9 ACCESSIBLE, ECO CERTIFIED EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T MISS
Some travel for adventure, others travel to relax – whatever your reason, I think we can all agree it should be accessible for everyone! We’ve compiled a list of some of our absolute favourite locations and activities that are suitable for varying accessibility levels, wants and needs. Of course, we encourage you to contact these operators before you travel to ensure that they're able to cater to you.
Tours
1. Cooinda Lodge Kakadu
For one of the most authentic Australian travel experiences your heart could desire, you cannot go past Kakadu. Listed as a World Heritage Area for its natural and cultural heritage, Kakadu is one of the world’s greatest nature reserves. Cooinda Lodge Kakadu attracts visitors with a variety of interests for its dazzling bird life, crocodile spotting, guided cruises and proximity to Kakadu's magnificent waterways and falls. If you’re looking for a real Kakadu experience, look no further than a stay at the Cooinda Lodge. Pair your stay with a nature-filled experience with Yellow Water Cruise. Contact the cruise and accommodation to find out more about their accessibility.
Find out more here.
Kakadu Cruise Photo: Kakadu Nation Park
2. Rottnest Express
Home of the humble (but famous!) quokka, Rottnest is a must-see destination, and no one has to miss out! Rottnest Island sits just a leisurely cruise off the Fremantle coast of WA. Rottnest Express have facilities to ensure that everyone can experience what this spectacular location has to offer. Most of their vessels have wheelchair access and priority boarding. Simply contact the company and they will suggest and sort out the most appropriate tour for you and your requirements. Too easy!
Find out more here.
Rottnest Island Photo: Rottnest Express
3. Wildlife Coast Cruises
If you’ve never considered seeing Phillip Island, you probably should. Wildlife Coast Cruises caters for most with sunset cruises, dolphin cruises, whale cruises and seal cruises If you’re going to do Phillip Island, there is no better company for you. Wildlife Coast Cruises pride themselves on welcoming people of all abilities. Accessible parking, wheelchair access, seating on jetty and boat decks, accessible toilets with additional room and grab handles, and heavily discounted tickets for companion and care card holders are all available. Just be aware that there are some steps to get up to the jetty.
Find out more here.
Accommodation
4. Cape Byron Trust: Mildenhall Cottage
Mildenhall Cottage offers the perfect location to those who love nature and privacy. This is a particularly stunning holiday destination, showcasing Byron’s sensational beaches and hinterland vistas. This location provides accessibility with wheelchair access and accessible bathrooms. You can relax comfortably on the deck, watching the sun set over the hinterland, listening to the sound of waves crashing on surrounding beaches.
Find out more here.
The Lighthouse Precinct, Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer
5. Apollo Bay Eco YHA
Who says being on a budget means compromising? The Apollo Bay Eco YHA provides quality budget accommodation on the famous Great Ocean Road. Room types vary to your preference with wheelchair access available - simply notify staff before booking. The accommodation is situated in a beautiful natural environment, with indigenous flora and a garden that allows for the picking of your own herbs. Apollo Bay Eco YHA is the perfect hostel for you to explore this diverse region that plays host to the rugged Victorian coastline and a lush green rainforest.
Find out more here.
6. Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat
Now you’ve never seen a treehouse like this before. Set high among the trees, the award-winning Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat provides for accessibility and luxury all in one. You can explore the natural wonders of the New South Wales Coast, or maybe just pamper yourself with a glass of champagne in front of the fire. The airwalks to the private treehouses provide for an easy, flat wheelchair friendly access. Each treehouse is purposely designed with wheelchairs in mind.
Find out more here.
Experience
7. Seal Bay Conservation Park
If you’ve ever considered visiting South Australia, it is obvious that Kangaroo Island is a must. Seal Bay Conservation Park is the heart of Kangaroo Island, and the only place in the world where you can get amongst a breeding colony of endangered Australian sea lions. The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk provides incredible views of the coastline, sea lion colony, dune system, and pristine sandy beach.
Find out more here.
Photo: South Australia Department of Environment
8. Tilligerry Habitat
All levels of access are invited to enjoy the unique experience that is the Tilligerry Habitat Self-Guided Sensory Walk. Visitors are encouraged to use all their senses to experience the native landscape as the wheelchair accessible path allows for look, touch, taste and smell points along the way. With other great facilities like a visitor center and nursery, this is a great way to experience the sandy New South Wales foreshore.
Find out more here.
9. Adventure Bay Charters Shark Diving
Now this one isn’t for the faint-hearted. Adventure Bay Charters offers everyone the opportunity to tick one off the bucket list with their cage diving experience. The Aqua Sub is designed for maximum inclusion and comfort while you are able to observe the Great White shark in its natural habitat. This ‘must do’ activity requires some assistance, but if you really want to do it then you are likely to find a way with these super friendly operators. So, what are you waiting for?
Find out more here.
10. Moonlit Sanctuary
At the top of the Mornington Peninsula, on your way to Phillip Island is Melbourne's award winning wildlife park, Moonlit Sanctuary. You are invited to explore 10 hectares of bush-land, feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting koalas and experiencing encounters with birds, reptiles, dingoes and endangered species. The main attraction however, is the world-famous lantern-lit tours at night. Discover animals you may never see anywhere else! Access is available to all ability levels so why not try something new?
Find out more here.
If you are looking for more information and more fantastic easy access travel ideas, please check out our excellent business partners, The Good Scout Travel Co.