accessible bathrooms, a step-free shower with grab rails, wide doorways, and ramps. The coastal setting offers a peaceful retreat where you can relax, with local fishing spots and beach access nearby.  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.

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.

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

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.

A Blissful LocationEscape the city and immerse yourself in Coochiemudlo Island's serenity. An 8 minute ferry or car barge ride from Victoria Point is a perfect getaway destination. Discover the Tranquil Oasis of 7 On Merindah offering convenience and tranquillity, leaving you refreshed.    About 7 On Merindah at Coochiemudlo7 on Merindah caters to families, couples, and singles in search of diverse accommodation options and newly built property designed with their needs in mind. With a focus on accessibility, it is an excellent choice for individuals with mobility needs or those requiring wheelchair-friendly features. The purpose-built design includes wide hallways, wheelchair ramps, and two decks where guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful island atmosphere. Your stay at 7 on Merindah promises comfort and convenience for all.

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.

 Did you know that Accessible Accommodation has over 50 accessible places to stay that are pet friendly? Yes, we do! Our crew all work from home, and all of us have pets. We get how important it is to take your furry buddy on holiday. Meet our team and our pets, and check out the listings that are pet friendly too. SharronSharron manages your bookings.Meet Chase.  He is a 5-year-old Labradoodle that loves helping his mum Sharron in the reservation department. While checking out our Pet-friendly options on our website is his favourite office job he also likes to bark at the postman. Chase JoshJosh manages our bookings and listings. He wrote you a poem!

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.

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 Seamless Stay: Accessibility Excellence at Rydges Fortitude ValleyWhen we embarked on our recent weekend getaway, we were on the lookout for a hotel that would not just provide comfort but also cater to accessibility needs. Our seamless stay at Rydges Fortitude Valley turned out to be an exceptional experience right from the moment we arrived. From thoughtful parking arrangements to spacious and accessible rooms, we were pleasantly surprised at every turn.     A Warm Welcome and Suitable ParkingAccessibility starts at the very beginning of the journey, and they nailed it. As we pulled up at the reception doors, my husband easily parked our Accessible Connections wheelchair-accessible vehicle. I exited our accessible van through the rear ramp access with ease and safety. To my right, there was a ramp leading me straight into the reception area. This smooth and hassle-free arrival set the tone for the entire stay.

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

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.

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.