Accessible Beaches in Adelaide and Perth

Your Komplete guide to the best accessible beaches in Adelaide, the Riverland, and Perth.

The beach is one of the average Australian’s favourite ways to spend a warm sunny day and a destination that might seem out of the question for someone with mobility difficulties. But this shouldn’t be the case; the beach should be somewhere for everyone to enjoy, and there are many ways that beaches can be made accessible, something that a lot of local beaches are taking on.

We’re steadily seeing an increase in accessibility features at more and more local beaches and water parks. There are a range of beaches and waterparks across Adelaide, the Riverland, and Perth with accessible features for easy access, such as beach access matting, mobility equipment, and ramping. So, where are these accessible beaches and water parks in your local area? KompleteCare has the answer!

Accessible beaches in Adelaide

Henley Beach

Having been upgraded in 2019, Henley Beach was South Australia’s first totally accessible beach. Beach mats are situated on the beach every day from October to Easter, which allows wheelchair users and those who have difficulty walking through soft sand to reach the water’s edge. They also have beach wheelchairs and mobility walkers available for hire, which can be used in the water. They also have a Changing Place with accessible toilets and change facilities with plenty of space, assistance, and specialised equipment for people with additional support needs and their carers.

Glenelg

Glenelg hosts Accessible Beach Day events for wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties. These days include beach matting on the sand to provide access to the water and free beach wheelchairs and walkers, which are available but subject to booking. To top it off, they have a floating wheelchair for wheelchair users to relax on. To find Accessible Beach Day dates and booking information, visit the City of Holdfast Bay’s website.

Adelaide Aquatic Centre

If you’re not a fan of the beach, the Adelaide Aquatic Centre might be for you. For pool users with mobility issues, there is a ramp for the main pool as well as two accessible lifts for access to the leisure pool. They also have fully accessible change facilities, with an adult-sized and height-adjustable changing bench, a support station designed to hold a person’s weight, and a ceiling-mounted hoist to assist with changing and showering. Visit the Adelaide Aquatic Centre’s website for full opening hours and other information.

Seacliff Beach

During the months of October to April, a beach access mat is rolled out every weekend and public holiday. You can find the mat in front of the Seacliff Pub, where there is a wheelchair ramp leading down to the beach. They also have walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and strollers available for hire during these days. To book a beach wheelchair, fill out their beach/ocean wheelchair request on the Seacliff SLSC website.

Semaphore South Beach

Semaphore Beach is a family-friendly beach with beach matting available at several access points. Access Mat 3 can be found opposite Arthur Street (and Noonies Café), and Access Mat 4 is opposite Hall Street. They also have beach wheelchairs available for hire free of charge during patrol hours during the Summer season or by special arrangement. To book a beach wheelchair, visit the City of Port Adelaide Enfield’s website or contact Kate at seabirds@semaphoreslsc.com.au. An accessible change room is located nearby as well, along with a children’s playground complete with a Liberty Swing.

Accessible beaches in Murray Bridge and Riverland, SA

Murray Bridge Swimming Centre

For Murray Bridge locals, visit the much-loved Murray Bridge Swimming Centre. The community facility is home to a 50-metre heated pool with an accessible ramp for those with mobility issues, as well as a half-shaded medium-sized learner’s pool and a fully-shaded shallow toddler’s pool. They also have accessible changing rooms with ample space at each end of the facility and accessible parking at the entrance.

Big4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park

The park has a partially accessible pool with a gentle decline, making it easier for those with mobility difficulties to access it. They also have a waterpark and splash and play area right next to the pool, with a flat surface and shallow water, giving access to sprinklers and spray guns. They also have fully accessible accommodation, with wheelchair access, large bathrooms with handrails, accessible toilet seating and a step-free shower with a shower seat. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, it’s the perfect accessible getaway. For more information on their accessible accommodation, visit Big4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park’s website.

Accessible beaches in Perth

Hillarys Boat Harbour (Joondalup)

Hillarys has access to beach matting running from the main access pathway down to the water and a free-to-use beach wheelchair suitable for both children and adults. For booking information, visit the City of Joondalup’s website. The beach also has accessible parking as well as accessible changing facilities.

City Beach (Cambridge)

City Beach has several paths of beach matting down to the ocean, including a 60-metre-long path from the main pathway in front of the Surf Live Saving Club. They also have a beach wheelchair available for hire, which can be booked online through the Town of Cambridge’s website. The beach wheelchair is free of charge to hire and subject to availability. The main car park includes accessible car parking, and there are accessible change facilities available.

Bold Park Aquatic

Bold Park Aquatic is accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. Their 50-metre outdoor pool features a ramp with handrails for easy access, and their 20-metre covered pool has a walk-in entry. They have a water wheelchair and water walking belts available for hire, and a hydraulic hoist coming soon. Their accessible change facilities have left, and right-hand transfer options and one changeroom is fitted with a fixed ceiling hoist. They also offer free entry for carers and accessible parking close to the front entrance.

Rockingham Beaches

There are several beaches in Rockingham with accessible beach matting available over the months of October to April, including Rockingham Foreshore, Palm Beach, Governor Road Reserve, Bell Park and Phoebe Hymus Park. Beach matting is also available at Singleton Foreshore permanently throughout the year, as well as a concrete pathway with a handrail. For more information and to book the accessible equipment available to hire at these beaches, visit the City of Rockingham website.

Do you need support to get to your local accessible beaches? We can help with that!

At KompleteCare, we offer a range of services, including Social Support and Transport Services. We understand that getting from one place to another can be increasingly challenging for those who are living with limited mobility. Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to ensure you don’t miss out on things you might enjoy, including a day out to the beach. We can accompany you on your accessible beach trip, and offer support getting to and from your destination. Ask us how we can help you or your loved one get out and about and accompany you to activities and events you enjoy, like going to the movies. Give our office a call at (08) 8265 5696 in South Australia or (08) 9329 4955 in Western Australia.in adelaide