Accessible Beaches

14/04/2026

Paths that work for everyone 🌊🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️

Accessible paths mean more people can enjoy getting out, staying active, and connecting with our beautiful coastline, neighbourhoods and communities.

Frankston City Council, the home of Australia’s Most accessible Beach Pilot this summer just gone, is reviewing its Paths Development Plan, and community feedback—especially from people with a disability, older residents, parents with prams, and carers—is essential.

Have your say and help Council plan, prioritise, and budget the next five years of new footpaths and shared user paths across Frankston City.
👉 Find out more, add your ideas to our online map and meet the team at one of our in-person pop ups: https://engage.frankston.vic.gov.au/new-footpaths
⏰ Feedback closes 10 May 2026

10/04/2026

Get down to Mackay for an Accessible Beach Day thanks to Engedi!

They will have a team of people there to assist as well as beach access equipment and beach matting.

Details:
Tuesday 14th April
Mackay Harbour Surf Club https://maps.app.goo.gl/NKqWuNPi5z4xVzJZ8
9am - 12pm

Get down for a great morning out at the beach!

Everyone deserves a day at the beach.
Come along and experience the beach with us on our accessible beach day on Tuesday 14th April (9–12) at Mackay Harbour (Surf Lifesaving Club) includes mobility support to help you move safely and comfortably across the sand. We’ll have beach-friendly equipment and a supportive team ready to assist so you can enjoy the water and the shoreline with confidence.
Check out these smiles from previous beach accessibility days!

31/03/2026

This location has it all, from accessible parking right through to beach wheelchair availability, making your day by the coast safe, comfortable and enjoyable.

Follow the steps below to book a beach wheelchair:
1. Call 0417 964 102 to make a booking with City of Albany security to open the wheelchair shed, at least 30 minutes prior to your booking time.
2. Meet the security guard at the wheelchair shed at your scheduled time and provide your contact information to the security guard.
3. Arrange a time to meet the security guard to return the wheelchair after use.

Here’s why Middleton Beach stands out for accessibility:
- 4/5 stars in accessibility
- Accessible Bathroom
- Accessible Beach Matting
- Accessible Parking
- Beach Wheelchair Availability
- Lead-up Pathways
- Retail within 150 metres
- Accessible Life Saving Club
- Accessible Shade

A welcoming beach that makes enjoying the coast possible for everyone!



Image description: A promotional graphic highlighting Middleton Beach. The top section has a pale yellow background with bold blue text that reads: “Beach highlight! Middleton Beach”. Below that, smaller text says: “This is what possible looks like. accessiblebeaches.com /beach-directory”. The bottom half of the image shows a scenic beach view featuring a wide, grey accessibility mat extends from the foreground across the white sand toward the calm ocean water. The sea is light blue and stretches to the horizon under a cloudy sky.

18/03/2026

When we set out to create a fully staffed, accessible beach in partnership with Frankston City Council, our vision was simple but powerful: to build a place where people of all abilities would feel truly welcome; where everyone could experience something many of us take for granted, a day at the beach.

Our Advisory Committee worked with great care and dedication to ensure the space would support not only people with physical and hidden disabilities, but also our older residents. We wanted it to be a place that could welcome groups, families, and community members of every age. Seeing that vision come to life through visits like the one from the residents of Regis Aged Care fills our hearts with immense joy.

For many older people, trips to the beach quietly fade away as balance and stability change with age. Something that once felt effortless becomes out of reach. That’s why hearing Mary speak about how relaxed and happy she felt during her visit to our pilot program was so meaningful. Her experience reflects what research consistently shows: time by the ocean can have a profound impact on mental wellbeing.

We believe the beach belongs to everyone. It is a place of connection, calm, and joy, and it should be something people can continue to enjoy throughout their entire lives, not just when their bodies are strong and steady.

10/03/2026

Help us create an Australia where everyone, regardless of ability, can share the joy of a day at the beach.

Together, we can break down barriers and build a more inclusive coastline, bringing the freedom of the beach to everyone. Donate today to make it happen.

How to Donate: Use the link below or link in our bio to make a donation today. All donations are tax deductible.

Link To Donate: https://accessiblebeaches.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=626b97b80d13d3686ea848fc

05/03/2026

SBS wrote an article about Michael, who is an active and valuable member of the lifeguard team at Port Macquarie Life Saving Club.

"There were some days where I woke up and … I just wanted to give up," he said.

"It [surf lifesaving] helps me to keep thinking, 'Well, I can do things and if it helps someone in the community, then it's worthwhile."

The club President says Michael had become an "invaluable member of our team" since joining in 2024.

"We work with his strengths, just like we would with any other member of our patrol," she said.

True inclusion is seeing people's strengths, where they can contribute and including them to be able to utilise those skills to the best of their abilities.

Great work Michael and the Port Macquarie Life Saving Club, showing the rest of how to get it done!

Read the article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-15/wheelchair-user-surf-lifesaver-port-macquarie/106342866?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=mail

03/03/2026

Residents of Port Macquarie!!

Beach matting is being trialled at Town Beach for the next four weeks.

We know you have been asking for beach access in the region for a long time so now is your chance to trial out the matting and let Council know your feedback.

The weather this week is looking perfect for some beach days so get down there and give it a go!

Let's make this the first milestone in delivering all abilities beach access in the region.

26/02/2026

Are you in WA this summer and looking for the perfect beach to visit?

Head to Hillarys Beach! The Harbour has been developed to be accessible to all, offering unique facilities for people with disabilities, including: universal access floating pontoon, fishing platform, beach access pathway, a beach wheelchair, accessible barbecue facilities, drinking fountains and hotel rooms specifically tailored for people with limited mobility. 🌊

Here’s why Hillarys Beach stands out for accessibility:
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Bathroom
- Accessible Beach Matting
- Beach wheelchair availability
- Retail within 150 metres
- Lead up Pathways
- Accessible Shaded Area
- Accessible Surf Life Saving Club

With these features, Hillarys Beach is designed for everyone to enjoy!

24/02/2026

This is your last chance to visit Australia's Most Accessible Beach Pilot!

Thanks to Frankston City Council Saving Victoria , our volunteers and every single person who visited, supported and shared the program. Together, we’ve helped showcase what a beach accessibility can look like.

If you’ve been meaning to come down, now is the time. We’d love to welcome you before the pilot wraps up.

For Program details and to make a booking visit this link https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-and-Health/Accessible-Beaches/Australias-Most-Accessible-Beach-Pilot

19/02/2026

Lucia is proof that people with disabilities can be successful active members of patrols, making meaningful contributions to the team. We applaud Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club on their commitment to inclusion and showing the rest of Australia what can be achieved together.

May stories like this become the norm!

17/02/2026

🚨 Your donation delivers real impacts to people with disabilities

Your donation delivers meaningful impacts by enabling us to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities when their own voices are not being heard. Ensuring they are valued and real change is achieved!

DONATE NOW and make a real impact!

How to Donate:
- Click the ‘Donate Now’ button on our website.
- Call 1300 721 328.
- Mail a cheque to Accessible Beaches Australia Ltd, 316 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford VIC, 3067.

Support a grassroots organisation, knowing that every dollar is used efficiently to make a real impact to people who need it.



Image description: Two people are at the beach, one sitting in a wheelchair holding a pair of beach shoes while the other stands beside them with a cane and a hand resting supportively on their shoulder. Both are wearing sun hats, and the ocean waves are visible in the background. Text on the image reads “DONATE NOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT,” and a small “Accessible Beaches” logo appears in the corner.

12/02/2026

What a fantastic initiative, real, meaningful action for true inclusion on our beaches.

Well done Surf Life Saving Australia 👏