Accessible travel guide to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast lures sun seekers, adventure lovers and families keen to make memories that will last a lifetime. From the natural wonders hidden in the Gold Coast Hinterland, to the ever-popular theme parks and sparkling beaches, the Gold Coast is an enduring favourite with visitors - including those with accessibility needs. 

You can choose your own speed here. Relax on the sand or take advantage of one of the many adventures with this accessible travel guide to the Gold Coast.

Getting to the Gold Coast

Accessibility is an integral part of the Gold Coast’s planning, making it an inclusive and welcoming destination for all. This starts at the Gold Coast Airport, which along with mobility access, hearing loops and tactile indicators, is home to one of the most comprehensive hidden disability programs in Australia. This includes sensory maps, low sensory rooms, detailed Social Stories on their website to assist in travel preparation, and a delightful AmbassaPAW Program with weekly visits from assistance dogs. 

Get all the details about Gold Coast Airport accessibility here.

Travelling to the Gold Coast from Brisbane Airport? The Airtrain connects passengers to the city centre and an express train onward to the Gold Coast.

Getting around the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast's light rail system, known as G:link, stretches 20km from Helensvale to the heart of Surfers Paradise and onto Broadbeach, connecting travellers to Pacific Fair shopping and the Convention Centre. The light rail has raised platforms and level access for those with mobility devices or wheelchairs. Use this guide to the top attractions you can explore from each G:link stop. 

The Hopo Gold Coast ferry is also wheelchair accessible - a scenic way to explore the Broadwater with stops at HOTA (Home of the Arts), Marina Mirage and Sea World Marine Park. 

Where to stay: accessible accommodation on the Gold Coast

Among the famous Gold Coast high rises, there are plenty of accessible hotel and apartment options.

Novotel Surfers Paradise is popular for its accessible accommodation and central location near the light rail, supermarket, restaurants and beach.

If having the fun of a theme park right at your door is appealing, Sea World Resort is your match. Offering accessible accommodation so close to the park gives you the flexibility to come and go as needed throughout the day.  

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park’s two-bedroom accessible villa offers spacious accommodation, the option of self-catering, and parking at the door.

The Star Gold Coast combines five-star comfort with accessible accommodation and a central Broadbeach location, while those who prefer a holiday park experience will find haven at Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park. Just moments from the sands of tranquil Tallebudgera Creek, the park offers an accessible two-bedroom cabin, and accessible facilities throughout the amenities blocks. 

For visitors with high accessibility requirements, Barney’s Place is a holiday home that offers many customised facilities including an accessible kitchen, bathroom and lifts into the private pool and spa. It’s also pet-friendly, with the option to rent a ramp-assisted accessible vehicle during your stay.

Soak up the sun on the Gold Coast's accessible beaches

Understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to accessibility, the Gold Coast offers visitors many ways to enjoy its pristine beaches and coastline.

Level walkways provide wheelchair users and visitors who have a mobility restriction with an easy option for enjoying the coast. The Surfers Paradise Esplanade and accessible walkway at Burleigh Heads are two that are popular with both locals and visitors looking for a breezy stroll with an ocean view.

Feeling the sand between your toes and the refreshing tingles of the ocean on your ankles is possible with an extensive beach access initiative. Beach matting and beach wheelchairs are free to borrow from many lifesaving clubs across the Gold Coast. Sandcruisers, Hippocampes and Water Wheels chairs are available to help make the beaches accessible to all.  You can find out more about wheelchair accessible facilities at local beaches here.

Explore parklands and playgrounds

Pack a picnic or grab some take away from the nearby cafes and enjoy a day with the family at Kurrawa Park. This fenced all abilities playground is located close to the beach and in the heart of Broadbeach. Everyone can join in the fun with accessible play equipment including a dual flying fox, Jenn swings, a sway rocker, and a liberty swing. Communication boards dotted around the park allow children to engage and play with family and friends using the aids if needed.

The park also has an accessible change room facility, which includes a changing bench and hoist.

Play at a theme park

The theme parks of the Gold Coast are on many traveller’s must-see list. Whether you want to meet a superhero or see marine creatures up close, there’s an adventure to suit.

Movie World’s parades, shows and character meet-and-greets provide endless accessible fun. The photo opportunities with your favourite characters will make many happy memories to take home. Movie World’s Guest Services team is available to discuss ride suitability for guests with a disability or medical condition. Movie World also offers a detailed guide to every park attraction, including a sensory rating for each so you can plan your day with confidence.

Sea World’s shows, experiences and walkways make it the most accessible theme park for guests needing to remain in a wheelchair. A unique dolphin encounter is available to guests with a disability - a pool hoist making access easier. One of Sea World’s trainers will introduce you to your new dolphin friend who has been specially trained to interact with guests booking this experience. Be warned, you’ll get so close, you might even receive a salty dolphin kiss tinged with a fishy breath.

Over at Dreamworld, scooters and wagons are avilable to hire and there's an accessible Splash Pad in the Ocean Parade precinct..  Its sister park WhiteWater World also had a Quiet Hour every Friday.

On a hot summer day, nothing beats cooling off at Wet'n'Wild. Children's waterplay areas offer fun for all ages and abilities, while beach wheelchairs are available for the pools. 

Learn to fly

For the adventure seeker who’s not quite ready to skydive from a plane, iFLY provides an adrenaline rush in safe, supportive environment. iFLY Indoor Skydiving Gold Coast offers visitors of all abilities, aged from 3 to 103 years, the opportunity to fly high. Flights with additional support (two instructors) can be organised in advance for visitors with higher support needs.

Try adaptive wakeboarding

GC Wake Park is a world-class cable ski facility, and at times throughout the year they run inclusion sessions where participants can try adaptive wakeboarding and other water sports with like-minded people. It's a free 10 week program that includes carers for a safe and fun environment to learn new things. 

Have an animal encounter

Set on 27 hectares of rainforest, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a full day of interactive animal experiences. Wildlife shows are both entertaining and educational with wildlife keepers amazing visitors with facts and figures about their residents.

If you’re keen to get that bit closer to your favourite, a variety of animal encounters can be booked. A map marked with wheelchair accessibility is available and while the park maintains a natural landscape, there is a clear access path throughout most of the sanctuary. Power wheelchair users will find the size of the park easier to navigate.

Embrace your artist side

HOTA (Home of the Arts) is committed to making art accessible for all, and the crew is removing barriers with accessible pathways for wheelchair users, large print artwork labels and audio-described tours for visitors with visual needs. Auslan assistive listening carrier devices and Auslan-interpreted programs are also available along with downloadable social stories for neurodiverse guests, and designated monthly ‘Quiet Hours’ where the gallery experience is modified to ensure a more relaxed environment for those with sensory needs.

Learn from First Nations guides

Connect to country, the history and Dreaming stories of the Yugambeh People at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Burleigh Heads. Jellurgal Little Explorers runs during school holidays and is a great family activity, while the Walkabout Tour is more geared to adults and follows Burleigh Heads National Park's Ocean View Track. The tour can be adapted for accessibility requirements however as it takes you through a national park, there are some limitations such as a kissing gate (rotational gate) that may limit access for wheelchairs or prams.

Immerse yourself in ancient Gondwana Rainforest at our national parks

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is an easy day trip from the coast, but with accessible accommodation available you can also choose to stay a while among the UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest.

Located in the Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s attracts nature-lovers looking to embrace the 320kms of walking tracks on offer. The Centenary Track and Tree Top Walk are both wheelchair accessible trails departing from O'Reilly's - the treetop walk is a unique experience that consists of 9 suspension bridges located 16 metres above the ground. When you’ve finished exploring, O’Reilly’s Mountain Café has uninterrupted views of the Western McPherson Ranges and hearty café food to help you refuel.

At Springbrook National Park, enjoy a relaxed picnic at Purling Brook Falls picnic area before taking in the stunning views at Canyon Lookout. 

Feast at the market

When the sun goes down, locals head to Miami Marketta for live music, street food and vintage clothes shopping. Open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the venue is wheelchair accessible, but being popular it’s best to arrive early for easy parking and seating. Bring your appetite for global street food, multiple bars and live entertainment.

Ready to explore more of Queensland? Head here for the latest accessible travel guides.