Must-do accessible experiences in The Whitsundays
Guide
By Julie Jones
Our family is like a boomerang when it comes to The Whitsundays. We keep returning because it’s only a couple of hours’ flight from our home in Sydney, yet it’s far removed from our bustling city lifestyle. Relaxation mode is engaged as soon as we spot the towering palms, pristine beaches and turquoise waters. And yes, it’s as idyllic as it looks on Instagram.
We scored a trifecta in accessible family fun experiences on our most recent visit, by combining Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach and Daydream Island on the itinerary. Staying at two island resorts and taking a day trip to Whitehaven Beach elevated our stay to one of our most memorable holidays in Queensland.
Travelling with our son Braeden, who is a wheelchair user, we were thrilled to find that with a few adaptations, the assistance of willing staff and good accessibility, we all had the opportunity to try new things.
Braeden is able to do a standing transfer and walk short distances with our assistance, which opens up additional opportunities for his inclusion while travelling.
Daydream Island
Daydream Island, The Whitsundays
Daydream Island is small in size (just 1km north to south) but punches above its weight when it comes to engaging entertainment options for all ages and abilities.
The island’s Living Reef brings many of the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders to the resort’s doorstep and is perfect for non-snorkellers and those who don’t have the sea legs for a boat ride to the outer reef. The expansive outdoor coral lagoon can be appreciated in a variety of ways. Grab a seat and count the variety of sea life swimming by while you indulge in the extensive buffet breakfast. Good luck with counting – there are over 100 species that call the Living Reef home.
Living Reef, Daydream Island Resort, The Whitsundays. Photo by Have Wheelchair Will Travel
During the day, take the lift down to the underwater observatory where the floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to view life on the reef without getting wet. The Observatory is also where you’ll find one of the best accessible bathrooms in Australia. Take a seat on the shower bench and soak in the ambience of a shower with a reef view and a few curious fishy friends. Be warned, the groper likes to hang out in this area of the reef and with his steely gaze you may feel more comfortable showering in swimmers.
If getting amongst the sea life is more your thing, book a Stingray Splash experience to meet the Living Reef’s Shovel Nose Rays in their territory. Access to the Stingray Splash requires guests to wear reef shoes (provided) and negotiate a few stairs to walk through shallow water. Once in the water, a chair can be provided during the ray encounter.
Daydream Island also offers a guided snorkel of the Living Reef. This can be tailored to a guest’s ability and comfort level. Wetsuits are provided and pool noodles are available to assist with flotation if needed. A couple of stairs need to be navigated to access the Living Reef.
After lounging by the pool, a drink at the swim-up bar and interacting with the sea life of the Living Reef, you’ll be keen for a good night’s sleep. Daydream Island again wows with Deluxe Ocean Terrace King accessible rooms offering unobstructed water views with wildlife sightings from the accessible balcony as a bonus. It takes a keen eye to spot the turtles as they swim by, but the kangaroos are less shy about appearances and graze just outside in the early morning and evening.
Daydream Island offers good accessibility with level pathways, gentle ramps and lifts providing access to the main areas of the resort. Lover’s Cove and the rainforest walk are not accessible for people with limited mobility due to a number of stairs leading to these areas.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach often headlines lists of the world’s best beaches and it’s easy to see why. A crowd-free beach with soft white silica sand and turquoise waters, so clear you can see the fish swimming beside you, is a rare treat. There are many different ways to access Whitehaven Beach including cruising on a boat or landing like a rockstar on the beach in a helicopter.
Cruise Whitsundays offers a half or full-day Whitehaven Beach option but remember, it’s never easy leaving paradise, so consider indulging with some extra time. Hire a cabana for guaranteed shade or set up under the shade of the trees for the day.
Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsundays. Photo by Have Wheelchair Will Travel
Swimming in the usually calm waters is bliss but if you’d like to explore more of the island, Cruise Whitsundays can provide (with prior notice) a beach wheelchair. This is also useful for accessing the accessible bathroom via the bush track.
The Cruise Whitsundays vessel is wheelchair accessible but on arrival at Whitehaven Beach, guests need to be able to manage a couple of stairs to access the tender boat to get to the beach.
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island, The Whitsundays
A Hamilton Island getaway offers guests a stay that can adapt to your pace. If lounging all day is your idea of the perfect holiday, you can grab the beach wheelchair or a lounge chair and watch the gentle lapping of the waves on the shoreline. But if you like an island holiday with a spot of adrenaline, Hamilton Island can accommodate you. Take a lap around the go-kart track in a single or tandem kart or book an off-road adventure in a self-drive ATV. Both options offer space for two passengers so if a person with a disability is unable to drive themself, they can ride along with a friend or family member. Both activities require the ability to transfer from a wheelchair to the vehicle.
If being temporarily (and voluntarily) marooned on an island sounds appealing, hire a dingy to explore the waterways around Hamilton Island on your own. Make sure you grab supplies from the local IGA and a fresh seafood platter from FISHI so you are well nourished for your adventure. It will make it all the sweeter.
Before sunset take the local shuttle bus to One Tree Hill for a drink at the bar or join others for a picnic. Unsurpassed views of The Whitsundays and a friendly atmosphere make this a must-do island experience.
Having a comfortable place to rest after a day of relaxing or exploring is important, so make sure to book one of the accessible rooms at The Reef View Hotel. Newly renovated accessible accommodation is spacious and offers a view of Catseye Beach from the balcony (also accessible). Regular visits from the local cockatoo population can be expected with them happily posing for a snap.
Hamilton Island is hilly so hiring a golf buggy to get around or using the free accessible shuttle bus service is necessary for exploring the island. Steep ramps can be expected at some venues but many restaurants in the Main Street district offer good accessibility.
Check out more of Queensland's accessible guides here.
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