Get involved
Why is it important?
Beach-going is a way of life in Australia! Around 85% of the Australian population live within an hour’s drive to the beach. It is an integral part of our lifestyle, culture and national identity, and a significant segment of the community faces physical barriers to accessing them. One in 5 (20%) Australians identify as a person with disability and, without better access, their families and support networks will experience a barrier to fully enjoying the pleasures of the beach and their community.
Your contribution helps us to remove physical barriers and introduce versatile pathways enabling access to the sand and sea for everyone. An accessible beach has special access features including beach matting, specialised wheelchairs, accessible change room and shower facilities, shade, wayfinding signage and accessible parking along the foreshore. An accessible beach is for everyone.
How you can get involved
There are many ways which you can get involved. There are many opportunities across Australia and with Accessible Beaches for people to actively get involved in enabling people of all abilities access the beach across Australia.
Our volunteer stories
Annelisse’s volunteer story
It was a great experience. I was taken right on the beach near the sea, beyond the special mat. I wasn’t dressed for going in to the sea. One of the lifesavers had her little children on the beach.
“Everyone I have come across who is involved with AB has a passion and love for the beach. They want everyone to be able to enjoy in this experience that can help people feel they belong in the Australian community.”
- Kelly, volunteer
Our work
Feedback has been positive from people with disability who have had experiences at accessible beach locations.
Accessible Beaches aims to provide comprehensive information (including photos where possible) of features such as:
Beach wheelchair options
Beach matting
Accessible bathrooms, showers, toilets and change rooms - including equipment available for personal care (i.e. changing tables, hoists and slings, rails)
Accessible parking
Ramp assessment (degrees of incline etc.)
Dimensions of footpaths and quality of paving surfaces
Seating
Shade
Signage (including way finding)
In the news
Welcome to the most detailed directory listing of accessible beaches in Australia that deliver a quality experience to beach goers. We're regularly contacting each of these locations to verify the integrity of the information provided. If you've experienced a great accessible beach that isn't listed, please tell us!
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