7 On Merindah, a cosy Coochie Accessible Hideaway – the perfect place to rest, revive and rejuvenate, on Coochiemudlo Island.

Coochiemudlo is a small island in Moreton Bay, off the coast of Victoria Point, Qld. It is just a short 10-minute boat journey across the bay, via a ferry or car barge. On Coochiemudlo Island, you get away from the commercialism of the mainland and the pressure of living in this busy modern world.

However, if you have forgotten anything or need a little more civilization, then a bus can be caught off the ferry for a short ride to Victoria Point, where you will find Event Cinemas, the usual shops, fast food restaurants, bars and restaurants. There is even The Sharks social club that has entertainment. As there isn’t a Supermarket, I recommend you bring your groceries for your stay or shop online at Woolworths, as they deliver 3 days a week. Remember, you’re here to rest, revive and rejuvenate in a peaceful island setting.

Dining Out

Coochiemudlo Island has a local beach cafe and general store, a restaurant at Coochie Island Beach Bar. In the high season, the gentle shoreline of the main beach is patrolled by volunteer surf lifesavers.

Fishing Spots

Fishing can be done from the shore, a boat or the Jetty. The locals catch Mud Crab, Sand Crabs, Whiting and Tailor depending on the season.

Stroll Or Roll

As you walk around the island through the bush track or on the beach, there is plenty of public BBQ’s to stop and cook lunch overlooking the water. On my Wheelie walks around the island I listened to a variety of different bird songs and came across Coochie’s 9-hole golf course built over 40 years ago.

Pet Friendly

7 On Merindah Accessible Accommodation is dog friendly. My favourite spot with the dogs is near the jetty and has a wooden path from the bbq to the edge of the beach. I sit there and watch friends play with the children and dogs in the water. To get to this spot, exit to the left of the jetty, follow the concrete path to the second bbq area. This is the one with the wooden path to the edge of the beach.

Your Accessible Accommodation on Coochiemudlo Island

7 on Merindah has been designed to accommodate the needs of people living with a disability. The cottage would be classified for levels 1 & 2, assisted walkers and independent wheelchair users. As it has an electric bed, it can also suit wheelchair users needing this convenience. There is also a pressure care mattress. If you like travelling with your pet, the good news is the owners accept them (on approval).

The carport is next to the ramp that leads up to the wooden veranda and entrance to the home. Ramp mats assist easy access through the patio doors directly into the cosy and modern, lounge or kitchen area.

The hall leads directly from the kitchen, with the first room on the left being the laundry. Housing a washtub, front-loading washing machine and dryer, raised off the floor for easy access.

Next is a spacious roll-in bathroom with grab rails, wall attached shower seat and free-standing seat, ensuring choice for a shower chair that suits you. Sinks, switches, and sockets, throughout the cottage, have been placed at a height that can accommodate most people.

There are three spacious bedrooms, that can sleep up to 6 people. The master bedroom has an en-suite, with a roll in shower. It would fit an average shower chair or seat. Showers in both areas have flexible hoses.

The main bathroom is fully equipped for accessibility with a roll-in shower, shower seat, grab rails in shower and toilet. The toilet seat is accessible design, allowing self-transfer.

The three bedrooms and living areas are equipped with ceiling fans. Reverse cycle air conditioners are also installed in two bedrooms and the lounge room, ideal if you are sensitive to heat.

If you like the bonding and outdoor experience, there is a fire pit area to the side of the cottage surrounded by five tree trunks.

The island itself is nestled in the waters of Moreton Bay, with gentle lapping beach shores all the way around. Through and across the small island, are many paths and tracks taking you from beach to bush. Many of which I have been able to get through in my power chair, with the occasional help needed on soft surfaces.

Helpful information to make your stay stress free and get the most out of your Island break.

Accessible Accommodation property information: For extensive information, including frequently asked questions and video tours, click HERE.

Passenger Ferry info: the ride takes just 10 minutes. With services running every 30 minutes from early in the morning through to late at night. No pre-booking is required. Click HERE for the timetable.

Vehicle barge info: The barge is available for passenger vehicles, trailers, boats, trucks, motorbikes as well as walk-on passengers. Travel time is around 10 minutes. While the barge operates at regular intervals 7 days a week there are different schedules for weekdays and weekends/public holidays. Prices around $60 return for a car. Again, bookings are essential. For a timetable and more information, click HERE.

Public Disability Toilets: there are public toilets directly across from Curlew café that caters for chair users and everyone else.

Grocery Shopping: we recommend you bring all the food for your stay. Alternatively, Woolworths Supermarkets deliver three days a week. Click HERE for your shopping.

In my ten years travelling with a spinal injury, this has been my most relaxing stay, by far.

Joanna

Written by Joanna Fowler. Disability Advocate at The Accessible Group. A donation to The Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation has been made in Joanna’s name in appreciation for her efforts to share this fab accessible place to stay.