Accessible… For Whom? What Makes a Property Truly Accessible?

The short answer: you do. Accessibility isn’t a single feature; it’s a promise that your needs will be met so you can travel with confidence, comfort and joy. What works brilliantly for one person may not suit another—and that’s exactly why the crew at Accessible Accommodation obsess over details and why our Accessible Accommodation accreditation program matters so much.

No one-size-fits-all—and that’s okay.

Disability is diverse. For some travellers, it’s step-free paths, wide doorways and a roll-in shower. For others, it’s hoist compatibility, an adjustable bed, lowered benches, visual alarms, or simply extra turning space where it counts. None of this is a “nice to have”; these features may be essential to you. It’s the difference between a stressful weekend and a soul-filling escape.

Our approach is simple: we don’t guess.  We check, measure, photograph and describe so you can decide. We only accept "hand-made" style video tours, so you can see for yourself what to expect before arriving. Think authenticity. Clarity over clichés, specifics over slogans.

What “truly accessible” looks like

Picture arriving at a smooth, step-free entry that says," You’re expected and welcome". Inside, a bathroom designed for dignity: roll-in shower without a lip, sturdy grab rails placed where you actually need them, room to manoeuvre, and fittings at reachable heights. Bedrooms with the clearance required for portable hoists, plus properties that go further with ceiling hoists or height-adjustable beds. Kitchens that invite participation: reachable switches, lowered benches, safe appliances. And those thoughtful extras—interconnecting rooms for carers, a space to recharge mobility devices, maybe even a kettle tipper—because the “little things” are often the big things.

Why we started - it's personal

As the founder of Accessible Accommodation, I  was driven to make a change after a trip to Tasmania with my late mum, Barbie, who lived with MS and was a wheelchair user. I’d asked all the right questions—“Is your shower step-free?”—and was assured it was. On arrival, there was a 10 cm lip. To the property owner, it “wasn’t a step”; to Barbie, a wheelchair user, it was the equivalent of Mount Everest.

Barbie had to compromise and hand-wash for an entire week. That experience lit a fire under me; travellers deserve accurate, detailed, consistent information so they can book with certainty, not crossed fingers.

Why our accreditation matters

Because the word “accessible” is often overused and under-defined. Our accreditation program verifies what’s on offer, so promises match reality. It’s independent, thorough, and grounded in lived experience. When you see our badges, you’re not just seeing a logo—you’re seeing the hours spent checking door widths, turning circles, confirming bed heights and equipment compatibility. In short: fewer surprises, more serenity.

Turning planning into possibility

Travel should feel exciting, not exhausting. With transparent, verified information, you can build your personal checklist: must-haves, nice-to-haves, and dream-makers. Then choose the stay that fits you—your body, your goals, your rhythm. That’s the magic: accessibility transforms from “Will this work?” to “Where shall we explore next?”

To make matching easier (and more accurate), we assess properties across four practical tiers. They’re a signpost to help you zero in on the right fit fast:

• Tier 1 — Assisted Walking: For guests using a walking frame, rollator or cane. Think step-free access, a step-free shower and the safety and convenience of grab rails.

• Tier 2 — Independent Wheelchair User: For wheelchair users who can self-transfer to bed, shower and toilet. Look for genuine roll-in showers, compliant door widths and manoeuvring space.

• Tier 3 — Assisted Wheelchair User: For guests who need a support person and/or equipment. Here, details matter most—bed under-clearance for portable hoists, transfer spaces, and equipment, including hoists, commode and electric beds.

• Tier 4 — Sensory Assisted: For guests with low vision/blindness, Deaf or hard-of-hearing, autism or sensory processing needs. Information covers wayfinding, alarms/visual cues, lighting, sound, and predictable environments.

Because there’s no one-size-fits-all, each listing goes beyond labels to the nitty-gritty—door widths, turning circles, shower type, parking, and more—so you can confirm the exact features you rely on. Use the tier as your starting point.

The heart of it

Truly accessible properties don’t just remove barriers; they match your needs for an inclusive experience—ocean breezes on an accessible deck, laughter in a kitchen that welcomes you in, a roll along a boardwalk at sunset.  Accessibility isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about saying, You belong here. You're safe. You're comfortable.

Use our detailed listings (photos, videos, and those measurements to build your own "must stay" list, then look for our accreditation to validate what’s promised. Travel should feel welcoming, not worrisome — and with the right info, it will.

 For assistance, contact our crew who all have lived experience with disability HERE.

 Kerry WIlliams 

Founder Accessible Accommodation (The AccessibleGroup Pty Ltd)