On our recent trip to Melbourne we checked out three beaches which have outstanding accessible facilities. I’ve already written about Altona Beach (you can catch up here) but I thought I’d pop all three options into one post so if you’re a local, or visiting the area, you can pick one from the list. Or, why not try all three? It’s so wonderful to have choice.
WILLIAMSTOWN
We were staying in Williamstown and this beach was a short drive from our apartment. The beach has beach matting which extends from the surf club to the water’s edge.
This beach has the Mobi-chair free to use to access the water and beach.
They have also recently (December 2017) added a Sandpiper beach wheelchair (yellow chair below) to the facilities available for visitors to the beach. The Sandpiper beach wheelchair is great for younger, and smaller, beach-goers.
There’s a large accessible shower and change facility with a shower seat, height adjustable hand held shower and a bench which could possibly be used for changing.
A large stand-alone accessible toilet facility is at the beach.
Accessible parking is available in the car park and free to those displaying a parking permit.
Judging by the activity at The Kiosk, the food and coffee must be good. The kiosk has a range of sweet treats, sandwiches and a variety of drinks.
ARRANGING HIRE OF THE BEACH WHEELCHAIR
The beach wheelchairs are available on Saturdays and Sundays during lifesaving hours (12pm-5pm)
To book Monday to Friday contact Council’s Metro Access and Inclusion Officer on 9932 1000 or email [email protected]
On Saturday and Sunday contact or visit the life saving clubs to see what times are available.
Note: hoist facilities are currently not available, please ensure you have the appropriate level of support available during your visit (if required).
WILLIAMSTOWN BEACH
Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club
Corner of Victoria Street and Esplanade, Williamstown
Ph: 0478 416 004
W: www.williamstownslsc.org.au
ALTONA BEACH
Altona Beach is close to the city and has a Mobi-chair and Sandcruiser beach wheelchair available for visitors to use for free.
These are available for free hire during life guard hours on a Saturday and Sunday. The Mobi-chair has been designed for use in the water, allowing floation.The beach matting rolled out on 3 December and will be available until 26 March, 7 days a week 24 hours a day. This is a first for Victoria.
ARRANGING HIRE OF THE BEACH WHEELCHAIRS
To book Monday to Friday contact Council’s Metro Access and Inclusion Officer on 9932 1000 or email [email protected]
On Saturday and Sunday contact or visit the life saving clubs to see what times are available.
Altona Life Saving Club
127 Esplanade Street, Altona
Ph: 0438 939 880
MOUNT MARTHA
We took a drive to the Mornington Peninsula while in Melbourne and we were pleased to see such comprehensive facilities on a beach in this popular area. Mount Martha has three beach wheelchair options for visitors to borrow for free.
The Hippocampe has a head rest, the Sandpiper (yellow chair) is for smaller children and the Sandcruiser (blue chair) is suitable for teens and adults.
The beach matting makes getting to the water’s edge easier for everyone. One of the life guards told us a story of a guy who had turned up in his manual wheelchair to exercise in the water, enjoying the opportunity to exercise in the ocean rather than a pool. The beach matting allowed him to be independent in getting to the water.
Like Williamstown and Altona, Mount Martha is well set up with disabled parking, a concrete path to the life saving club and beach matting meeting the path. It’s really fantastic access.
Years ago we wanted to see the famed beach boxes of Melbourne and Hubby dragged BJ’s manual chair across the sand so he didn’t miss out. With the beach wheelchairs at Mount Martha everyone can view these iconic landmarks with ease.
The beach wheelchairs are available during lifesaving patrol hours.
Mount Martha life saving club has a combined stand-alone accessible shower, toilet and change facility.
Mount Martha Lifesaving Club is located on The Esplanade at Mount Martha.
Phone – 03 59744140
It’s fantastic to see Victoria embracing beach access. I’m sure the facilities will be well used by locals and will be a draw card for tourists.
Do you know of other beaches in Victoria with beach access? Please share in comments below so we can help spread the word.
Glad to see beach wheelchairs becoming ubiquitous, here is New Zealand we’re still severely lacking. Even our most popular beaches (e.g. Mission Bay) still don’t have wheelchairs for hire!
Portland, Vic has beach wheelchairs too. Hire is free but need to book at The Maritime information Centte.
I never even knew there was a thing. I wished I knew about these wheelchairs for my elderly parents.
Thanks for the tip.
I am a support worker and look after people living with disability who are completely wheelchair bound. I have a gentleman with Parkinson’s who was a life saver and teacher (who taught life saving) he lives in Sandringham and wants to head to the beach in Summer but alas no beaches near him with wheelchair access. Can we perhaps think of Hampton beach as the next wheelchair accessible beach?
Hi
I’m in Australia and don’t know of any I’m sorry but hope you can find one. i love your dedication to supporting your client and researching on his behalf. Good luck with it.
Julie
There is wheelchair access to the water ,just along the beach path at Ricketts Point ,Beaumaris. It’s a concrete path across the sand to the water.
Thank you.