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: Sydney
Start 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.
Day 4: Harrington to Byron Bay (Driving Time: 4.5 hours)
Continue your journey to Elements of Byron, an award-winning eco-resort that offers exceptional accessibility features. Enjoy private villas designed with step-free access, spacious bathrooms, and a stunning accessible swimming pool. Relax by the beach, which includes accessible paths and matting to make your seaside experience easy and enjoyable.
Visit Summerland Farm, a multi-award-winning, must-see attraction nearby, employing more than 110 people with a disability. Visitors can see firsthand the thousands of macadamia and avocado trees harvested on the stunning 238-acre property. Sample local produce at the farm’s popular retail outlet, The Grocer, and fully licensed Restaurant. Click HERE to learn more.
Day 5: Byron Bay to Tweed Heads (Driving Time: less than an hour)
Drive north to the BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park. The park offers accessible villas with accessible showers, toilets, and designated parking. It’s ideal for families or groups, with on-site wheelchair-accessible pools and a billabong for relaxing water activities. Nearby, visit Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, an accessible art centre featuring local exhibits with wheelchair-friendly access and seating. Click HERE to learn more.
Day 6: Tweed Heads to Brisbane (Driving Time: 1.5 hours)
Stop in The Gold Coast for lunch at one of many accessible locations. Make your way to Brisbane and check in at the Rambla at South City Square, which offers stylish apartments with wonderful accessibility. Each apartment includes roll-in showers, wide doorways, and lower countertops. Enjoy Brisbane's accessible attractions, including the South Bank Parklands, with wheelchair-accessible pathways, picnic areas, and the famous Wheel of Brisbane, which offers wheelchair access. Click HERE to learn more.
The Return Journey Inland
Day 7: Brisbane to Tamworth (Driving Time: 7 hours)
Allow for a full day of driving for the next leg.
Head south via the inland route, stopping at Quest Tamworth. This apartment-style accommodation offers accessible rooms with step-free bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and accessible parking. After a long drive, unwind and explore the area’s accessible dining options or check out Tamworth Regional Gallery, which provides wheelchair access and guided tours. Click HERE to learn more.
Day 8: Tamworth to Dubbo (Driving Time: 3.5 hours)
Stay with Quest Dubbo to enjoy convenient access to everything this stunning regional centre has to offer. Families will love exploring the accessible Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Dubbo Observatory Click HERE to learn more.
Day 9: Day 8: Dubbo to Singleton (Driving Time: 3.5 hours)
Your next stop is Quest Singleton, located in the heart of Hunter Valley. The apartments offer wide doorways, roll-in showers, and accessible parking spaces. While in Singleton, enjoy the accessible walking trails at Lake St Clair. Click HERE to learn more.
Day 10: Return to Sydney (Driving Time: 2.5 hours)
End your road trip with a stay at Veriu Green Square in Sydney. The modern, accessible rooms are thoughtfully designed for mobility and comfort. Before concluding your journey, consider hiring an accessible beach wheelchair at Bondi, a 20 minute drive away. .Click HERE to learn more.
This itinerary offers a blend of coastal views, scenic inland routes, and accessible accommodations to ensure a memorable and inclusive journey. Safe travels!
Kerry