With 87% of Australians living within 50km of a beach, it’s no wonder that beach-going is a big part of our culture here. However, people with disabilities (namely those with physical disabilities that require mobility aids) face a number of barriers engaging in that culture and the community that comes with it. To name a few; lack of ramps and paths, no beach matting, transport issues, the fatigue of long and complex travel - all creates an environment that leaves many in the disability community feeling unwelcome at the beach. 

With Summer on our doorstep we wanted to make sure we’re bringing visibility to the beaches that are breaking down those barriers for our community. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most accessible beaches throughout the country.

What makes a beach accessible?

The best beaches take steps beyond just a ramp down to the sand. For the team here at Push Mobility, an accessible beach looks like everyone being able to move freely, enjoy the water, and access amenities. To make this list we looked for some key essentials..

• Beach Matting: Hard matting that’s rolled out over the sand to allow for independent access for wheelchairs, walkers, and prams. 

• Beach Wheelchairs: Loan chairs with large low pressure wheels that can ease through the sand, and even float in shallow water.

• Pathways and Parking: Well-located paved pathways, with multiple accessible parking bays. 

• Changing Facilities: Accessible toilets with an available hoist, adult change table, and adequate space for high-support needs. 

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, but we do have to give a big shout out to the team at accessible beaches. They have a large inventory of accessible beaches across the country.

Accessible Beaches

Frankston Beach, Victoria 

Frankston Beach has recently launched a pilot program for "Australia’s Most Accessible Beach," setting a new standard for coastal inclusion. The dedicated program runs over the summer season with trained staff and volunteers. The beach features…

• Accessible Parking 
• Extensive Beach Matting (70 metres extending to the water’s edge) 
• Accessible Changing Facilities 
• Beach Wheelchairs & Walkers (Five beach wheelchairs and two beach walkers for free hire) 
• Transfer Hoist (to assist with transfers between personal and beach wheelchairs) 
• Shaded Daybeds

This beach experience is comprehensive, providing a full service to ensure freedom of movement. The service is free, but bookings are highly recommended to secure your spot and use the transfer hoist. To book, click here.

Push Mobility Tip: Frankston has several Recharge Points for e-mobility scooters and power wheelchairs at nearby locations like the Visitor Information Centre and Libraries - great for a battery top-up!

Palm Cove, Queensland

Palm Cove is a picturesque beach located in Tropical North Queensland. It houses a beach village community and is well known for its palm lined esplanade, beachfront dining, and easy access to destination hotspots - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The beach features..

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Beach Matting
• Accessible Bathroom
• Accessible Outdoor Shower
• Accessible Picnic Table & Barbeque Facilities
  

The beach is also lined with clear and paved pathways allowing for easy access to the esplanade. Most notably, the beach has a beach wheelchair available and can be booked through Palm Cove Surf Lifesavers during patrol hours - just be sure to book it a couple days in advance! 

Push Mobility Tip: The Cairns Esplanade pathways are flat, wide, and perfect for a pre-beach roll. Or even a post-beach roll to watch the sunset through the palms. 

Hillarys Beach, Western Australia

Hillarys Beach is a family-friendly swimming area within Hillarys Boat Harbour. The beach is surrounded by a boardwalk precinct which houses the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) as well as a number of shops and restaurants. Most notably the beach has a sheltered bay, meaning the waters are calm and still creating ideal conditions for those that require mobility aids. The beach features…

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Beach Matting
• Accessible Bathroom
• Accessible Shaded Area
• Accessible Public Transport 
• Accessible Floating Pontoon (and accessible fishing platform!)

This beach also has a beach wheelchair for hire through the City of Joondalup, and can be picked up at the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club building - just make sure you call in advance. Once you’re done swimming the boardwalk and Sorrento Quay is also accessible, with multiple spots to grab a bite to eat.

Push Mobility Tip: AQWA is largely accessible, so head over once you’re done to check out Western Australia’s unique aquatic life. 

Jetty Beach, New South Wales 

Jetty Beach in Coffs Harbour is a protected bay known for its calm waters, making it a wonderful, sheltered option for swimming and enjoying the foreshore. The beach features…

• Accessible Parking 
• Accessible Beach Matting (Mobi-Mat, available year-round) 
• Accessible Bathroom 
• Accessible Change Room Facility (with Hoist and Adult Change Table) 
• Accessible Picnic Table & Barbeque Facilities

Most notably, the beach provides two Hippocampe beach wheelchairs for free booking, managed through the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club - as always, call ahead to book. This beach is highly regarded for those who travel with a support person, due to the beach's Changing Room facility.

Push Mobility Tip: The adjacent Jetty Foreshores Park has wide, step-free pathways connecting the beach area to nearby showers, picnic shelters, and playgrounds—perfect for an extended day out after your swim.

Henley Beach, South Australia 

A leader in accessibility on the South Australian coast, Henley Beach is part of the popular Henley Square precinct, meaning you have excellent food and amenities just a short roll away. The accessibility features are carefully managed to maximize access during peak season, meaning you can go during peak times with ease. The beach features…

• Accessible Parking (near the Surf Lifesaving Club and Changing Places facility) 
• Accessible Beach Matting (available Thursday to Sunday, October to Easter) 
• Accessible Bathroom 
• Changing Places Facility (with Hoist—BYO sling required)

Henley Beach offers free half-day hire of two types of beach wheelchairs (Mobi-Chair, DaVinci Mobile Beachster) and beach walkers from October to Easter. You will need a key to access the storage facility for equipment collection and to utilize the Changing Places toilet.

Push Mobility Tip: When booking your beach chair, check the tide times! The mat roll-out may be affected by high tide, and the Davinci chair is best for knee-deep water, while the Mobi-Chair is better for floating.

Bellerive Beach, Tasmania 

Located near Hobart, Bellerive is known for its beautiful, sheltered setting, boardwalk, and adjoining parkland. The council has made it a true all-abilities destination, making it an ideal spot for your beach day. The beach features…

• Accessible Parking 
• Accessible Beach Matting 
• Accessible Toilets 
• Accessible Change Room & Shower 
• Accessible Picnic Tables & Covered Barbeque Area

The accessibility features extend well beyond the sand, with the Bellerive Beach Park featuring accessible play equipment (including a wheelchair carousel) and hard, wide paths that are perfect for a smooth roll along the foreshore.

Push Mobility Tip: This is a fantastic spot to bring your all-terrain push rim or active manual chair, as the hard-packed pathways and access mats make independent navigation a breeze.

Casuarina Beach, Northern Territory 

Casuarina Beach, part of the extensive Casuarina Coastal Reserve, is known for its pearly white sand, steep surrounding cliffs, and its namesake - the Casuarina trees. The precinct features…

• Accessible Parking (in multiple locations near viewing platforms) 
• Accessible Pathways (leading to viewing areas, picnic spots, and facilities) 
• Accessible Bathroom & Showers 
• Accessible Picnic Table & Barbeque Facilities 
• Accessible Fishing Platform (near Rapid Creek footbridge)

While permanent beach matting isn't available, matting is often laid out during specific "Accessible Beach Days" or patrolled weekend hours (typically during the dry season, September to May). Beach wheelchairs are also available for loan! Contact the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club directly to confirm the schedule and book a beach chair for your visit.

The Casuarina Coastal Reserve provides wide, sealed pathways that run along the back of the beach, past the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club and out to several key viewing points. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing roll by the sea.

Push Mobility Tip: Check out the nearby Peter Mahony Fishing Platform, which is designed specifically for wheelchair access and features adjustable panels (MLAK key required) for casting from a low height. The area is fantastic for both accessible fishing and sunset viewing.

Ready for your beach adventure?

These beaches are fantastic, but getting to them and maximising your experience still requires the right gear. A lightweight, high-performance wheelchair or an all-terrain cycle can minimise the fatigue of long travel and give you the confidence to navigate any accessible path.

Don't let inadequate equipment be the barrier to your summer freedom.

Ready to find the gear that gets you to the water?

Book a Product Trial & Assessment with our Specialist Team Today.