We’re regular visitors to Port Macquarie and we’re still looking for an ideal holiday apartment which ticks all the boxes. Finding accessible, affordable, apartment accommodation (try saying that 3 times fast!) is hard to do. We’re still searching, but we did find Beachcomber Resort which is wheelchair friendly and fitted the budget for our recent stay.
The resort is a few minutes from the centre of town and moments from Town Beach, where a beach wheelchair can be loaned without charge.
ACCOMMODATION
Beachcomber Resort was recommended by friends who stay there regularly. We checked the website and decided that although not fully wheelchair accessible, it would work well for us. This property may not suit you if you need full wheelchair access as doorways are regular size and not all features are accessible. We refer to this one as wheelchair friendly because it’s spacious, has good accessible pathways and a step-free shower.
Beachcomber Resort’s 2 bedroom access apartment is spacious which we appreciate when travelling as a family. BJ wakes up so early each day, we look for accommodation with lots space in the lounge room because, although we are out sightseeing all day, we still spend quite a bit of time (awake) in our accommodation.
The apartment is on the ground floor of the building and has outdoor seating off the main bedroom and from the living room.
The kids were happy with free WiFi, a DVD player and pay tv channels for entertainment when we were ‘home’ in the apartment.
Our stay was only for 3 nights this time but when we stay somewhere for a week we love the flexibility of having a full kitchen. It saves money if we can come back to the apartment for lunch and self-cater some meals.
BEDROOMS
The access apartment has a large queen size bedroom which has room to transfer on either side of the bed. Large built-in wardrobes in both rooms allow good storage leaving the rooms clear for good circulation with a wheelchair or walking frame.
The second bedroom is smaller but still spacious. The way it is set up, there’s room to transfer on one side of either bed in the room.
BATHROOM
The bathroom has a step-free shower and a shower chair is provided for guest use.
There are grab rails throughout, a wheelchair accessible sink with lever tap. The shower has a height adjustable shower head but does not have lever tap handles.
There’s a low shower bench seat as another option for use in the shower. The bathroom also has a washing machine and dryer which we always appreciate on a beach holiday.
FACILITIES
The pool and heated spa area is extensive and is accessed via ramp.
I really love the kids wading pool area because it allows easier access to the water and a shallow area for non-swimmers to splash and enjoy the water.
The lush tropical gardens provide shade for any parents watching from the sidelines.
A level pathway links the accessible parking, pool and the access apartment making it easy to get around the resort with a wheelchair.
A barbecue often makes for an easy dinner after a day at the beach and the best bit is, Hubby cooks it! Two barbecue cabanas are located at either end of the pool.
PARKING
The secure parking under the building is accessed via stairs or via a path around the side of the building. There’s one accessible parking space at the front of the building from which there’s level access to the apartment.
We received a media rate for our stay at Beachcomber Resort but as always, our opinions are our own. We’ll definitely return to this property.
NEARBY
We love Port Macquarie’s beaches and it was one of the first coastal towns to adopt the beach wheelchairs on several of their beaches. Town Beach is the closest beach to Beachcomber Resort. For a power chair user it would be a manageable to leave the car behind but there’s quite a hill to negotiate from Town Beach back to Beachcomber Resort so we drove to the beach.
Lifeguards are happy to assist and store BJ’s manual wheelchair in the shed while we are at the beach.
Town Beach has accessible parking with a level path to the stand-alone accessible bathroom, lifeguard shed and cafe.
LIVVI’S PLACE WESTPORT PARK
Only a 5 minute drive from Beachcomber Resort you’ll find Livvis Place Westport Park, an inclusive and accessible playground by the water.
The playground is fenced with several wheelchair accessible features including a boat with access, a wheelchair carousel and musical instruments.
You can read about our visit to Livvi’s Westport Park on the blog.
