Five accessible activities to embrace the sunshine
Australia’s best attractions deserve to be enjoyed by all. Here is a handful of exciting accessible outdoor activities to experience.
Finally.
The focus on creating a more inclusive and accessible Australia is gaining momentum.
And although we have a long way to go, it is worth celebrating that we have come a long way.
Now, Australians with disability have more opportunity than ever to access the country’s most popular attractions.
Considering this, and to inspire your next outing, we are highlighting a bunch of fun accessible outdoor activities that you should try – with the right support.
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1. Swim at accessible beaches
Thankfully, there is a growing number of accessible beaches in Australia, creating greater opportunities for people with disability to enjoy the coast.
Typically, these beaches include such facilities as accessible parking and bathrooms, compliant ramps, direct beach access, and even matting to the water’s edge.
In Queensland, accessible beaches are everywhere, including on the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and in Cairns, Port Douglas and Townsville.
New South Wales offers plenty of accessible beaches, too, from Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach to sandy spots in the South Coast and Central Coast regions.
In Victoria, Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula are the best places to go for accessible beaches.
Here are some handy links to find a beach that suits you:
- Accessible beaches in Queensland
- Accessible beaches in New South Wales
- Accessible beaches in Victoria
2. Weave through accessible national parks
Australia is filled with national parks, nature reserves and other conservation areas that boast breathtaking scenery, unique features and much more.
Fortunately, dozens of them offer accessible paths that you can follow to admire the immense beauty – although bear in mind that, at least in the case of national parks, some require plenty of time to reach.
In Queensland, travel through ancient rainforest in Daintree and Wooroonoon national parks or stare upwards at towering peaks in Glass House Mountains National Park.
Across the border in New South Wales, soak up magnificent coastline in Sydney Harbour or Royal national parks or admire funky Sawn Rocks in Mount Kaputar National Park.
Further south in Victoria, take in rugged coastal views from Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve in Mornington Peninsula National Park or wind through forest and ferns in Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Find out more below:
- Accessible national parks in Queensland
- Accessible national parks in New South Wales
- Accessible national parks and reserves in Victoria
3. Visit accessible zoos
Some of Australia’s most popular zoos have accessible features that demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity – meaning everyone can have a wild time outdoors.
Australia Zoo on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is completely wheelchair accessible, including its safari shuttle and buses, and has designated wheelchair access in its famous Crocoseum.
Similarly, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast has specific accessible seating areas available at all its show venues among other inclusive elements. Almost all of the animal displays at renowned Taronga Zoo in Sydney are accessible, and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo has a distinct focus on inclusivity, too.
Zoos Victoria, which operates Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo, is proudly accessible. There are even Changing Places facilities and free guided mobile tours for guests at its Healesville and Werribee zoos.
4. Play at accessible theme parks
Enjoy an exciting day to remember at one of Australia’s theme parks – many have various accessible amenities.
While certain restrictions mean some rides are off-limits, there is so much more to these theme parks than roller coasters.
Lots of fun activities can be enjoyed by all – including parades, shows, presentations, meet-and-greets and plenty more.
Some theme parks have created dedicated accessibility guides, such as Sea World and Movie World, which are super handy when it comes to planning your day. You will find both those worlds at Australia’s ‘theme park capital’, the Gold Coast.
There is also a useful accessibility guide when visiting Luna Park in Sydney, and Luna Park in Melbourne details vital information for its guests with disability. Gumbuya World on Melbourne’s outskirts is another great pick, with a clear focus on inclusivity.
We recommend checking out each theme park’s official website for a full rundown of its accessible amenities and other relevant information prior to visiting.
5. Relax at accessible botanic gardens
If you would prefer a quieter outing, head to one of Australia’s many botanic gardens, parks and other green spaces. They are prime places to relax on a pleasant day.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha is a popular pick, delivering elevated city views from a designated lookout. Most of its buildings are accessible, and there is a handy online map that includes the gradient levels of its various walking tracks.
Elsewhere in Brisbane, City Botanic Gardens is situated riverside and has an excellent all-abilities playground, or try Roma Street Parkland.
Further north, the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens is not only accessible but has several excellent attractions within its spacious surrounds.
Mix harbour views with lush open areas and plenty of plant life at the inclusive Royal Botanic Garden Sydney or stop by the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne.
Whether it is exploring a national park or a theme park; playing in the sand or on the grass, give one of these accessible outdoor activities a go the next time the weather is playing nicely.
Insights and inspiration tailored to you
Endeavour Foundation helps to make possibilities a reality for people with disability.
If you want more inspiration, tips, and other insights relevant to your world, explore more of our stories.
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