Planning your next trip away – wheelchair friendly holiday ideas

We all deserve a break away and the excitement of new experiences. Until fairly recently, there were little resources for people in a wheelchair to plan a stress free and enjoyable holiday. Many people may find it too daunting a task; but with careful research and some handy tips, an amazing getaway is well within reach.

Websites and Contacts to find suitable Accommodation

While many accommodation providers promote wheelchair access, it’s important to confirm the exact facilities on offer. Sure, you may be able to access the building and the rooms; but it’s important to clarify whether the other facilities are also compatible with your needs, such as:

• Bathrooms
• Space around and between beds
• Car parking
• Surrounding attractions, shops and restaurants

There are several websites where you can begin your research and start to build a picture of where you’d like to go.

http://cangoeverywhere.com.au/ lists suitable accommodation for seniors, people with disabilities and those travelling with children and prams. They include icons detailing various levels of disability for which the accommodation is suitable.

If you’re looking for a laid back holiday or caravan park tour around the country, http://turu.com.au/wheelchair-access-accommodation-australia.aspx

Have a list of wheelchair accessible holiday parks in each state.

If you need to hire a car when you reach your destination, http://www.disabilitycarhire.com.au/ have a diverse fleet of vehicles with a range of accessibility options available for hire anywhere in Australia.

If WA is your destination, Wheelchair tours Australia http://www.wheeltours.com.au/ provide tours that are run and operated purely for people who are in wheelchairs.

Fancy a cruise?  Thankfully, cruises are becoming more and more affordable for the average Aussie and increasingly accessible. There are often excellent medical facilities on board and spacious cabins complete with grab rails and accessible bathrooms. If you’re in the vicinity of a cruise company, see if you can book a tour of the ship to get an idea of its suitability. Don’t forget to check the itineraries are also suitable for a wheelchair to disembark for day tours. 

Protect your wheels

According to Blue Badge Insurance there is an unfortunate trend in the rise of reported thefts of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Having your scooter or wheelchair stolen while on holiday would be devastating. Make sure you have Comprehensive Mobility Equipment Insurance in place; but also invest in an anti-theft device such as the Blue Badge Insurance Loop Lock to protect your wheels and also your Insurance claim should the unthinkable happen.

Whatever your chosen destination, don’t forget your disabled parking permit, which is valid in any state.

Bon Voyage!

We hope you are feeling inspired to see more of our beautiful country and beyond. Inclusive tourism is for everybody, and every person should be able to enjoy a comfortable, rewarding and memorable holiday with ease.

If you know of more helpful sites and or amazing tours or trips you’ve been on, please comment; we’d love to hear about them.