Going to the beach can be hard when you’re disabled. It’s even harder if you’re a mobility aid user.
When there’s little to no information about accessibility online, it’s really challenging to find out if you can actually go.
Accessibility benefits everyone. It can make it easier for families and older people to access the community.
So here’s a guide that will tell you everything you need to know about accessible beaches in Australia.
What is an accessible beach?
Cliffs, stairs, uneven surfaces, a lack of amenities or distance means there are a lot of barriers.
Accessible beaches include features like:
- Close accessible parking and more than one disabled parking space
- Flat, wide and well-maintained pathways
- Wheelchair accessible bathrooms with hoists
- Wheelchair accessible showers
- Plenty of seating for those who can’t walk long distances
- Ramps
- Proper signage, including considerations like braille
- Wheelchair accessible shaded areas
- Easy-to-access sources of drinking water
- Beach matting to the water’s edge
- Lifeguards.
At some beaches, you’ll even be able to hire beach wheelchairs and flotation devices.
Accessible Beaches Australia has a directory where you can search for accessible beaches and swimming locations all across Australia. Social media groups, Google reviews and contacting local councils and surf lifesaving groups can also help you find accessible beaches.
Some of the best accessible beaches in Australia
Here is a list of some of the most accessible beaches across Australia:
Victoria (VIC)
Williamstown Beach
- Just 15 minutes west of Melbourne
- Disabled parking and change rooms, accessible showers, and 24/7 beach matting
- Beach wheelchairs are also available for hire.
Altona Beach
- 24/7 beach matting
- Accessible bathrooms, showers and change rooms
- Disabled parking
- Option to hire beach wheelchairs and sand cruisers.
Queensland (QLD)
Burleigh Heads Beach
- Features beach matting
- Accessible bathrooms
- Disabled parking
- Option to hire floating wheelchairs.
Palm Cove
- Accessible parking
- Disabled bathrooms
- Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and BBQ facilities
- Plenty of pathways
- Beach matting.
New South Wales (NSW)
Narooma Surf Beach
- Disabled parking
- Disabled bathrooms
- An outdoor accessible shower
- Pathways and accessible shaded areas
- Beach matting
- Lifeguards patrolling 7 days a week during summer holidays
- Beach wheelchairs can also be hired but it’s a good idea to check out surf conditions, as they can potentially be rough.
Broulee South Beach
- Accessible bathrooms and parking
- New pathways
- Right next to Broulee South Lifesaving Club, with lifeguard patrols 7 days a week during summer holidays
- During this time beach matting is placed for better access
- Beach wheelchairs can also be hired.
Western Australia (WA)
Hillarys Beach
- Accessible parking
- Accessible bathrooms
- Pathways and shaded areas
- Beach matting and beach wheelchairs for hire
- Surf lifesaving club nearby.
Sorrento Beach
- Features accessible parking
- A Changing Places bathroom with a hoist
- Pathways and accessible shaded areas
- Option for beach wheelchair hire.
Things to keep in mind
Like with any accessibility feature, it’s always best to check yourself.
Remember that not all locations that have beach matting will have it all year-round.
Guides and online information can be out of date.
Different councils also have different accessibility requirements, so it’s a good idea to contact the local council or local surf lifesaving club for more information.
Book a support worker to access the beach
Many clients on Mable access the beach with the help of their independent support workers. You can book support workers on Mable to plan your beach outing too.
Your support worker can not only provide transport to and from the beach, but they can help you plan the day out, and provide support as and when required when you are out and about.
About the author
Zoe Simmons is a disabled journalist, copywriter, speaker, author and advocate. She writes to make the world a better place. You can find out more about Zoe on her website, or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or Tik Tok.
