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Summer Fun Part Two: Accommodation & Free Beach Wheelchair Hire Close By.

If you thought you’d never get the opportunity to feel the waves lapping at your feet that’s not the case anymore. In part one of our blog, we outlined accommodation that offers accessible swimming pools. In part two, we outline where to stay that has the option of beach wheelchair hire. Check out our accessible accommodation where you can hire a beach wheelchair in Australia and Indonesia. Many surf clubs offer disabled surfing as well!

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SEACHANGE @ 100 HITCHCOCK

Bellarine Peninsula/ Geelong Region – Victoria

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, 100 Hitchcock is located on the main street in heart of Barwon Heads, where the popular TV series SeaChange was filmed. Offering luxury accessible holiday accommodation for families, the house is just a few minutes’ walk to shops and the beach. Park your car when you arrive and stroll everywhere. And it’s pet-friendly! Read more HERE about this property and the perfect location that is Barwon Heads..

Specialised Beach Wheelchairs are available for use along the Bellarine and Surf coast free of charge by the community at any time by arrangement. This enables a person with special needs to experience the beach at any time with family and friends all year round. The tidal river two blocks from 100 Hitchcock is absolutely perfect for this activity. Gentle waves, and not too deep.

Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) organise surf days, two of which are coming up this summer nearby at Ocean Grove Surf Club Sunday 2nd February 2020 and Sunday 1st March 2020 at Ocean Grove Main Beach. HERE is the link.

A small army of volunteers are there to guide and help you from start to finish to help you achieve your disabled surfing goal. DSA operate in many other locations around Australia, not just at Ocean Grove. HERE is a link to their Summer calendar. Many of the properties in this article are located very close to the action. To find out venue locations for your next holiday, in Australia, click HERE

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SALTWATER ACCESSIBLE BEACH HOUSE

Torquay – Victoria

An Occupational Therapist specialising in home modifications led the design of the renovation of this accessible beach house with discreet accessible features. Catering for high accessibility needs, the property is wheelchair accessible throughout with widened doorways, a modern level entry ensuite bathroom, designer grab rails, and accessible appliances. A range of disability equipment is available including an in-built recessed single-track ceiling hoist and adjustable electric king single adjustable bed.

All-terrain and beach wheelchairs can be hired for free from the Surf Coast Shire Council so people with a disability can enjoy the beaches, oceans and trails. Details are as follows: Go Ride a Wave (1/15 Bell Street, Torquay) 1300 132 441 – Sandcruiser beach wheelchair (free hire) .

Also there’s an all-terrain chair you can hire. Surf Coast Sport and Recreation Centre, 03 5261 4606 – trail rider all-terrain wheelchair (free hire)

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BIG4 BEACON RESORT

Bellarine Peninsula / Geelong – Victoria

A family-run coastal holiday park, situated just across the road from the beach, at the entrance to Queenscliff, on the Bellarine Peninsula, only 90 minutes from Melbourne. It is a 10-minute drive to Ocean Grove SLSC and their beach wheelchairs.
Set amongst landscaped native gardens, it’s the ideal holiday base for families and couples of all holidaying styles. Kids love the free, extensive children’s supervised activity program that runs every single morning of the year as well as the indoor adventure playground for the little ones, giant jumping pillow, interactive NEOS360 and heated indoor pool and therapeutic spa.

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NEWPORT MOOLOOLABA APARTMENTS

Sunshine Coast – Queensland

Newport Mooloolaba Apartments, located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Queensland. They offer accessible accommodation situated directly on Mooloolaba Beach. The spacious fully self-contained holiday apartment contains 3 bedrooms, sleeping up to six people.  Overlooking the pool and garden views, the apartment offers an electric king single bed, hoist, as well as a commode shower and toilet chair. Enjoy beautiful Mooloolaba beach with wheelchair accessible beach pathways and accessible bathrooms. Bring along a picnic to enjoy on the beach or support the local surf club by buying lunch there.

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NRMA TREASURE ISLAND HOLIDAY RESORT

Gold Coast – Queensland

Pandanus Villa – Access Friendly: This accessible villa features ramp access, accessible fixtures and fittings, kitchen and bathroom. It has two bedrooms and sleeps four. The main bedroom has one king-size bed and television, the second bedroom has two single beds. Free hire of beach wheelchairs, beach matting and information on accessible facilities from Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club via the accessible beach program.

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BEACH SUITES

Byron Bay – New South Wales

Ground floor beachfront studios allow individual, direct street and beach access through private gates. Selected studios offer secluded, heated plunge pools on large timber decks. Garden suites, overlooking lush tropical terraces, are tranquil and elegant. Byron Shire Council have made Beach Wheelchairs available through the local Lifeguards on patrol. Beach Suites are directly opposite Main Beach, making it easier to navigate. Prior notice is advised. Click HERE to find out more

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ACCESSIBLE NELSON BAY BREEZE HOLIDAY APARTMENTS

Central Coast– New South Wales

Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments are perfectly accessible, centrally located for all your needs in Nelson Bay, NSW. (Including a changing table, shower & toilet chairs and more).
The apartments were developed with the intention of providing exceptional Self Contained Apartments for families, couples and groups who visit Port Stephens.

There are many large paths to beaches and also a number of great eateries in our area that is wheelchair accessible. There is an access ramp at Little Beach, Nelson Bay which provides access to the water via a water wheelchair. The beach boasts lovely golden sand and disability play equipment, making this a perfect spot for families to enjoy the Bay.

There is a number of beaches that have beach access via Mobi-Mat, Davinci chair or the Mobi-Chair Floating Wheelchair. Another beach has a Sandcruiser beach wheelchair. Speak to Les the owner, as he has extensive knowledge of accessible activities.

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ACCESSIBLE SEASIDE HOLIDAY RESORT

Central Coast – New South Wales

Sixty self-contained units, six units are wheelchair accessible.
All units will sleep up to six guests. Fingal Bay Beach has recently added an access Mobi-mat a Mobi-chair this enables everyone to visit this beautiful waterway.

There is also a great pathway starting in Fingal Bay and heads towards Shoal Bay that can be accessed by everyone. This track winds through the natural bushland for about 1.5km and allows you to hear the crashing waves ever so close!

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HAVEN HOLIDAY ACCESSIBLE RESORT- SUSSEX INLET

South Coast – New South Wales

The resort offers two and three-bedroom holiday apartments. Three of the self-contained units are accessible by those with a disability. With over 200 species of birds, 30 kinds of native mammals, bats, reptiles and 130 different species of fish, Haven is a mecca for wildlife.  The local SLSC, a further one minute drive along Pacificana Ave, has a beach wheelchair available for use.

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TATHRA BEACHSIDE- ACCESSIBLE CARAVAN PARK

Tathra – New South Wales South Coast

Situated in the pretty seaside town of Tathra which is on the beautiful Sapphire Coast. This stretch of coast has been recognised as Australia’s Coastal Wilderness for its unspoilt landscape and absence of crowds. Tathra Beachside are sponsors of Tathra Life Saving Club and the accessible caravan park resort shares the same beach. The club provides our guests with a safe area to swim and valuable holiday experience using the beach wheelchair. Contact the surf club HERE to book your chair.

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TATHRA BEACH HOUSE APARTMENTS

Tathra – New South Wales South Coast

Superbly located directly opposite Tathra’s famous surf beach.  Modern, multi-award-winning, architect-designed apartments and villas are set in beautifully landscaped grounds. The grounds feature swimming pools, spas, ponds and water features. They are also close to one of the first accessible playgrounds! Read more in our recent blog HERE

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PATHWAYS COTTAGE- ACCESSIBLE RETREAT

Northern New South Wales

Whilst this property is some 20 minutes to the beach, I have added it because the owners offer packages where they can arrange and/ or take you to experience the surf. Pathways Cottage is a brand new purpose-built retreat style accommodation in Northern NSW. In nearby Ballina and Byron Bay, the beach wheelchairs provide a unique opportunity for people with a disability or limited movement to experience the beach environment. The new beach wheelchairs can be collected from the Ballina Visitor Information Centre and Sally the owner will assist you in arranging that. Handy info: Pathways are NDIS providers of STA (short term accommodation) and that funding for this can be taken from Core Supports for up to 14 days per year.

HANDY TIP: To avoid any disappointment, I recommend you pre-rearrange the use of beach wheelchair hire and check the Disabled Surfing Associations website calendar and plan your stay around availability. The surf days and beach wheelchairs are in high demand. Click HERE for more info.

If you prefer a swimming pool, check out our other blog on places with beach Wheelchair hire HERE

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Kerry