Unravelling Australia's Accessibility for Disabled Travellers

We are fortunate to have many beautiful and exciting destinations on our planet, offering unique experiences for travellers. Despite that international travel has taken a significant nose-dive since COVID-19, we in Australia are fortunate enough to live on this big island offering many wonderful travel experiences in our backyard. In saying that, not all destinations are easily accessible for everyone, especially those with disabilities.

Most of Australia's cities cater for easy accessibility by disabled individuals. Sydney is just one destination where there is a prioritisation of accessibility for disabled travellers.

A destination that strives for global inclusivity

Arguably more than anything else, Sydney's willingness and capability to adapt and realign to become a more inclusive place to be for everyone is one of this destination's greatest assets and appeal.

Sydney is always actively and consistently striving for global inclusivity on its streets and in its surroundings. Even so, Sydney still has quite a way to go before it can be even remotely comfortable in its overall approach to handling inclusivity for not just non-disabled individuals but also individuals who live with disabilities.

A country that invests in disability services

Sydney is not the only city consistently working towards implementing disability day service and night services to assist those with disabilities to live the life they want. These services exist in all cities to help those with a disability in everyday living. Australian cities are proving time and again a willingness to invest in disability services to create a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and included. As a country, we should be proud, but there is still some way to go.

A place that continues to enhance and improve

From mobility ramps throughout the city to the rise in disability services being made available throughout and surrounding Sydney, this is a place that continues to enhance and improve in meaningful and sustainable ways.

The positive shift Sydney has taken and continues to take towards enhancing and improving its approach towards disability and disability services is a testament to the fact that this is very much a time for a change in all the right ways.

A Few Australian Destinations for People with Disabilities

Manly Beach - Sydney, NSW

Manly is accessible either via road or ferry. Sydney Ferries are wheelchair friendly. Situated on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Manly is a perfect spot to enjoy good food, shopping and views.

Phillip Island - Victoria

Known for its penguin population, Phillip Island welcomes all to experience these endearing creatures. The island offers an exclusive disabled access viewing area, so all can watch the famous Penguin Parade. There is also a complimentary buggy service providing beach access for visitors with disabilities.

Great Barrier Reef - Queensland

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coral reef system consists of over 2900 individual reefs and is noticeable from outer space. Many of the reef's tour operators offer wheelchair travellers a chance to experience this natural wonder by providing water access lifts.

Image source: Weekendnotes

North Mindarie Walk - Perth, WA

Everyone can enjoy this magnificent coastal cliff path overlooking beautiful Perth beaches and wonderful vegetation. The course is 800 metres. Following your trip, a cafe at the end of the track provides a universal ramp, allowing access to the beach using mobility equipment such as scooters and Electric Wheelchairs.

Nelson Falls- Tasmania

​A stunning short walk from the Lyell Highway—the last between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown—visitors, enjoy a walk following a burbling river to a beautiful set of falls. The mossy forest displays various vegetation, including myrtle, ferns and sassafras. After heavy rain, the falls are torrential, providing a spectacular show for those fortunate enough to witness.

​Grade 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.