5 Accessible Holiday Destinations in Australia
Planning a holiday should be fun and exciting, especially if you haven’t been away for a while! However, finding an accessible holiday destination and activities to enjoy can sometimes be challenging. So, we took to our Facebook community to provide their top accessible travel destinations! Here are some of their top picks:
1. Tasmania
Tasmania is becoming increasingly popular as a road trip destination. One of the main reasons for this is the convenience of taking your own vehicle and belongings over on the Spirit of Tasmania. You can leisurely sail over the Bass Strait, starting in Melbourne and arriving in Davenport while enjoying the spectacular views of the ocean.
It’s a highly convenient alternative to flying for wheelchair users and carers as you don’t have to worry about taking too much luggage, extra luggage fees or the trouble of hiring a car once you arrive. Each ship also has, spacious, comfortable and accessible rooms – but be sure to call ahead to guarantee you’re allocated one.
Once you arrive in Tasmania, you can soak up the beautiful, varying scenery from the comfort of your own car. There are plenty of road trip routes, quaint towns, markets, restaurants and wineries to choose from. If you head to Hobart, you can stop by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. Busselton, WA
Busselton has forever been a popular travel destination in Western Australia for its breathtaking beaches, coastline scenery and world-class wineries. Located just 15 minutes from Dunsborough and 30 minutes from Margaret River, the South West has plenty to offer.
Extending 1.8 kilometres over stunning Geographe Bay, heritage listed Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and its wheelchair friendly! Wheelchair users are able to catch the Jetty Train before visiting the Underwater Observatory to see Australia’s greatest artificial reef where there is lift access to each level.
3. Great Ocean Road, VIC
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic destinations in the world for an adventurous road trip! You can admire the stunning coastline on the Great Ocean Walk with accessible areas, enjoy local restaurants, wineries and fresh produce along the way.
The 12 Apostles are one of Victoria’s most famous sites to behold on the Great Ocean Road. The breathtaking rock formations are surrounded by rugged cliffs and golden beaches. They can be easily viewed and experienced following the fully wheelchair accessible walking track. Loch Arch Gorge also has dedicated parking spaces and disability access views along with the Grotto and the Bay of Islands.
Check out one of our very own Automobility vehicles travel down the Great Ocean Road:
4. Gold Coast, QLD
If you’re looking for a holiday destination with great entertainment value for the whole family – the Gold Coast has plenty of accessible activities for everyone to enjoy. The city is leading the way with a number of accessible beaches with beach matting, accessible bathrooms, beach wheelchair hire and even surf lessons! Two of the most popular accessible beaches include Burleigh Heads and Southport.
If you want a break from the beach there are a variety of other accessible attractions on the Gold Coast. For non-stop entertainment, visit Movie World or Sea World. If you prefer being at one with nature, try Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Looking for something out of the ordinary? Why not sign up for indoor sky diving at iFLY Downunder! Read more here about extreme accessible sports we have on offer in Australia.
5. Cairns & Tropical North Queensland
Cairns and the surrounding tropical areas’ accessibility has been steadily improving to ensure all visitors can enjoy the tropical region and the remarkable sites it has to offer. If you stay in Cairns, you’ll find the city is easy to make your way around. The Esplanade boardwalk is accessible with toilet facilities along the way, while the lagoon pool chair is free to use. If you’re visiting Rusty’s Markets – showcasing the far North’s local produce – there are wide, flat walkways making it easy to get around.
Outside of Cairns you’ll find plenty more to explore including the Botanical Gardens, Cattana Wetlands (ideal for birdwatching) and Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway. If you’re seeking the golden sand beaches – Port Douglas and Palm Cove Surf Club are able to provide the facilities upon request.
As industry leaders in Wheelchair Access Vehicle (WAV) conversions, we understand that travelling with a person with a disability or limited mobility can sometimes be challenging. If you’d like to get out and about more, consider a wheelchair access vehicle.
You can call our friendly team on 1300 660 773, or contact us online for an obligation-free vehicle demonstration and consultation in your home, Australia wide.
