A Seamless Stay: Accessibility Excellence at Rydges Fortitude ValleyWhen we embarked on our recent weekend getaway, we were on the lookout for a hotel that would not just provide comfort but also cater to accessibility needs. Our seamless stay at Rydges Fortitude Valley turned out to be an exceptional experience right from the moment we arrived. From thoughtful parking arrangements to spacious and accessible rooms, we were pleasantly surprised at every turn.     A Warm Welcome and Suitable ParkingAccessibility starts at the very beginning of the journey, and they nailed it. As we pulled up at the reception doors, my husband easily parked our Accessible Connections wheelchair-accessible vehicle. I exited our accessible van through the rear ramp access with ease and safety. To my right, there was a ramp leading me straight into the reception area. This smooth and hassle-free arrival set the tone for the entire stay.

Accessible AND Pet-Friendly Accommodation- is that possible? Yes, it is! It used to be such a challenge finding accommodation that is truly accessible, let alone allowing us to take our treasured pooch on a holiday. Not anymore.Accessible Accommodation have several pet-friendly holiday accommodation locations around Australia. Our tribe of property owners are dog lovers too. Let me share them with you.CITY PET-FRIENDLY STAYSVictoriaQuest Mont AlbertPet-friendly apartments. No longer do you have to stress about leaving your best friend behind.Quest St Kilda RoadStay in the beautiful apartments in St Kilda with your pet.Quest DandenongFeel at home in peaceful surroundings. Small/Medium dogs are accepted, fee applies.Quest Dandenong CentralFully accessible property with five accessible apartments. Pets are welcome.

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 AccommodationNorth 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 AccommodationSunnynookJust 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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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.