If you’re planning an accessible coastal adventure through Queensland, this 16-day road trip is for you. Starting and ending in Brisbane, the journey takes in city stays, beach towns, scenic hinterlands, and a tropical island escape, each location offering verified accessible accommodation. Every property listed has a minimum of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails, and doors wider than 76cm, with many offering more, including electric beds, hoists, and pool access.
Let’s start the adventure!
Follow the Coast
Day 1: Stay in Brisbane
Kick off your adventure with a stay at The Constance, Brisbane’s only street art hotel. This quirky and creative space offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers, wide doorways, and plenty of personality, making it perfect for easing into your journey.
Highlight: Brisbane’s only street art hotel.
Recommended Excursions: Enjoy a relaxed game of darts at Oche Fortitude Valley - just let their team know your accessibility needs when booking for a personalised oche set-up. Then head to Sutton’s Beach, where beach matting and a Hippocampe beach wheelchair make seaside excursions effortless.
Drive Time: 1.5 hours to Sunshine Coast
Day 2: Stay on the Sunshine Coast
Make your way north to the Sunshine Coast and check in to Moon Rising at Golden Beach. This stunning oceanfront apartment features panoramic views, an electric adjustable bed, and a hoist (BYO sling). The accessible ramp leading into the beach-style pool is a standout feature.
Highlight: Electric bed, hoist, and stunning ocean views
Recommended Excursions: Discover the fully accessible pathway from Golden Beach to Kings Beach, with several children’s parks (including an inclusive swing) along the way. After your beach walk, explore the vibrant Caloundra main street, where accessible cafés, shops, and easy, level pathways await.
Drive Time: 3 hours to Bundaberg
Day 3: Stay in Bundaberg Region
Head a few hours north to Bundaberg, where NRMA Turtle Sands at Mon Repos offers a unique beachfront stay. With step-free access, a pool with ramp and handrails, and two on-site beach wheelchairs, this property makes it easy to explore the coast.
While you're here, visit the accessible Mon Repos Turtle Centre or take in the beautiful trails of the coastal conservation park.
Highlight: Pool with ramp access and on-site beach wheelchairs
Recommended Excursions: Join a guided Turtle Encounter Tour (Nov-Mar) with accessible paths and seating for unforgettable wildlife views. Later, enjoy wheelchair-accessible comforts at Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Tinaberries Strawberry Farm for a sweet local twist.
Drive Time: 3.5 hours to Rockhampton
Day 4: Stay in Rockhampton
Continue your coastal route and check in at Quest Rockhampton, centrally located for easy access to shops, dining, and riverside walks. The spacious apartments include accessible bathrooms, kitchens, and step-free design throughout.
Explore the city’s Botanic Gardens or enjoy the accessible riverfront promenade.
Highlight: Right in the heart of Rockhampton.
Recommended Excursions: Explore the stunning Cathedral Caves with wide paths and accessible tours at Capricorn Caves, just 30 minutes away. Back in town, the riverside promenade offers flat, accessible walks and frequent events, as well as a scenic circuit at Mount Archer with lookout points.
Drive Time: 4 hours to Mackay
Day 5: Stay in Mackay
Next, travel up to Mackay and stay at Quest Mackay on Gordon. These accessible apartments are well-suited for travellers needing comfort and functionality in a city location.
Highlight: Central, accessible, and close to everything
Recommended Excursions: Explore along the Bluewater Lagoon with pool wheelchairs, accessible playgrounds, and lifeguarded splash zones, perfect for family fun for all abilities. Then, explore the fully accessible Bluewater Trail or enjoy wheelchair-friendly walks in the Mackay Botanic Gardens, which feature a diverse range of plant life.
Drive Time: 4 hours to Airlie Beach
Days 6-7: Stay in Airlie Beach
Your next stop is the stunning Whitsundays, where BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a true tropical retreat. With an accessible buggy, pool hoist, and accommodation for up to 12 guests, this is an excellent base for extended stays.
Highlight: Pool hoist and accessible buggy make the Whitsundays inclusive for all.
Recommended Excursions: Relax in the resort’s autism-friendly sensory room, complete with calming mats, swings, and tactile toy boxes. Spend time with loved ones enjoying accessible experiences, such as outdoor movies, animal park visits, and wheelchair-accessible cruises to the Whitsunday Islands.
Drive Time: 3.5 hours to Townsville
Day 8: Stay in Townsville
Continue north to Townsville and check in at the Monte Carlo Motor Inn, a budget-friendly, accessible option for travellers. Lounge around the shady resort-style pool with accessible seating and BBQ areas for social gatherings.
Highlight: Affordable and well-equipped for accessibility
Recommended Excursions: Explore The Strand’s beach mats (often rolled out for events) or attend accessible events at Queensland Country Bank Stadium with companion seating available. You can also visit the accessible Reef HQ Aquarium before hopping on a short ferry to Magnetic Island.
Drive Time: 20-minute ferry to Magnetic Island
Days 9-10: Stay in Magnetic Island
Cross over by ferry to the beautiful Shambhala Retreat. This fully accessible haven offers quiet island charm with optional wheelchair van hire or car ferry access. Enjoy nature trails, beach matting at Horseshoe Bay, or simply relax on the deck surrounded by island serenity.
Highlight: Fully accessible island stay with ferry and van options
Recommended Excursions: Relax in serene Balinese gardens, take accessible bird-watching walks, or enjoy a BBQ under the stars. Hire a wheelchair-accessible van and explore island delights-from Matting-equipped beaches to accessible ferries and coastal trails.
Heading Back - Explore Country QLD
Drive Time: 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville
THE INLAND RETURN JOURNEY
Day 11: Stay in Townsville (Return Stay)
Head back to the mainland and spend another night at Monte Carlo Motor Inn. Enjoy a relaxed evening out-this stay lets you save on accommodation and splurge on food or entertainment.
Highlight: Save on costs here so you can enjoy a great night out.
Recommended Excursions: In Townsville, the Monte Carlo Motor Inn is just a short drive from Castle Hill Lookout, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and Magnetic Island via an accessible pathway. Art lovers can explore the city’s vibrant CBD through a guided street art tour, which follows flat, easy-to-navigate routes and includes regular seated stops for comfort and convenience.
Drive Time: 4.5 hours to Mackay
Day 12: Stay in Mackay
Stay at Mackay Resort Motel for a comfortable break after a longer driving day.
Dine on-site and unwind in a well-appointed, accessible room.
Highlight: Spacious, accessible rooms and an on-site restaurant
Recommended Excursions: Cool off in the resort-style pool, featuring grab rails, and unwind with accessible poolside dining at Blue Gecko Bar. With room service and wheelchair-friendly restaurant access, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Drive Time: 7 hours to Bundaberg
Day 13: Stay in Bundaberg
Check in to Villa Mirasol Motor Inn. Simple, clean, and easy, perfect for an overnight stop.
Highlight: Comfortable and budget-friendly
Recommended Excursions: Explore accessible local attractions, such as Bundaberg Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and the Hinkler Hall of Aviation. For a natural treat, explore the wheelchair-friendly Burrum Coast National Park boardwalk and enjoy beach matting at Neilson Beach.
Drive Time: 2.5 hours to Goomeri
Day 14: Stay in Goomeri
Next stop is The Wimberley, a boutique B&B in a former hardware store. This charming country town offers a quiet break with just the right touch of rustic flair.
Highlight: Unique country stay in a former hardware store
Recommended Excursions: Experience historic charm in this boutique B&B, which offers step-free access to local cafés, bakeries, and galleries. Discover the Mary Valley Rattler train for a fully accessible rail adventure through picturesque country landscapes.
Drive Time: 2 hours to Dalby
Day 15: Stay in Dalby
Stay at Jubri’s Hideaway, a true hidden gem surrounded by peaceful gardens. Perfect for a bit of nature, quiet, and rest.
Highlight: A hidden gem on three peaceful acres.
Recommended Excursions: Explore the peaceful garden and discover hidden nooks in the Bali Garden, perfect for meditation or an afternoon tea. Enjoy a dip in the accessible pool or take advantage of nearby accessible yoga and tai chi sessions.
Drive Time: 1 hour to Toowoomba
Day 16: Stay in Toowoomba
Enjoy the spacious apartments at Quest Toowoomba before wrapping up your journey. Toowoomba’s parks, cafes, and art galleries are readily accessible nearby.
Highlight: Ultra-spacious apartments and central location
Recommended Excursions: Work out in a fully equipped, accessible on-site gym, then head over to Queens Park for scenic accessible strolls. The nearby Grand Central shopping centre and city dining offer wheelchair-friendly experiences right on your doorstep.
Drive Time: 1.45 hours to Brisbane
Final Stop - Brisbane
End your incredible road trip with a stay at Rambla @ South/City/Square, this time in Brisbane’s south. Rambla @ South/City/SQ features two accessible studio apartments, each with either one king-size bed or two single beds. It is located near a hospital (within a 5 km radius).
Highlight: Wrap up your road trip in style, exploring Brisbane’s buzzing South Bank precinct.
Recommended Excursions: Explore South Bank’s cultural precinct with wheelchair and pool wheelchair hire for a fun-filled riverside experience and urban relaxation. Nearby, take in a match at the Gabba or explore the museums and cafés, all a stone’s throw from the city.
Itinerary Planner
Use our handy free tool to plan your holiday with ease. Simply scroll through a property page and click the ‘heart’ icon - this will add the property to your itinerary automatically. A pop-up will appear in the top right of your screen. Click ‘View Itinerary’ to generate a unique URL. You can return to this link anytime to continue planning or share it with carers or family members to collaborate.
Ready to plan your Queensland road trip? With these fully verified stays, accessibility is never an afterthought - it’s built in from the start.
👉 Explore All Accessible Stays Here because everyone deserves a break, with peace of mind.
Contact Kerry at Accessible Accommodation for bookings or to list your property:
📧
📞 0477 103 808