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.

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.