In this month's blog, we share 10 of our favourite accessible properties, each with nearby accessible beaches or lagoons. Thanks to the tireless efforts of local councils and dedicated disability advocates, accessible beaches are becoming increasingly common across Australia. These beaches are thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the seaside. Many accessible beaches now offer access matting, which provides a stable surface for wheelchairs and mobility aids to traverse sandy areas with ease. Beach wheelchairs also allow individuals with limited mobility to reach the water's edge comfortably. These innovations not only enhance the beach experience for people with disabilities but also promote a more inclusive community where everyone can participate in and enjoy outdoor activities. The Gerald Apartments Hotel – WASituated in the heart of the CBD and mere metres away from the beautiful Geraldton foreshore, The Gerald Apartments offer beautiful, spacious rooms in their wheelchair-accessible king studio apartments with roll-in showers and drop-down shower chairs. During your stay, experience their rooftop bar, fondly known as ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ – open and airy most of the year. For information on accessible beaches nearby, please click this link - https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/community/our-community/access-and-inclusion/access-matting-and-beach-wheelchairs.aspx The Gerald Apartments Hotel

Guest Blogger Leanne from 'Leanne's Wheel Life' shares her 9 Tips On Travelling With A Disability to make your next trip easier.Travelling is all the rage now. And tourism has been a burgeoning industry for a few decades. Is it that we have more leisure time and so many options for vocational recreation that suit any budget? Our form of travel and destination can be as unique or as common as we are. And if you’re able-bodied, your budget and length of time away are your two main priorities, as you prepare to snub your current surroundings for relaxation and adventure.Not so for the estimate five million disabled tourists*, and their companions (carers, family and friends), that face another challenge – that of accessibility.Prior to my adult-onset disability, I was hugely fortunate to participate in many tourist travel excursions, as a couple, with my family, and on very special trips courtesy of my husband’s previous working life. All as an able-bodied woman.Since my many flights, using a mobility device of some description, and more recently a wheelchair, I have realised just how charmed my previous life was when it came to booking, organising and generally preparing for any type of travel.

Planning a holiday while supporting a loved one with a disability or caring for an older family member can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, travel doesn’t have to be stressful. These handy tips are designed to make things easier for Carers—so you can enjoy a well-earned break, too. Discover how a little planning can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable journey for both you and your loved one. Start with Smart PlanningThe key to a stress-free trip is advanced planning. Booking your accommodation early guarantees you'll secure the best options for your loved one’s specific needs. Start by selecting your destination and keep your travel dates flexible to maximise your choices. Accessible Accommodation offers over 300 locations across Australia, Bali, and New Zealand, with detailed information including FAQs, video tours, and local activity guides. When booking through this site, you’re assured of an accessible room, so you can enjoy peace of mind.Next, plan your route. For many, driving is the preferred mode of transport due to its flexibility. If road trips are your choice, research stops with accessible Changing Places facilities. These well-equipped restrooms with adult change tables and showers are a godsend for carers, ensuring comfort for your loved one during long drives.https://changingplaces.org.au/  

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 CoastDay 1: Stay in Brisbane