Welcome to Kia Ora — Your Accessible Escape on the Mornington Peninsula

Kia Ora Safety Beach Accessible Accommodation is more than just a holiday retreat - it’s a thoughtfully designed home where accessibility, comfort and style have equal footing. Nestled in Safety Beach (Hamilton Street), this four-bedroom retreat can sleep up to ten people and was renovated with mobility in mind, offering features such as ceiling hoists in two bedrooms and the living rooms, a commode, electric adjustable hi-lo bed, step-free access and more.

Just three blocks from the beach and local shops, Kia Ora (accessibleaccommodation.com) sets you in a wonderfully convenient position for exploring the Peninsula, with flat walking paths and an accessible environment for wheelchair users and mobility-impaired guests.

Getting Around: Distances from Kia Ora

Here are approximate distances (by road) from the accommodation in Safety Beach to some of the attractions below (these are estimates — always double check with a mapping tool for the most efficient routes based on current days road conditions):

These are ballpark figures; directionality and road choices (coastal vs inland) may change actual travel distance or time.

Accessible Activities Around Kia Ora

Kia Ora isn’t just well equipped — it’s also surrounded by wonderful attractions and experiences that welcome visitors of all mobility levels. Below is a curated list of accessible things to do in and around the property, with highlights of their accessible features.

Beach Access & Mobility Aids

• The beach is just a 10-minute walk away along gentle, flat pathways. Kia Ora’s owners note an accessible ramp from the car park to the beach is currently under construction. accessibleaccommodation.com
  
  
• Beach wheelchairs are available in the region.
  
  
  • At Mount Martha Lifesaving Club (Esplanade, Mount Martha VIC 3934) two “MobiChairs” are available for use between the flags during patrol times (weekends, 12–5 pm).
    
    
  • At Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, a Sandcruiser beach wheelchair can be booked.
    
    
  • At Coolart Wetlands & Homestead, a Hippocampe chair can be hired.
    
    
  • At Point Nepean National Park, an all-terrain wheelchair is available at the visitor centre.
    
    

Arthurs Seat Eagle & Lookouts

• Just a short drive from Kia Ora, the Arthurs Seat Eagle cable car / gondola is wheelchair accessible.
  
  
• The base station includes a Changing Places toilet (requires an MLAK key). You can borrow the MLAK key from the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre or from the Arthurs Seat Eagle reception.
  
  
• From the summit, accessible lookouts and the Seawinds Gardens provide sweeping views over Port Phillip Bay.
  
  

Spas & Thermal Springs

• Alba Thermal Springs & Spa (Fingal) offers excellent accessibility:
  
  
  • All buildings and pathways are wheelchair accessible.
    
    
  • Several pools have hoist provisions (including private pools).
    
    
  • Wheelchairs are available from reception.
    
    
  • Accessible parking, change rooms and toilets provided.
    
    
  • Complimentary admission for carers with a Companion Card.
    
    
  • The new Pelican Pool Hoist operates across five spas, enabling safe access to water.
    
    

Gardens, Nature & Wildlife

• Heronswood House & Garden (Dromana) supports disabled access (ramps, garden paths, interpretive gardens).
  
  
• Point Nepean National Park (Portsea) is wheelchair friendly, with paved paths, picnic spots, and scenic coastal views.
  
  
• Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife (Pearcedale) offers free wheelchair hire, ramps and flat walking paths for exploring native fauna.
  
  
• Point Leo Estate Winery & Sculpture Park features accessible sculpture trails and grounds. We recommend checking out the curated 90-minute guided tour available.
  
  
• Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve and surrounding parks have been improved for all-abilities access, including walkways and viewpoints.
  
  
• Hill & Ridge Community Market (Red Hill) opens the first Saturday of the month and features food stalls, crafts, local produce, and an accessible layout.
  
  
• Pitchingga Ridge Alpacas (Red Hill region) is a small family farm that welcomes visitors with access needs; visitors can interact with alpacas, feed them, and take photos (bookings recommended).
  
  
• Red Hill Lavender Cafe & Lavender Farm: partially wheelchair accessible, with access to the shop, ice cream van, some flower rows, and accessible parking near the cafe.
  
  
• Rain Hayne & Shine Farmyard (Balnarring region) also caters for wheelchair users.
  
  
• Gordon Studio Glassblowers (Red Hill Road) has accessible access to the gallery and glassblowing viewing mezzanine (confirm times in advance).
  
  

Ferry, Day Trips & Galleries

• From Sorrento, take the drive-on/drive-off Searoad Ferry to Queenscliff. Once on the Bellarine Peninsula, you can explore Geelong for the day. The ferry trip takes approximately 40–45 minutes.
  
  
• Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
  

  
  (Image courtesy of www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org)
  
  (Mornington) offers ramped entry and accessible parking, with free admission.
  
  

• A scenic drive: starting in Dromana, head up Arthurs Seat via McCulloch Street, explore the summit, traverse Purves Road, then loop back via Main Ridge and Arthurs Seat Road — stopping at lookouts and natural corridors along the way.
  
  
• Accessible playgrounds and inclusive beaches are scattered along the Peninsula; the Mornington Peninsula Council publishes a list of accessible facilities (playgrounds, beach matting, wheelchair hire).
  
  

Dining Options

When you want to dine nearby without compromise, here are a few wheelchair-friendly options:

• Sapori Di Casa & White Hill Gallery (Italian, Dromana)
  
  
• Wildgrain Mornington (Mornington)
  
  
• Bistro One, Mornington
  
  
• Pier 10 Winery, Shoreham
  
  
• Barn & Co, Balnarring
  
  
• The Dining Room at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill — wheelchair friendly, award-winning
  
  
• Foxeys Hangout Winery
  
  
• Green Olive at Red Hill — accessible
  
  
• Grazing plates, patios and winery views are common, we recommend you always check accessibility ahead.

Tips & Practical Notes

Booking ahead is essential at many of these attractions (especially Moonlit Sanctuary, horse/farm visits, spa hoist use, ferry).

MLAK keys may be required for Changing Places toilets — ask when you arrive.

Kia Ora’s interiors (ceiling hoists, adjustable beds, accessible bathrooms) allow guests with significant mobility needs to stay comfortably.

For up-to-date accessibility details (hours, entry requirements, hoist availability), Google the attraction name + “wheelchair accessible” or check their dedicated accessibility pages.

The Peninsula is picturesque — take time to soak up the scenery, drive winding coast roads, sample local wines, and enjoy nature at your own pace.

Staying at Kia Ora gives you the perfect home base for accessible adventures on the Mornington Peninsula. You can relax, recharge, and explore — all without compromise.