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.

Assisted Wheelchair User- Guests unable to lift themselves. Requires assistance of a support person or equipment

Sensory Assisted-  Facilities to support those with sensory needs.

 

Accessible Accommodation in Victoria

Below are some standout properties in Victoria, Australia.

1. The Great Ocean Road Region

Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road is home to several accessible accommodations that allow visitors to enjoy the breathtaking coastline and natural beauty.

 

Our favourite is Saltwater Beach house.  Sleeping up to 12 guests, an Occupational Therapist specialising in home modifications led the design of the renovation of this accessible beach house with discreet accessible features. Catering for high accessibility needs, the property is wheelchair accessible with widened doorways, a modern level entry ensuite bathroom, designer grab rails, and accessible appliances. A range of disability equipment is available, including an in-built recessed single-track ceiling hoist and electric single adjustable bed.

View Saltwater and other fabulous wheelchair-accessible properties around the Great Ocean Road HERE.

Check out the Great Ocean Road Tourism Site, which published a great Access Map.  Here is the link 

 

2. Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula

The scenic Bellarine Peninsula offers several accessible properties for a relaxing and enjoyable stay, surrounded by beaches, vineyards and farm-to-table produce. Geelong is the embarkation point for The Spirit of Tasmania. https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/accessibility-support/specific-needs-assistance

Our top picks are:

 

 

100 Hitchcock is located in beautiful Barwon Heads, with many flat walking paths for wheelchair cruising. 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. 100 Hitchcock is  just 90 minutes from Melbourne, near the start of The Great Ocean Road

Includes Hoist, Commode wheelchair, two types of toilet & shower chairs, fixed grab rails, bed stick and level access. Two single hi-lo electric beds are placed together to form a split king; side rails are on either side of one of the beds. A beach wheelchair is also available during your stay (on bond payment).

 

 

Quest Geelong Central is located minutes from the city’s renowned waterfront and its bustling CBD.  They have 3 x accessible one-bedroom apartments, which also have interconnecting options with a traditional studio apartment to make one large 2-bedroom apartment. Each bedroom has king-size beds, which can be split into two singles. Step-free access and shower, a shower chair and space to manoeuvre, these apartments are ideal for a Geelong stay.

View 100 Hitchcock and Quest Geelong Central and other fabulous wheelchair-accessible properties around Geelong and The Bellarine,on this link HERE. 

 

4.  Phillip Island and its surrounds

Phillip Island is renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife, and accessible accommodation options ensure that everyone can experience its many attractions, including Phillip Island’s nightly Penguin Parade.  More information here.

 

 

All Access Rollers Retreat

Perfect for multiple wheelchair users. The holiday house sleeps seven people and includes four bedrooms (2 accessible bedrooms), two accessible bathrooms, two living areas, a fully equipped accessible kitchen, laundry, an undercover carport, a patio, a sunroom and a lovely grassed backyard. Bedroom 1: 1 King Split Plega High Low Bed and accessible ensuite. Bedroom 2: Twin room with two single beds. Bedroom 3: 1 single electric hospital bed and hoist; the main accessible bathroom is opposite. Bedroom 4: 1 queen bed. 

 View other fabulous wheelchair-accessible properties around Phillip Island and its surroundings at this link HERE. 

 

5. Gippsland

The Gippsland region is known for its country's produce, gourmet food, wildlife, and waterways. We offer disability accommodation that enables visitors to do so. Our top picks are:

 

 

Mansi on Raymond

Located in Sale, Mansi on Raymond features fixed grab bars and a shower chair in their step-free shower; there is on-site disabled parking and step-free access in their accessible king room, which can be interconnected to make a sizeable three-bedroom stay.

 

 

Teulu House is located in Nungurner, this house is a testament to the owner's objective to create beautiful, accessible accommodation. Based on an eastern European courtyard design, it offers wheelchair-friendly, total privacy while delivering arguably one of the most scenic views of the Gippsland Lakes. Features fixed grab bars and a shower chair in their step-free shower; on-site disabled parking and step-free access; this is a beautiful place to stay in accessibility, comfort and style.

 View other fabulous wheelchair-accessible properties around Gippsland at this link HERE.

 

6. Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Whether it is wine tasting or visiting Puffing Billy,  the area is perfect for a weekend away.

 

 

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park is nestled in a tranquil bush setting filled with native wildlife and views of Badger Creek. Perfectly situated just an hour from Melbourne, the property offers open-plan cabins with a spacious, fully accessible kitchen and bathroom, and they have their own private deck.

Great value for money, with fantastic accessible features that include a step-free roll-in shower, grab rails and a wall-mounted shower chair.

View other fabulous wheelchair-accessible properties around  Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs at this link HERE.

 

Why Accessible Accommodation Matters

Providing accessible accommodation is essential for ensuring that individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users, can travel and enjoy their experiences without facing barriers. These accommodations offer comfort, safety, and independence, allowing guests to participate in all aspects of their travel fully. Disability-friendly accommodations also enhance inclusivity by addressing the specific needs of people with mobility challenges.

Finding Accessible Accommodation in Victoria

For a comprehensive list of accessible accommodation options across Victoria and beyond, visit Accessible Accommodation. The website offers detailed information on properties, including the specific accessibility features available, location details, and direct booking links.

Below are links to other lovely regions and all that Victoria has to offer.

Grampians 

 

Goulburn Valley

 

Ovens Murray (including Albury Wodonga and Wangaratta)

 

Lakes Entrance 

 

High Country 

 

Ballarat

 

Mornington Peninsula

 

Bendigo Loddon 

 

By the way, Bendigo Council published great access maps for you too.  Here is the link

 

Melbourne

The City of Melbourne has published an excellent guide to accessible transport. Here is the link,

 

Whether you're looking for a serene retreat in the countryside or an urban escape, Victoria has accessible and disability-friendly accommodations designed to provide an inclusive and memorable travel experience for all.

Kerry

Founder Accessible Accommodation.