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.

Tips For Support Coordinators When Organising Accessible Travel For People With DisabilitiesTravel for people with disabilities can be a daunting and fearful experience, but it does not need to be this way. In fact, it should be a joyful experience, and if you are entrusted with assisting a person with a disability plan their travel, be it for a holiday or for respite, here are some things to consider.  

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.   

 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.

Embarking on an Accessible Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip?Prepare yourself for a memorable journey on the road! We've carefully hand-picked top-tier, wheelchair-friendly accommodations and exhilarating activities specifically tailored for you. Thanks to our meticulous planning, your trip will be effortless.Imagine this - picturesque landscapes, comfortable stops and a smooth ride. All you need to do is start your engine, sit back, relax and savour the experience. Here's to an enjoyable journey, filled with unforgettable memories! North Adelaide Boutique Stays Accessible Accommodation North Adelaide Boutique StaysDiscover North Adelaide Boutique Stays, a 4-star property in central Adelaide, offering inclusive wheelchair-friendly studios. These well-equipped studios feature hospital beds with electronic controls, accessible bathrooms and a comprehensive pillow menu for a comfortable stay. Self-catering is a breeze with kitchenette facilities, and nearby O'Connell Street provides access to supermarkets. Accessible convenience and the perfect base to explore Adelaide.Things to do around North AdelaideExplore the vibrant neighbourhood with a flat walk to O'Connell Street, known as Eat Street, filled with restaurants, cafes and shops. Public transport takes you to Adelaide's CBD in 10 minutes. Plus, enjoy a 5-minute stroll to the North Adelaide Aquatic Centre for relaxation or visit the nearby wheelchair-accessible Piccadilly Cinemas. No trip to South Australia is complete without a visit to the award-winning Adelaide Zoo. Sunnynook Port Elliot Accessible Accommodation SunnynookJust 75 minutes from Adelaide, Sunnynook is nestled in the coastal town of Port Elliot. This modern 4-bedroom accessible holiday house offers stunning wetland views. It is the ideal place for respite, a getaway, or medium-term stays, and it’s pet-friendly. With a hoist, commode and electric bed, it caters to all types of physical disabilities. More than just accommodation; it is a gateway to Port Elliot's charm and natural beauty.Things to do around Port ElliotPort Elliot, a historic coastal gem, blends old-world charm with modern attractions. Horseshoe Bay provides a safe swimming haven monitored by surf lifeguards during summer, and the coastal walk offers scenic views. From May to September, lucky visitors could spot migrating whales.

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.

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.

A Memorable Stay at Coochiemudlo IslandOne of Accessible Accommodation's guests, Karen Gillies shares about her stay in September 2023 at one of our exclusive properties, 7 on Merindah on Coochiemudlo Island.Our stay at 7 on Merindah on Coochiemudlo Island was an experience worth sharing. My recent visit with my carer Nettie left us truly impressed with the impeccable accessibility and overall comfort that this accommodation offered.In this blog, I'll recount our delightful stay at 7 on Merindah, highlighting its outstanding accessibility features and the warm community we encountered on our trip. Accessible Pet-Friendly StayFrom the moment we arrived at 7 on Merindah, it was evident that accessibility was a top priority. The property excelled in making everyone feel welcome, regardless of their mobility needs. The wide hallways were just the beginning; the entire space was designed with accessibility in mind. This thoughtful approach extended to the kitchen, where I could easily access the kettle, sink and microwave – a detail that had been lacking in previous places I have stayed in.One standout feature was the presence of a shower commode onsite, a convenience that made our trip much smoother. Usually, we had to bring our own but 7 on Merindah had thought of everything. 7 on Merindah's dog-friendly policy was a game-changer for us and our beloved furry companion, Sasha. The accommodation made it easy for her to be a part of our trip, ensuring her comfort and happiness throughout our stay. The island's welcoming attitude towards dogs was a breath of fresh air.

.Summer Fun Part Two: Accommodation & Free Beach Wheelchair Hire Close By. If you thought you’d never get the opportunity to feel the waves lapping at your feet that's not the case anymore. In part one of our blog, we outlined accommodation that offers accessible swimming pools. In part two, we outline where to stay that has the option of beach wheelchair hire. Check out our accessible accommodation where you can hire a beach wheelchair in Australia and Indonesia. Many surf clubs offer disabled surfing as well!SeaChange Barwon HeadsSEACHANGE @ 100 HITCHCOCKBellarine Peninsula/ Geelong Region - Victoria Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, 100 Hitchcock is located on the main street in heart of Barwon Heads, where the popular TV series SeaChange was filmed. Offering luxury accessible holiday accommodation for families, the house is just a few minutes’ walk to shops and the beach. Park your car when you arrive and stroll everywhere. And it's pet-friendly! Read more HERE about this property and the perfect location that is Barwon Heads..Specialised Beach Wheelchairs are available for use along the Bellarine and Surf coast free of charge by the community at any time by arrangement. This enables a person with special needs to experience the beach at any time with family and friends all year round. The tidal river two blocks from 100 Hitchcock is absolutely perfect for this activity. Gentle waves, and not too deep.

NDIS Short-Term Accommodation (STA) Funding - How It WorksShort-Term Accommodation (STA), including respite, is funding for a short time away from your usual home. It can be utilised to support you when your usual carers aren’t available, your usual carers need a short break from their caring role or for you to try new things.STA funding covers the cost of your care in another place for up to 14 days at a time. You might have a short stay with other people, or by yourself.The benefits of a short stay away from home include:gives you the opportunity to explore new activities and experiencescreating opportunities to make new friends and develop new skills.assisting in maintaining your current living situation by giving your informal support network a well-deserved break.STA funding covers the following:

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.  

Coach and The Doctor Podcast With Ashlee Morton From Accessible Accommodation This week, our General Manager Ashlee had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach and The Doctor on their podcast which is ‘the show that raises awareness of the NDIS by speaking to incredible people in the world of disability’.  We have been asked to be a regular contributor to the show with a segment focusing on the world of travelling with a disability.  This week we introduced Accessible Accommodation, who we are and what we do. In future episodes, we will discuss topical news in the accessible travel sector, talk about advancements in the area and showcase some of our favourite properties across Australia.  Listen Here - Spotify Link Coach and The Doctor JaeMan Podcast - 14 June 2023Meet The Accessible Accommodation TeamThe 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 challenges who love to travel. They do this by addressing physical limitations, providing support requirements, and embracing personalized accessibility solutions.  

NDIS (STA) Short Term and (MTA) Mid Term Accessible Accommodation through The NDIS. Thankfully the Australian Government’s NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency)  through the NDIS (National  Disability Insurance Scheme) recognises the need for people with disability, their Carers or Support Workers - to access inclusively designed accessible accommodation. As a result, it has added short and medium-term accessible accommodation as a potential service to be included within individual plans. (Formerly known as Respite). However, at Accessible Accommodation, we know that this service is not widely known, and the details of what it can provide are often misunderstood. This blog – the first in a two-part series – will help to clarify if you might be eligible to have it included in your NDIS plan, and how to apply and use the funding if you tick the boxes.We will demystify the questions surrounding NDIS funded short-term and medium-term accessible accommodation, but are always available to answer questions over the phone via 1300 180 889.

Short- and Medium-Term Accessible Accommodation Part 2 – How to use it?In part two (of our series about Short & Medium-Term Accessible Accommodation through NDIS) – we will help clarify where it should be included in your NDIS plan. Also, which support budget you can use. We recommend you read part one of our series on the topic before reading this. It will be easier to understand the process. Click HERE for part one.Let's start with understanding the NDIS Budget Categories:NDIS Budget CategoriesOnce your NDIS Plan is approved, your funds will be allocated into three support budgets. The following support budgets are generally concerned with STA and MTA. Your NDIA planner, LAC or Plan Manager will explain how your approved funds are split and which supports are applicable.Core SupportsThis is the most flexible support budget. The two categories under this support budget may help you access STA or MTA funding. They will be either one or both of:Assistance with social and community participation (e.g. supports to enable you to engage in social or recreational activities)Daily activities (e.g. assistance with self-care activities during the day or evening)There are many more categories under Core Supports and you can generally and flexibly take a little from one (e.g. consumables) to purchase supports in another (e.g. social and community participation).The real story: The NDIA found it reasonable and necessary to provide Fatima approved funding stated in her Core Supports as assistance in developing and/or maintaining Fatima’s independent living skills including, but not limited to, safety in the home, personal care, domestic tasks and personal respite as required. Source HERE from NDIS website.Capacity Building Supports

Accessible Destinations in Southeast AsiaWant to bask under the warmth of the sun, soak in crystal blue waters, and indulge in fresh delicacies? When travel restrictions ease, book a flight to Southeast Asia and have the best time of your life as you explore the epitome of a tropical paradise! Though the spots in this region will surely give you bliss, there are many locations that will present roadblocks and challenges for travellers, especially for those with disabilities.To ensure that you’ll have a stress-free time, our post on travelling with Epilepsy recommends that you go the extra mile to invest in travel insurance and to prepare necessary medications. Remember that it is important for you to have a great time, so you need to prepare properly for your travel experience! You can start by choosing from these top destinations that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including you.Bali, Indonesiahttps://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559305289-4c31700ba9cYou’ll surely be able to relax and unwind, knowing that this top destination definitely lives up to its reputation! The cherry on top is that Eastern Bali is both affordable and accessible. The roads of Sanur and Nusa Dua are wide, so they only experience light traffic. This makes it easier for you to explore the gorgeous resorts and navigate the wheelchair-friendly boardwalks. The hotels also offer a five-star experience, since they are able to provide wheelchairs and lift access to people with disabilities.https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611990786025-c4a0d99e62c0Cebu, PhilippinesCebu is one of the rare destinations that can satisfy history geeks, beach bums, foodies, and people with disabilities! This city is located in the centre of the Philippines, and it offers so many unique sites that you’ll regret not staying for a very long time. The pavements and the streets of Cebu can get rough, but you will still feel at ease roaming around since the city centre offers ramps at corners and signals for pedestrians. The restaurants also have ramps, so you can easily enter and indulge in the fresh seafood and sumptuous roasted pig that Daydreaming in Paradise recommends. Cebu also offers a wide range of accommodation options, so you can surely rest and pamper yourself after a long day of exploration.Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiahttps://images.unsplash.com/photo-1532745609869-16df0d287f3bIf you want a good adventure, then you will surely enjoy roaming around Malaysia’s capital city. Several tourist attractions in the city can cater to your specific needs. For instance, the famous Petronas Twin Towers offers an accessible tour headed by professional staff members who will surely put a smile on your face. You can also learn more about local marine wildlife by exploring Malaysia’s first underground aquarium exhibit. Most importantly, people with disabilities can hop aboard the funicular train that can take you to the top of Penang Hill for free!

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.Perfect for groupsCatalina Lakefront Retreat provides short term accessible accommodation options for families and groups in a scenic and tranquil setting, on the banks of Lake Macquarie. Situated just 90 minutes from Sydney, this accessible accommodation is perfectly suited to group holidays for people with disabilities. Perhaps you are organising a reunion, birthday gathering for your family, or, you are an NDIS provider looking for a place to take a group of participants for some respite. Well, you have found just the right set up at Catalina.With multiple accessible rooms, large catering facilities and function spaces for activities, there is space to achieve your goals tranquil setting.RAAF Base HistoryAn interesting history, enriched by a visionary for today's purpose.Catalina has an interesting history, having formerly been the site of the base hospital for the RAAF Flying Boat Base. The area is in the process of preserving its military heritage, whilst enhancing its natural beauty. From a dour military base in a picture-postcard location, owners David and Heather Hagan could see its potential and turned it into a warm and inviting place to recharge. Furthermore, they wanted people with disabilities to also experience the pleasure of staying, evidenced by the name of their registered charity, Disability Life Enrichment.

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.

Guest Blogger Leanne from 'Leanne's Wheel Life' shares her 9 Tips On Travelling With A Disability to make your next trip easier. Travelling is all the rage now. And tourism has been a burgeoning industry for a few decades. Is it that we have more leisure time and so many options for vocational recreation that suit any budget? Our form of travel and destination can be as unique or as common as we are. And if you’re able-bodied, your budget and length of time away are your two main priorities, as you prepare to snub your current surroundings for relaxation and adventure.Not so for the estimated 3.4 million disabled tourists*, and their companions (carers, family and friends), that face another challenge – that of accessibility.Prior to my adult-onset disability, I was hugely fortunate to participate in many tourist travel excursions, as a couple, with my family, and on very special trips courtesy of my husband’s previous working life. All as an able-bodied woman.Since my many flights, using amobility device of some description, and more recently a wheelchair, I haverealised just how charmed my previous life was when it came to booking, organisingand generally preparing for any type of travel.

Beautiful Bright - Location Of The Bonnie RayStunning New Accessible Accommodation In Beautiful Bright. The charm of Victoria’s high country is matched by a new accessible holiday accommodation option, The Bonnie Ray.North East Victoria’s high country has always held a special appeal to me. The natural beauty of the wooded hills and valleys are truly awe-inspiring, and it just gets better when you get to Porepunkah and nearby Bright. A region that has a magical, almost European feel to it and a season for everyone, from green gorgeousness and stunning floral displays in Spring to Autumnal hues from the many trees and shrubs. With Winter marking the popular snow season with nearby Mts Buffalo and Hotham. Summer is always better when enjoying the cool Ovens River that flows beside the townships.So much spaceThe Bonnie Ray is a high quality, modern, elegant and comfortable family-friendly home that welcomes you with a big hug from the top of its picturesque vaulted ceilings to the soft grey carpeted bedrooms and practical timber-look flooring of the living areas.Best of all, the open-plan design including wide 1.4 m hallway, 81 cm wide bedroom and bathroom entrances, and huge main bathroom with roll-in shower tick many accessibility requirements.Well considered level entry and parkingThe Bonnie Ray invites all with a wide, smooth driveway and weather-friendly carport – my rear entry Kia door had plenty of clearance for me to roll out undercover.

Travel Tips - Travelling with Epilepsy. Find out how the Carroll family conquered their fears to make frequent travelling possible. Travel is doable if you or a family member has Epilepsy. By Daniel Carroll.Travelling with EpilepsyIn the big scheme of life, our time on this planet is short. Our family loves to travel, and we never take the privilege for granted, especially given the current situation with Covid-19. We endeavour to find fun and adventure in everything we do and ardently believe in taking less and giving more. Parenting a child with special needs provides a rare insight into what matters in life and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who understand the unique journey.Morgan, our first-born daughter, suffered a traumatic birth resulting in multiple disabilities. Her disabilities include Hydrocephalus, Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, Scoliosis, Autism, Epilepsy, and Intellectual Impairment. Morgan is also legally blind. Despite these conditions, Morgan is a fun-loving, friendly, talkative, adventurous individual who loves jumping on a plane, boat, car or basically anything that moves!Perhaps it's best to start at the beginning. Before she was formally diagnosed, we almost lost Morgan to Epilepsy in the year of 2008 while returning home from school on the bus. The Tonic-Clonic seizure lasted over seventy minutes. Within this time, she was rushed to a local hospital before medical staff informed they couldn't do any more for her. Consequently, Morgan was airlifted to a major facility and placed in an induced coma and ventilated. After days in intensive care, she improved and spent three weeks in a hospital ward without uttering a word.This ghastly, oxygen zapping seizure caused further damage to Morgan's brain, but look at her now living life to the fullest, a jet setter indeed! Proving that travelling with epilepsy is doable. With years of lived experience, we adequately manage Morgan's Epilepsy with anti-seizure medication. However, her patterns have changed over the years, and she certainly keeps us on our toes, especially while in foreign countries and travelling outside our comfort zone.

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 - UrungaStarting 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).In other words, you are spoilt for choice, and the friendly staff will assist you in determining which suits you best. Given there are so many accessible apartment options, Riverside Resort is also ideal for large groups of travellers with disabilities too.

Tips and tricks on travelling with varying abilities could fill a 1000 page book I'm sure, and just when we think we had it all covered new technology would come out and so would new ideas. In the meantime, I, like others, use shared and newly created tips to help us get the most out of any experience. Here are a few more that I have picked up from others and my travels. I do hope you will find some use in at least one idea.Communication is vital.As I stated in 9 Tips On Travelling with A Disability Part 1, don't be shy in asking questions and enforcing your needs. Get ALL acknowledgements of accommodation, hiring and mode of travel in writing and check the day or week before you leave.Airline Specifications in writingWhen flying, make sure the airline has all your specifications and notes regarding:Transferring- Describe how you need to transfer from your device to the plane.Dimensions- Advise the dimensions (when adjusted to fit under the hold), and weight of your devices. Kellie L from The Accessible Group encountered a problem with Virgin who incorrectly noted her scooter weight at booking, and she wasn't able to have it delivered to the plane on arrival.