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. 

Kerry speaks to Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine about the booming Accessible Tourism Sector at their Annual Conference.Accessible tourism is about giving people with disabilities the same joy of travel and experiences that someone without a disability has, whether it be a neurological or a physical disability. Everyone should be able to have a break.And, apart from that, it actually makes good business sense. How It StartedI'm Kerry Williams. I am the Founder of two websites, Accessible Accommodation and Accessible Experiences. The reason I started the business was because of my mum. On multiple travel trips, we always had to find accommodation in particular, that was accessible, and we had enormous difficulty with it.

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.

Beach Wheelchair Hire: Accessibility and Tips for a Blissful Beach Experience The beach is a place of relaxation, fun and tranquillity for many people. However, for individuals with mobility challenges, accessing and enjoying the beach can be a daunting task. Fortunately, many beach destinations now offer beach matting and wheelchair hire services, making it possible for everyone to embrace the sun, sand and sea.

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

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 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

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.

Are we living or existing? A thought-provoking letter by JR Mitchell of The Accessible Group.Are we living or existing? Much is said about the rights of people with disabilities and much has changed in recent decades, but are we making the most of our lives? Are we living or existing? Are we our own worst enemy?We all only have one short life, sure it may last 50, 60, 70, 80 years but in reality, it's a short time. One day you wake up and realise a big percentage of your life has already passed and there's still things you want to do and places to see.I know, I can talk from experience. At 63 I'm in a situation where my days are numbered due to health issues, the biggest part of my life is over and only a short time remains. So it raises questions like: Have I made the most of my life?