For many Australians, summer means heading to the beach. The sound of waves, the smell of salty air and the relief of cooling off on a hot day are parts of Australia’s national identity.
But for many people with disability and mobility challenges, the soft sand and uneven terrain can mean the beach is a challenging destination.
The good news is that beaches are becoming more accessible. Across the country, local governments and Surf Life Saving Clubs are working together to improve access so that more people can enjoy the beach safely and independently.
What makes a beach accessible?
An accessible beach will be designed with infrastructure and support to create a safe and comfortable visit.
When looking for an accessible beach, look out for features such as:
- Beach access matting, which provides a stable path across soft sand
- Beach wheelchairs with wide tyres designed for sand or water entry
- Accessible bathrooms and change rooms with space for mobility aids, hoists or grab bars
- Reserved accessible parking close to pathways to the beach
- Access to trained staff or volunteers who can assist with transfers or equipment hire.
Spotlight on accessible beaches across Australia.
In this article, we’re highlighting some of the accessible beaches in idyllic locations from Queensland to Victoria and beyond.
Queensland
The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have become hubs for accessible tourism because of the improvements made to infrastructure, services and facilities.
On the Sunshine Coast
Kings Beach. Located in Caloundra, it has beach matting, a salt-water pool with hoist access and year-round beach wheelchair hire. The Compass Institute operates a hire service Monday to Friday with a Water Wheels chair suitable for sand and water.
Noosa Main Beach. A 50 metre mobility mat and wheelchair hire is available through the Noosa Visitor Information Centre. Hire is affordable at $15 for a half-day or $25 for a full day. Chairs are often supplied with alternative wheels.
Coolum and Mooloolaba Beach. Both beaches offer accessible parking, pathways, beach matting and bathrooms. Beach wheelchairs are often free to borrow from the Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSC) during patrol hours, especially on weekends. Booking in advance can be beneficial.
On the Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads Beach. Known for its natural beauty, Burleigh Heads offers accessible pathways, parking and beach matting. Beach wheelchairs are available from the Surf Life Saving Club during patrol hours.
Currumbin Beach. Featuring accessible ramps, beach access mats and fully equipped accessible bathrooms, Currumbin Beach also offers wheelchairs that can be hired through the Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club, typically available on weekends and public holidays.
Main Beach (near Surfers Paradise). This popular and family-friendly beach has accessible parking, wide pathways and accessible amenities including toilets and showers. Wheelchairs suitable for sand and water access are available through the nearby Surf Life Saving Club during patrol periods, with advance booking recommended.
Victoria
Frankston Beach. Considered a gold standard for inclusion, Frankston Beach offers matting right down to the water, accessible bathrooms and free beach wheelchair hire.
Lorne Beach. A popular spot on the Great Ocean Road that offers seasonal beach wheelchairs and hoists.
New South Wales
Bondi Beach. Australia’s most famous beach is also more inclusive. You can find beach wheelchairs (booking required) and accessible bathrooms, with matting often rolled out near the North Bondi ramp.
Newcastle Beach and Nobbys Beach. These beaches have ramps, beach matting and accessible showers to ensure a comfortable day out for everyone. Nobbys Beach is often a preferred accessible destination because of its flatter terrain.
Around Australia
South Australia. Seacliff Beach offers weekend access mats.
Western Australia. Hillarys Beach includes accessible pathways and a fishing platform.
Tasmania. Waubs Beach provides wheelchair access via the local Surf Life Saving Club.
Northern Territory. Darwin Waterfront has been designed as a safe lagoon for a swim. It is protected by a sea wall and features a permanent beach access mat and beach wheelchairs available from the lifeguard tower.
Hiring a beach wheelchair.
While matting helps you get to the beach, a beach wheelchair helps you get on the beach, allowing independent movement across soft sand where standard wheelchairs would struggle.
Key points to consider:
Hire versus borrow: Many Surf Life Saving Clubs offer free wheelchair hire during patrol hours. Others, such as Noosa or Kings Beach, use a booking system with a small fee or refundable deposit.
Availability: Summer is peak season. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Transferring: Most locations require a carer or support worker to assist with transfers into the beach and pushing the wheelchair.
Planning your accessible beach day.
A little preparation helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Check online: Visit the local council or Surf Life Saving Club website before you go. Confirm if the matting is rolled out (weather can impact) and if the accessible bathrooms require a key.
Book equipment: If you need a beach wheelchair, it’s a good idea to call ahead. Confirm the pickup location as it can vary between the surf club, a nearby visitor centre or library.
Locate parking: Identify where the accessible parking bays are relative to the beach access ramp.
Look for the signs: On arrival, you should be able to find signage which directs you to the accessible pathways and amenities.
With a bit of planning and the knowledge that many beaches have accessible infrastructure, more Australians can now enjoy a day by the ocean.
Leap in! can help.
Getting outdoors and accessing your local community is an important part of living the life you choose.
Do you have questions about NDIS supports for community access or equipment? Call the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78 or email [email protected].
