Your Sunshine Coast accessible travel guide

Guide

Danielle	 Reckless

By Danielle Reckless

Sun-soaked and laid back, the Sunshine Coast has been a favourite destination of holiday revellers for decades, lured by its glistening coastline, quiet beach towns and charming hinterland – and it’s great for accessible needs travellers too.

Discover where to stay and what to do with this Sunshine Coast accessible travel guide.

Getting to the Sunshine Coast

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane and serviced by its own airport, the region is easily accessible to those ready for a getaway. Fly into Sunshine Coast Airport and your trip can start stress-free, thanks to a range of facilities that offer extra support.

Where to stay: accessible accommodation on the Sunshine Coast

Woman entering pool via stairs and handrail at Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort

Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, Noosa Heads

Base yourself in the heart of the Sunshine Coast at Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort and you’ll be spoiled for choice on activities to fill your day. Not only is the accommodation wheelchair accessible, but so are the spa facilities, practice driving range, tennis courts, restaurants and heated swimming pool.

You can stay right on Hastings Street at Sebel Noosa, or overlooking the riverfront at Regatta Noosa.

Kick back further south in Caloundra, which offers a little more of a classic beachside vibe than its stylish northern neighbour. Aspect Caloundra offers accessible apartments close to Moffat Beach and Dickey Beach, while Windward Passage Apartments on Golden Beach has two purpose-built apartments for those with mobility issues (each apartment is spacious and comes with wheel-in shower, hoist, shower commode chair and an electric bed).

Check into Newport Mooloolaba’s accessible beachfront apartments and you’ll feel like you’re sleeping right on the sand. The spacious fully self-contained holiday apartment contains 3 bedrooms, and it’s nestled between the bustling esplanade and Wharf Precinct.

Play

Hit the beach

Couple using the accessible beach mat and beach wheel chair at Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, Mooloolaba Beach

Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast

You can’t come to the Sunshine Coast without making the most of its world-class beaches. And they’re open to all thanks to a local council initiative, which has installed accessible matting at Alexandra Headland, Kings, Coolum and Mooloolaba beaches in order to assist people with disabilities, parents with prams and seniors to navigate to the firm sand. Get all the details here

Noosa Main Beach is another great accessible beach on the Sunshine Coast. One of the few north facing beaches along Queensland's east coast, calmer swells make it perfect for a safer splash with kids or those less confident in the water. An accessible wooden boardwalk runs the length of the beach which connects visitors to beachfront dining and shopping. There's accessible parking at the lifesaving club, accessible toilets, beach matting fromm the boardwalk to the water's edge, and a beach wheelchair is also available for hire from the lifeguard station. 

Mobi-Chair Floating Beach Wheelchairs and lifejackets are also available for hire (there's no cost to hire, but a deposit is required). The wheelchairs can be hired for a few days at a time and can be collected from the Compass Institute opposite the Caloundra Aquatic Centre. Wheelchairs can be borrowed from Surf Lifesaving Clubs at Kings Beach Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, and Coolum. You can call ahead, or chat with a volunteer on arrival.

Learn to surf

Student practicing on board during surfing lessons on the Sunshine Coast with Coolum Surf School

Coolum Surf School, Sunshine Coast

Always wanted to surf? Coolum Surf School offers an adaptive program to give a surf experience to those battling MS or spina bifida, with access to beach wheelchairs as needed.

Go beneath the surface

Family experiencing the marine life in the Ocean Tunnel at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba

You won’t have to dive underwater to get face to face with Australia’s iconic marine creatures at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. Explore the depths of the ocean through the 80m Ocean Tunnel and watch the majestic Grey Nurse Sharks swim past. There’s over 10,000 sea creatures to spot here, from rays and tropical fish to sea lions and little blue penguins.

All tanks and exhibits have glass fronts which are visible from a seated position, while the touch tanks offer a tactile expereince. 

Meet the wildlife warriors

Two young children and their parent having an up close encounter feeding a kangaroo at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast

Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

Cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and take a wombat for a walk at the world’s most interactive conservation destination: Australia Zoo. There’s disabled access throughout the park, including wheelchair and mobile scooter hire, and free entry for carer’s. With enough to keep you busy for more than one action-packed day, you won’t miss the biggest show either: there's designated wheelchair entry to the Crocoseum to see saltwater crocodiles, birds and snakes.

If your child has autism or special needs, consider taking part in the Khaki Sensory Program. Specifically designed for kids 7 years and older who might not feel comfortable participating in the Zoo Keeper for a Day program, this offers budding wildlife warriors the opportunity to get up close to the animals with all their senses.

Catch thrills of all kinds

Two guests exploring an attraction at Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast

Aussie World, Sunshine Coast

It’s not just the scenery that’ll take your breath away on the Sunshine Coast, but plenty of adventure-fuelled activities too.

Many rides and attractions at Aussie World are open to those with physical limitations thanks to ramp access and staff assistance. Oz Ski Resort is wheelchair friendly, enabling tube rides as well as accessible Learn to Water Ski camps throughout the year. This facility is operated by four times World Champion Emma Sheers and husband Ricky Habermann who have over 50 years combined experience in the sport of waterskiing - so you know you're in good hands. 

Looking for something more extreme? Fall from 14,000ft and land on the beach with Sunshine Coast Skydivers, who can cater dives for many special access requirements (contact them for more details and certain physical requirements do apply to this sport). 

Switch your mode of transport

Mary Valley Rattler, a heritage steam train experience through the scenic Mary Valley on the Sunshine Coast

Mary Valley Rattler, Sunshine Coast

Travel back to a bygone era on board Mary Valley Rattler, a heritage steam train that races through Sunshine Coast's dazzling countryside. Gympie Historic Station, Amamoor Station and the current Mary Valley Rattler rail experiences are wheelchair accessible. Accessible rail experiences are limited in number so contact the operator in advance to ensure availability for your travel date if wheelchair access is required.

Want to get out on the water instead? Caloundra Cruise accommodates manual wheelchairs throughout the vessel on its cruises through Pumicestone Passage Marine Park.

Up on Noosa, you can captain your own vessel with Pelican Boat Hire. Located on the Noosa River boardwalk, Pelican Boat Hire offers seamless entry from check-in to boarding the pontoon-style boats, which are flat with ramp access and easy to drive - no boat licence required.  

Dive into culture

Whether you need a change of pace or a rare rainy-day activity, discover the region’s museums and galleries. Queensland Air Museum, Art on Cairncross and Tiffany Jones Fine Art Gallery are all wheelchair friendly.

Take the garden path

Couple watching sunset over the Obi Obi valley from the wheelchair-accessible Mapleton Falls Lookout within Mapleton National Park.

Mapleton Falls Lookout, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

When it’s time to recharge in nature, escape to the boardwalks of Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, eucalypt forest, casuarina and mangroves as you traverse the 900m wheelchair and pram friendly track. You’ll have the chance to spot over 200 different types of birds, as well as crabs, butterflies and more along the way. If that’s still not enough, make your way to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World to explore the garden paths and aviary. Their fleet of golf buggies makes the gardens easily accessible to all ages and abilities. 

For incredible views among national park beauty, make your way to Mapleton Falls Lookout within Mapleton National Park. Right next to the car park is a wheelchair accessible lookout that offers sweeping panoramas over the Obi Obi Valley and rainforest canopy below. Or, take a wander through Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve along the wheelchair accessible Glider Gallery Walk to reach an observation deck with views across to the Glass House Mountains. 

25-minutes drive from Noosa Heads on the banks of Lake MacDonald, Noosa Botanic Gardens is a great spot for a walk or picnic, with gently-sloped paved pathways throughout, leading to rainforest, ponds, a zen garden and more. 

Prefer the sound of the surf? The Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway is a local favourite from dawn to dusk, and the 1.6km (one-way) path from Caloundra’s Bulcock Beach to Kings Beach is accessible. It offers some of the region’s best views of the beach, Pumicestone Passage and the volcanic peaks of Glass House Mountains on the horizon.  

Explore Noosa's beautiful backyard

Carly Findlay on the Serenity Cruise through the Noosa Everglades with Habitat Noosa

Habitat Noosa's Serenity Cruise, Noosa Everglades

Did you know that there are only two everglades systems on earth - and one of them is nestled into Noosa's backyard? Part of the UNESCO Biosphere, Noosa Everglades is a fascinating place to explore - home to spectacular mirrored waterways and over 44% of Australia's bird species. Take the Serenity Cruise with Habitat Noosa and you'll spend three serene hours taking in the sights, sounds, and fresh air of the everglades from the comfort of the boat. For those not driving, shuttle transfers are available from select Noosa pickup points.

For coastal views and the chance to spot koalas in the wild, you can't do better than Noosa National Park. The Coastal Walk trailhead is at the end of Park Road, where there is designated disabled parking adjacent to the park entrance. The path is concrete and smooth, helpful with those in wheelchairs or using mobility aids - and continues just over 1km to Dolphin Point. Beyond Dolphin Point the trail contains steps. 

Find fun in a maze

Kids exploring the Bellingham Hedge Maze at Amaze World on the Sunshine Coast

Amaze World, Sunshine Coast

Love to solve a puzzle? Amaze World is fun for the whole family, with a range of puzzles, riddles, tricks and twists to solve among magical mazes of all kinds.

Personal mobility devices such as prams and wheelchairs are welcome to be used at Amaze World.  The majority of paths and ramps are built for accessibility, though some mazes have light gravel pathways which may not be suitable (or may require assistance with wheelchairs). Certified guide, hearing or assistance animals are welcome at Amaze World.

Dine out

Group of four people walking out of The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Barrel at Clouds Vineyard, Maleny

Meet the makers and sample the flavours of the Sunshine Coast on a DIY food tour through the hinterland. Begin at The Ginger Factory, where you can discover the paddock-to-plate process of ginger on a factory tour, before a tasting session of all things ginger afterwards. See how local cheese is made and sample your way through the best cheese and yoghurt at Maleny Cheese – there’s a wheelchair accessible café on site too. You can also take an accessible tour of nearby Maleny Dairy to meet the Guernsey girls, feed the animals and feast your way through the Milkbar afterwards.

When it’s mealtime, you’ll find accessible dining available from the beachfront to the bucolic hills of the hinterland. Local ingredients are the star of the show at The Tamarind and The Long Apron, while waterfront Noosa Boathouse and Chef Peter Kuruvita’s Alba are quintessential coastal dining experiences. If you’re looking for a locally loved café, make your way to Milk and Beans Coffee House in Alexandra Headland or Moffat Beach's Pocket Espresso Bar.

A range of waterfront eateries await hungry diners at The Wharf in Mooloolaba. The two-storey precinct offers elevator access, wide level pathways throughout and accessible toilet facilities; and you'll find everything from gelato and cocktail bars to a bakery, cafes, Italian restaurant and Asian sensation, Rice Boi. It's also home retail experiences, boutiques and region's aquarium, Sea Life Sunshine Coast.

For a unique setting high on the escarpment of the hinterland, The Barrel at Clouds Vineyards is your chance to dine inside a giant wine barrel. It's home to handcrafted boutique wines, craft beers and a menu that focuses on regionally and locally sourced produce. Those using mobility devices or wheelchairs will enjoy level access paths for indoor or outdoor dining, wheelchair accessible parking and restrooms. The restaurant can cater to many dietary requirements, including dairy free and gluten free dishes.

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