Six Accessible Holiday Spots for Australian Families
Australians are blessed with so many amazing options for domestic travel, and these days there are so many more amenities that make accessibility easier.
If you and your family are looking to plan your next adventure, we’ve listed our top six destination picks for accessible holidays – including some of the local services that cater to the differently abled.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
This incredible coastal road is famous around the world, and for good reason – it’s 243km of breathtaking scenery, featuring a number of beautiful natural wonders. The true star of the show is the Twelve Apostles, which can be enjoyed from a fully paved accessible viewing platform.
Accessible local services:
Bellair 1
Address: 4-6 Bell Street
Ocean Grove , Victoria
Telephone: (03) 0351 5605
Web: www.greatoceanstays.com.au
Bellair 3
Address: 4-6 Bell Street
Barwon Heads , Victoria
Telephone: (03) 0351 5605
Web: www.greatoceanstays.com.au
2. Phillip Island, Victoria
Famous for its delightful fairy penguins, Phillip Island is family friendly and accessible. There is an exclusive disabled access viewing area to watch the Penguin Parade as the fairy penguins return to the beach, and a complimentary buggy service providing beach access to travelers with disabilities.
Accessible local services:
The Island Accommodation
Address: 10-12 Phillip Island Tourist Road
Newhaven, Victoria
Telephone: (03) 5956 6123
Web: http://www.theislandaccommodation.com.au
Comfort Resort Kaloha Phillip Island
Address: Corner Steele & Chapel Streets
Cowes, Victoria
Telephone: (03) 5952 2179
Web: http://kaloha.com.au
3. Otway Ranges, Victoria
The Otway Ranges is home to some of the most pristine rainforests in the world. The Otway Fly Treetop Walk allows visitors to experience the full majesty of the rainforest from 500 metres above sea level. “The Fly” is a 600 metre long walk that ascends at a gentle grade and provides wheelchair access.
Accessible local services:
Countrywide Cottages
Address: 1205 Winchelsea Deans Marsh Road
Bambra Victoria
Telephone: 03 5288 7399
Web: http://countrywidecottages.com.au
Otway Escapes Luxury Cottage (Valley Views)
Address: 310 Pennyroyal-Wymbooliel Road
Pennyroyal, Victoria
Telephone: 0411 721 163
Web: http://www.otwayescapes.com.au
4. Ocean Grove, Victoria
Ocean Grove is a gorgeous seaside town located on the Bellarine Peninsula, and the beach offers fun activities for people with disabilities. The beach wheel chairs and beach matting offer full accessibility to the surf and there are programs that teach lifesaving skills and surfing to disabled people.
Accessible local services:
Bellair 1
Address: 4-6 Bell Street
Ocean Grove , Victoria
Telephone: (03) 0351 5605
Web: www.greatoceanstays.com.au
Bellair 3
Address: 4-6 Bell Street
Barwon Heads , Victoria
Telephone: (03) 0351 5605
Web: www.greatoceanstays.com.au
5. Manly Beach, NSW
Manly is home to one of Australia’s best beaches, and the community also has some of the best accessibility features, including beach wheelchairs. It is friendly to visitors with mobility access issues and visual impairment as well, and the main strip has many accessible shops, restaurants and bars.
Accessible local services:
Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour
Address: 17 Little Pier Street
Darling Harbour, New South Wales
Telephone: (02) 8217 4000
Web: http://www.novotelrockforddarlingharbour.com.au
Pumphouse Bar & Restaurant
Address: 17 Little Pier Street
Darling Harbour, New South Wales
Telephone: 1800 788 155
Web: http://www.novotelrockforddarlingharbour.com.au
6. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
The Great Barrier is a bona fide natural wonder, and is the largest coral reef in the world. Wheelchair users can snorkel and explore in the weightless environment of the reef, and the availability of water access lifts allows wheelchair users to directly enter the water, for an immersive experience.
Accessible local services:
Quicksilver Cruises
Address: The Reef Marina, Wharf Street
Port Douglas QLD
Telephone: (07) 4087 2100
Web: https://www.quicksilver-cruises.com
Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Address: Mitre Street
Port Douglas QLD
Telephone: (07) 4084 3500